第28章 家庭的服务
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第28章 家庭的服务
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Chap. 28 - Ministry of the Home
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“人生是一所训练的学校。父母和儿女要从其中毕业，升入上帝居所中的更高学校。”人类的恢复和提高是从家庭开始的。父母的工作是其他一切工作的基础。社会是由家庭所组成的。所以家长如何，社会也就如何。“一生的果效”是从心中发出来的（箴4:23）。家庭是社会、教会和国家的核心。社会的安宁，教会的兴旺，国家的强盛，都有赖于家庭的影响。{MH 349.1}
§4
The restoration and uplifting of humanity begins in the home. The work of parents underlies every other. Society is composed of families, and is what the heads of families make it. Out of the heart are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23); and the heart of the community, of the church, and of the nation is the household. The well-being of society, the success of the church, the prosperity of the nation, depend upon home influences. {MH 349.1}[1]
§5
耶稣的生平说明了家庭生活的重要性和机会。祂从天上来做我们的榜样和教师，作为拿撒勒家庭的一员度过了三十年时间。关于这些岁月，圣经的记载十分简短。没有什么重大的奇迹引起人们的注意，也没有热心的群众跟着祂，听祂教训。然而在这些年间，祂是在履行祂神圣的使命。祂像我们一样，过家庭的生活，服从家里的规则，尽家庭的义务，负家庭的担子。祂在一个卑微的家庭中，过着与我们一样的生活。祂的“智慧和身量，并上帝和人喜爱祂的心，都一齐增长”（路2:52）。{MH 349.2}
§6
The importance and the opportunities of the home life are illustrated in the life of Jesus. He who came from heaven to be our example and teacher spent thirty years as a member of the household at Nazareth. Concerning these years the Bible record is very brief. No mighty miracles attracted the attention of the multitude. No eager throngs followed His steps or listened to His words. Yet during all these years He was fulfilling His divine mission. He lived as one of us, sharing the home life, submitting to its discipline, performing its duties, bearing its burdens. In the sheltering care of a humble home, participating in the experiences of our common lot, He increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52. {MH 349.2}[2]
§7
在这些隐居的年间，祂总是帮助别人，同情别人。祂的无私和忍耐，勇气和信心，祂对试探的抵制，祂恒久的平安和淡定的喜乐，不断给人以鼓舞。祂把纯洁甜蜜的气氛带进家庭。祂的生命就像酵一样在社会中发挥作用。没有人说祂曾行过一件神迹。但从祂那里出来的效能，就是爱的医治之能、赐生命之能，达到了这些受试探、患病和灰心之人的身上。祂用这样谦逊的方式，从最小的时候起就为民众工作。这也是祂开始公开传道之后有那么多人欢喜听祂的原因。{MH 350.1}
§8
During all these secluded years His life flowed out in currents of sympathy and helpfulness. His unselfishness and patient endurance, His courage and faithfulness, His resistance of temptation, His unfailing peace and quiet joyfulness, were a constant inspiration. He brought a pure, sweet atmosphere into the home, and His life was as leaven working amidst the elements of society. None said that He had wrought a miracle; yet virtue--the healing, life-giving power of love--went out from Him to the tempted, the sick, and the disheartened. In an unobtrusive way, from His very childhood, He ministered to others, and because of this, when He began His public ministry, many heard Him gladly. {MH 350.1}[3]
§9
救主的早年不但是青年人的榜样，也是每一个父母的教训和鼓励。家庭和邻里是拯救同胞工作的第一块园地。家庭的创建者和监护人所处的地位，比任何人都更加重要。父母工作的效果比所有的人都更加远大，更加广泛。{MH 350.2}
§10
The Saviours early years are more than an example to the youth. They are a lesson, and should be an encouragement, to every parent. The circle of family and neighborhood duties is the very first field of effort for those who would work for the uplifting of their fellow men. There is no more important field of effort than that committed to the founders and guardians of the home. No work entrusted to human beings involves greater or more far-reaching results than does the work of fathers and mothers. {MH 350.2}[4]
§11
社会的前途，有赖于今日的青少年。这些青少年将来如何，则有赖于家庭。使人类蒙受咒诅的疾病、痛苦和罪恶，大多应归咎于缺乏正确的家庭教育。家庭的生活若是纯洁而真诚的，从其中出来的孩子若已准备好应付人生的职责和危险，世界就会发生多大的变化啊！ {MH 351.1}
§12
It is by the youth and children of today that the future of society is to be determined, and what these youth and children shall be depends upon the home. To the lack of right home training may be traced the larger share of the disease and misery and crime that curse humanity. If the home life were pure and true, if the children who went forth from its care were prepared to meet lifes responsibilities and dangers, what a change would be seen in the world! {MH 351.1}[5]
§13
为了设立企业和机构，改造恶习的受害者，已经作出了巨大的努力，耗费了无数的金钱和精力。但这些努力仍不足以应付巨大的需要。其效果又是多么微弱！彻底争取过来的人又是多么稀少！{MH 351.2}
§14
Great efforts are put forth, time and money and labor almost without limit are expended, in enterprises and institutions for reforming the victims of evil habits. And even these efforts are inadequate to meet the great necessity. Yet how small is the result! How few are permanently reclaimed! {MH 351.2}[6]
§15
许多人渴望更加美满的生活，但他们缺乏摆脱习惯的勇气和决心。他们不肯付出所需要的努力、奋斗和牺牲。他们的生活毁灭了。连最聪明、最有抱负、最有能力，就其禀赋和造诣而言本来可以担负重任的人，也这样堕落了，丧失了今生和来生。{MH 351.3}
§16
Multitudes long for a better life, but they lack courage and resolution to break away from the power of habit. They shrink from the effort and struggle and sacrifice demanded, and their lives are wrecked and ruined. Thus even men of the brightest minds, men of high aspirations and noble powers, otherwise fitted by nature and education to fill positions of trust and responsibility, are degraded and lost for this life and for the life to come. {MH 351.3}[7]
§17
那些实行改革的人，为了恢复自己的人格，需要作出多么艰苦的奋斗啊！在他们的一生中，身体摧残了，意志动摇了，智力毁损了，心灵软弱了。许多人是在收获自己所种的恶果。如果能做到防患于未然，岂不更好吗？{MH 351.4}
§18
For those who do reform, how bitter the struggle to regain their manhood! And all their life long, in a shattered constitution, a wavering will, impaired intellect, and weakened soul power, many reap the harvest of their evil sowing. How much more might be accomplished if the evil were dealt with at the beginning! {MH 351.4}[8]
§19
这项工作在很大的程度上落在父母身上。在进行努力抗拒不节制和其他象癌症一样吞噬社会肌体的弊端时，若能更加注意教导父母培养儿女的习惯和品格，就能收到百倍的效果。习惯可以是向恶的强大力量，但父母有能力使之成为向善的力量。他们必须从源头起进行正确的引导。{MH 352.1}
§20
This work rests, in a great degree, with parents. In the efforts put forth to stay the progress of intemperance and of other evils that are eating like a cancer in the social body, if more attention were given to teaching parents how to form the habits and character of their children, a hundredfold more good would result. Habit, which is so terrible a force for evil, it is in their power to make a force for good. They have to do with the stream at its source, and it rests with them to direct it rightly. {MH 352.1}[9]
§21
父母可以为儿女打下健康幸福生活的基础，在把他们从家中送出来时，使他们具有抵制试探的道德能力，以及成功地解决人生问题的勇气和力量。父母可以在儿女心中激发一种宗旨，培养一种能力，使他们能在生活中荣耀上帝，造福世人。他们可以修直儿女脚下的道路，经过阳光和荫翳，来到荣耀的高原。{MH 352.2}
§22
Parents may lay for their children the foundation for a healthy, happy life. They may send them forth from their homes with moral stamina to resist temptation, and courage and strength to wrestle successfully with lifes problems. They may inspire in them the purpose and develop the power to make their lives an honor to God and a blessing to the world. They may make straight paths for their feet, through sunshine and shadow, to the glorious heights above. {MH 352.2}[10]
§23
家庭的使命不限于一家之人。基督徒的家庭应当成为实际的教训，显示人生真原则的美妙。这样的显示在世上会成为一股无穷的力量。一个真实的家庭对于人心灵和生活所产生的影响，要比任何演讲都要有力。青年人从这样的家庭出来以后，就会把所学到的教训传给别人。人生更高的原则就此进入别的家庭中。高尚的影响力就会在社会中产生效果。{MH 352.3}
§24
The mission of the home extends beyond its own members. The Christian home is to be an object lesson, illustrating the excellence of the true principles of life. Such an illustration will be a power for good in the world. Far more powerful than any sermon that can be preached is the influence of a true home upon human hearts and lives. As the youth go out from such a home, the lessons they have learned are imparted. Nobler principles of life are introduced into other households, and an uplifting influence works in the community. {MH 352.3}[11]
§25
我们的家庭可以使其他许多人蒙福。我们的社交不应受世俗的习惯所支配，而应受基督的灵和祂的教训所指导。以色列人的一切宗教庆典都让穷人、外人和利未人参与。利未人是圣殿祭司的助手，也是宗教教师和传道士。他们被视为百姓的宾客，在各种社交和宗教活动中享受大家的款待，在生病和遭遇困难的时候得到温柔的照顾。我们应当把这样的人接到家里。传道的护士和教师，忧愁辛劳的母亲，或年老体衰、无家可归、贫困潦倒、灰心沮丧的人，若得到这样的招待，定能欢欣鼓舞! {MH 352.4}
§26
There are many others to whom we might make our homes a blessing. Our social entertainments should not be governed by the dictates of worldly custom, but by the Spirit of Christ and the teaching of His word. The Israelites, in all their festivities, included the poor, the stranger, and the Levite, who was both the assistant of the priest in the sanctuary, and a religious teacher and missionary. These were regarded as the guests of the people, to share their hospitality on all occasions of social and religious rejoicing, and to be tenderly cared for in sickness or in need. It is such as these whom we should make welcome to our homes. How much such a welcome might do to cheer and encourage the missionary nurse or the teacher, the care-burdened, hard-working mother, or the feeble and aged, so often without a home, and struggling with poverty and many discouragements. {MH 352.4}[12]
§27
基督说：“你摆设午饭或晚饭，不要请你的朋友、弟兄、亲属和富足的邻舍，恐怕他们也请你，你就得了报答。你摆设筵席，倒要请那贫穷的、残废的、瘸腿的、瞎眼的，你就有福了！因为他们没有什么可报答你。到义人复活的时候，你要得着报答”（路14:12-14）。{MH 353.1}
§28
When thou makest a dinner or a supper, Christ says, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. Luke 14:12-14. {MH 353.1}[13]
§29
你们接待这样的客人没有很重的负担。你们不必摆设奢侈的宴席，不需要刻意炫耀。和蔼亲切的欢迎，炉边和餐桌旁的位置，分享祈祷时光的福气，对于许多这样的人来说，就象是一线天上的光芒。{MH 354.1}
§30
These are guests whom it will lay on you no great burden to receive. You will not need to provide for them elaborate or expensive entertainment. You will need to make no effort at display. The warmth of a genial welcome, a place at your fireside, a seat at your home table, the privilege of sharing the blessing of the hour of prayer, would to many of these be like a glimpse of heaven. {MH 354.1}[14]
§31
我们的同情心应当超越自我和家庭的范围。那些让自己的家造福他人的人拥有宝贵的机会。社交的影响是一种奇妙的力量。我们只要愿意，就可以用它来帮助周围的人。{MH 354.2}
§32
Our sympathies are to overflow the boundaries of self and the enclosure of family walls. There are precious opportunities for those who will make their homes a blessing to others. Social influence is a wonderful power. We can use it if we will as a means of helping those about us. {MH 354.2}[15]
§33
我们的家庭应成为受试探之青年人的避难所。许多人正站在道路的交叉口。每一个印象和影响，就决定他们的选择，左右他们今生和来生的命运。罪恶向他们招手。它的乐趣耀眼而迷人！它欢迎每一个来的人。我们周围有许多无家可归的青年人。许多人的家庭没有高尚有益的影响，以致青年人流入罪恶的道路。在我们的家门口，他们正在堕入毁灭之中。{MH 354.3}
§34
Our homes should be a place of refuge for the tempted youth. Many there are who stand at the parting of the ways. Every influence, every impression, is determining the choice that shapes their destiny both here and hereafter. Evil invites them. Its resorts are made bright and attractive. They have a welcome for every comer. All about us are youth who have no home, and many whose homes have no helpful, uplifting power, and the youth drift into evil. They are going down to ruin within the very shadow of our own doors. {MH 354.3}[16]
§35
这些青年人需要一只同情的援手。朴实的仁慈话语，小小的关照，都会扫除聚集在人心头试探的乌云。人心需要基督化言语的芳香，和基督仁爱精神的轻抚。天来之同情心的真诚表达，能开启人的心门。我们如果愿意关心青年人，邀请他们到自己的家里，用快乐有益的气氛围绕他们，许多人就会掉转脚步、走上天路。{MH 354.4}
§36
These youth need a hand stretched out to them in sympathy. Kind words simply spoken, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep away the clouds of temptation which gather over the soul. The true expression of heaven-born sympathy has power to open the door of hearts that need the fragrance of Christlike words, and the simple, delicate touch of the spirit of Christs love. If we would show an interest in the youth, invite them to our homes, and surround them with cheering, helpful influences, there are many who would gladly turn their steps into the upward path. {MH 354.4}[17]
§37
人生的机会我们在世的光阴很短。我们度过今生只有一次；所以我们不要虚度此生。我们蒙召所要从事的工作，并不需要财富、社会地位或很大的才干，而只需要仁爱和自我牺牲的精神，以及坚定不移的宗旨。一盏灯不论多么小，只要长明不灭，能点燃着其他许多的灯。我们的影响范围似乎很窄，我们的才能似乎浅薄，我们的机会可能很少，我们的造诣也许有限，但藉着忠心地运用家中的机会，我们就能有奇妙的前景。我们如果敞开家门和心门，接受生命的神圣原则，就能成为赐生命能力之流的通道。从我们家里就会流出医治的泉水，给荒芜不毛之地，带来生命、美丽和累累的果实。{MH 355.1}
§38
【Lifes Opportunities】
§39
Our time here is short. We can pass through this world but once; as we pass along, let us make the most of life. The work to which we are called does not require wealth or social position or great ability. It requires a kindly, self-sacrificing spirit and a steadfast purpose. A lamp, however small, if kept steadily burning, may be the means of lighting many other lamps. Our sphere of influence may seem narrow, our ability small, our opportunities few, our acquirements limited; yet wonderful possibilities are ours through a faithful use of the opportunities of our own homes. If we will open our hearts and homes to the divine principles of life we shall become channels for currents of life-giving power. From our homes will flow streams of healing, bringing life and beauty and fruitfulness where now are barrenness and dearth. {MH 355.1}[18]