第42章 进步与服务
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第42章 进步与服务
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Chap. 42 - Development and Service
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基督徒生活的内涵超过了许多人的理解。它不只是温柔、忍耐、谦卑和仁慈。这些美德是需要的，但还需要勇气、力量、活力和恒心。基督所指示的是一条克己的窄路。要走上这道路，在困难和失望中前进，不是懦弱的人所能做到的。{MH 497.1}
§4
Christian life is more than many take it to be. It does not consist wholly in gentleness, patience, meekness, and kindliness. These graces are essential; but there is need also of courage, force, energy, and perseverance. The path that Christ marks out is a narrow, self-denying path. To enter that path and press on through difficulties and discouragements requires men who are more than weaklings. {MH 497.1}[1]
§5
品格的力量现在所需要的，是一班精力充沛的人，是不等待道路平坦，一切障碍消除的人，是那些能以新的热情鼓舞灰心的工人再接再厉，心中被基督的爱所温暖，手臂坚强有力，为主作工的人。{MH 497.2}
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【Force of Character】
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Men of stamina are wanted, men who will not wait to have their way smoothed and every obstacle removed, men who will inspire with fresh zeal the flagging efforts of dispirited workers, men whose hearts are warm with Christian love and whose hands are strong to do their Masters work. {MH 497.2}[2]
§8
一些从事传道工作的人软弱，缺乏勇气，无精打采，容易灰心。他们缺乏干劲。他们的品格没有产生力量来做一番事业的积极性——能激发热情的精神和动力。想获得成功的人必须有勇气和盼望。他们所应培养的不单是消极的品行，也要培养积极的美德。他们虽然要“回答柔和，使怒消退”，也需要有英雄的勇气抵制罪恶。除了凡事忍耐的爱心之外，他们还需要品格的力量，使他们的影响成为积极的动力。{MH 497.3}
§9
Some who engage in missionary service are weak, nerveless, spiritless, easily discouraged. They lack push. They have not those positive traits of character that give power to do something--the spirit and energy that kindle enthusiasm. Those who would win success must be courageous and hopeful. They should cultivate not only the passive but the active virtues. While they are to give the soft answer that turns away wrath, they must possess the courage of a hero to resist evil. With the charity that endures all things, they need the force of character that will make their influence a positive power. {MH 497.3}[3]
§10
有些人没有坚定的品格。他们的计划和宗旨，缺乏稳定性和连贯性。他们在世上没有多大实际的用处。这样的软弱、游移和低效必须克服。在真基督徒的品格中，有一种不屈的气概，是逆境所不能影响或战胜的。我们必须拥有道德的脊梁——一种不为奉承、贿赂和恐吓所征服的正直。{MH 498.1}
§11
Some have no firmness of character. Their plans and purposes have no definite form and consistency. They are of but little practical use in the world. This weakness, indecision, and inefficiency should be overcome. There is in true Christian character an indomitableness that cannot be molded or subdued by adverse circumstances. We must have moral backbone, an integrity that cannot be flattered, bribed, or terrified. {MH 498.1}[4]
§12
上帝希望我们利用每一个机会来为祂的圣工作准备。祂希望我们在这件事上全力以赴，时刻牢记其神圣性质和严肃职责。{MH 498.2}
§13
God desires us to make use of every opportunity for securing a preparation for His work. He expects us to put all our energies into its performance and to keep our hearts alive to its sacredness and its fearful responsibilities. {MH 498.2}[5]
§14
许多本来能成就一番出色工作的人，由于尝试得不多，故成功得也少。成千的人虚度此生，似乎没有生活的大目标和想要达到的崇高标准。其原因之一就是他们低估了自己的身价。基督已经为我们付出了无限的代价，祂希望我们按照这个价值来估量自己。{MH 498.3}
§15
Many who are qualified to do excellent work accomplish little because they attempt little. Thousands pass through life as if they had no great object for which to live, no high standard to reach. One reason for this is the low estimate which they place upon themselves. Christ paid an infinite price for us, and according to the price paid He desires us to value ourselves. {MH 498.3}[6]
§16
不要满足于达到一个低标准。我们还没有达到我们所能达到的，或上帝的旨意要我们达到的程度。上帝赐给我们推理的能力，不是要我们闲置或滥用于属世低俗的事上的。祂要我们尽量发展、纯炼、提高和圣化这种能力，用来推进祂国度的事业。{MH 498.4}
§17
Be not satisfied with reaching a low standard. We are not what we might be, or what it is Gods will that we should be. God has given us reasoning powers, not to remain inactive, or to be perverted to earthly and sordid pursuits, but that they may be developed to the utmost, refined, sanctified, ennobled, and used in advancing the interests of His kingdom. {MH 498.4}[7]
§18
没有一个人愿意作一台机器，受别人的思想所操纵。上帝已经赐给我们思维和行动的能力。你只有谨慎行动，求上帝赐智慧，才能肩负重任。要保持上帝所赐给你的个性。不要作别人的影子。要期望主在你里面运行，使用你，并藉着你作工。{MH 498.5}
§19
None should consent to be mere machines, run by another mans mind. God has given us ability, to think and to act, and it is by acting with carefulness, looking to Him for wisdom that you will become capable of bearing burdens. Stand in your God-given personality. Be no other persons shadow. Expect that the Lord will work in and by and through you. {MH 498.5}[8]
§20
你决不要以为自己已经学够了，而放松努力。人的价值要视其思想的修养而定。你要终身接受教育，天天学习，并实际运用你所学来的知识。{MH 499.1}
§21
Never think that you have learned enough, and that you may now relax your efforts. The cultivated mind is the measure of the man. Your education should continue during your lifetime; every day you should be learning and putting to practical use the knowledge gained. {MH 499.1}[9]
§22
要记得你不论担任什么职务，都是在表显动机，发展品格。所以你不论作什么工作，都要认真勤恳，克服贪图安逸的倾向。{MH 499.2}
§23
Remember that in whatever position you may serve you are revealing motive, developing character. Whatever your work, do it with exactness, with diligence; overcome the inclination to seek an easy task. {MH 499.2}[10]
§24
一个人日常办事的精神与原则，会带到他的整个人生中。上帝所宣召参加祂圣工的人，不是那些希望有固定的工作量和薪水，无需经过训练和培养就能胜任工作的人。那些算计在德、智、体方面如何少化气力的人，不是上帝所能赐予丰盛福气的工人。他们的榜样会传染别人。支配他们的动机是自私自利。那些需要人监督，只肯做指派给他们工作的人，不会是主将来称之为又良善又忠心的人。现在所需要的工人应能表现出积极、忠实和殷勤的精神，乐意去做任何需要作的事情。{MH 499.3}
§25
The same spirit and principles that one brings into the daily labor will be brought into the whole life. Those who desire a fixed amount to do and a fixed salary, and who wish to prove an exact fit without the trouble of adaptation or training, are not the ones whom God calls to work in His cause. Those who study how to give as little as possible of their physical, mental, and moral power are not the workers upon whom He can pour out abundant blessings. Their example is contagious. Self-interest is the ruling motive. Those who need to be watched and who work only as every duty is specified to them, are not the ones who will be pronounced good and faithful. Workers are needed who manifest energy, integrity, diligence, those who are willing to do anything that needs to be done. {MH 499.3}[11]
§26
许多人因害怕失败而规避责任，所以就变得无用。他们就这样坐失了来自经验的教育。这种教育是阅读、研究和其他教育方式所无法提供的。{MH 500.1}
§27
Many become inefficient by evading responsibilities for fear of failure. Thus they fail of gaining that education which results from experience, and which reading and study and all the advantages otherwise gained cannot give them. {MH 500.1}[12]
§28
人可以左右环境，而不应被环境所左右。我们应该以环境作为工具，要控制环境，而不要让环境来控制我们。{MH 500.2}
§29
Man can shape circumstances, but circumstances should not be allowed to shape the man. We should seize upon circumstances as instruments by which to work. We are to master them, but should not permit them to master us. {MH 500.2}[13]
§30
人经历过反对、拦阻和挫折才会有力量。他们运用自己的能力，会使所遭遇的障碍变成福气。他们获得了自立的能力。斗争和困难会促使他们信靠上帝，表现出产生毅力的决心。{MH 500.3}
§31
Men of power are those who have been opposed, baffled, and thwarted. By calling their energies into action, the obstacles they meet prove to them positive blessings. They gain self-reliance. Conflict and perplexity call for the exercise of trust in God and for that firmness which develops power. {MH 500.3}[14]
§32
基督的服务是无限的。祂没有用小时来计算祂的工作。祂的光阴、心思和力量，都用来造福人类。在繁忙的白天，祂劳碌作工；在漫长的黑夜，祂为获得恩典和忍耐而跪下祈祷，为了成就更大的工作。祂痛哭流泪向上天呼吁，要求加强祂的人性，使祂能勇敢地应对狡敌的一切诡诈，确保完成祂救拔人类的使命。祂对祂的工人们说：“我给你们作了榜样，叫你们照着我向你们所作的去作”（约13:15）。{MH 500.4}
§33
Christ gave no stinted service. He did not measure His work by hours. His time, His heart, His soul and strength, were given to labor for the benefit of humanity. Through weary days He toiled, and through long nights He bent in prayer for grace and endurance that He might do a larger work. With strong crying and tears He sent His petitions to heaven, that His human nature might be strengthened, that He might be braced to meet the wily foe in all his deceptive workings, and fortified to fulfill His missions of uplifting humanity. To His workers He says, I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done. John 13:15. {MH 500.4}[15]
§34
保罗说：“基督的爱激励我们”（林后5:14）。这是激发他行动的原则，也是他的原动力。如果他在责任的道路上热情减退了，只要朝十字架一看，就可以重新束紧他心灵的腰，在克己的道路上继续前奔。他在为弟兄操劳时，极其依赖基督的牺牲中无穷之爱的显示，及其感服约束的力量。{MH 500.5}
§35
The love of Christ, said Paul, constraineth us. 2 Corinthians 5:14. This was the actuating principle of his conduct; it was his motive power. If ever his ardor in the path of duty flagged for a moment, one glance at the cross caused him to gird up anew the loins of his mind and press forward in the way of self-denial. In his labors for his brethren he relied much upon the manifestation of infinite love in the sacrifice of Christ, with its subduing, constraining power. {MH 500.5}[16]
§36
保罗多么恳切感人地呼吁说：“你们知道我们主耶稣基督的恩典；祂本来富足，却为你们成了贫穷，叫你们因祂的贫穷，可以成为富足”（林后8:9）。你们知道基督从多么高的地位降下，屈就到何等卑微的地步。祂的脚踏上牺牲的窄路，不偏不离，直到舍弃生命。从天上的宝座到十字架，祂没有片时休息。因为爱人，祂甘心忍受一切侮辱和虐待。{MH 501.1}
§37
How earnest, how touching, his appeal: Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9. You know the height from which He stooped, the depth of humiliation to which He descended. His feet entered upon the path of sacrifice and turned not aside until He had given His life. There was no rest for Him between the throne in heaven and the cross. His love for man led Him to welcome every indignity and suffer every abuse. {MH 501.1}[17]
§38
保罗劝我们“各人不要单顾自己的事，也要顾别人的事。”他吩咐我们“当以基督耶稣的心为心。”“祂本有上帝的形像，不以自己与上帝同等为强夺的；反倒虚己，取了奴仆的形像，成为人的样式；既有人的样子，就自己卑微，存心顺服，以致于死，且死在十字架上”（腓2:4-8）。{MH 501.2}
§39
Paul admonishes us to look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. He bids us possess the mind which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:4-8. {MH 501.2}[18]
§40
保罗非常希望人能认识和领悟基督的谦卑。他深信若能使人意识到天上之王所作的惊人牺牲，就会从心中排除自私的观念。使徒逐点讲解，希望我们对于救主为罪人所受的奇耻大辱有所领会。他先向我们指出基督在天上祂父怀中的地位，再指出祂怎样放弃自己的尊荣，甘心屈身进入人类生活的卑微环境，承当起仆人的责任，存心顺服，以至于死，而且是最耻辱、最难堪、最痛苦的死——死在十字架上。我们想到上帝奇妙之爱的这种显示，心中岂不感激敬爱，深深感受到我们不属于自己吗？侍奉这样的主，不应该抱着勉强和自私的动机。{MH 501.3}
§41
Paul was deeply anxious that the humiliation of Christ should be seen and realized. He was convinced that if men could be led to consider the amazing sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven, selfishness would be banished from their hearts. The apostle lingers over point after point, that we may in some measure comprehend the wonderful condescension of the Saviour in behalf of sinners. He directs the mind first to the position which Christ occupied in heaven in the bosom of His Father; he reveals Him afterward as laying aside His glory, voluntarily subjecting Himself to the humbling conditions of mans life, assuming the responsibilities of a servant, and becoming obedient unto death, and that the most ignominious and revolting, the most agonizing--the death of the cross. Can we contemplate this wonderful manifestation of the love of God without gratitude and love, and a deep sense of the fact that we are not our own? Such a Master should not be served from grudging, selfish motives. {MH 501.3}[19]
§42
彼得说：“你们……知道你们得赎……不是凭着能坏的金银等物”（彼前1:18）。金银如果能买来人的得救，那位说“银子是我的，金子也是我的”（该2:8）的主，就能何等容易地成就救赎啊！然而惟有上帝儿子的宝血才能救赎罪人。那些不明白这奇妙牺牲、不肯为基督服务的人，必在自私中灭亡。{MH 502.1}
§43
Ye know, says Peter, that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold. 1 Peter 1:18. Oh, had these been sufficient to purchase the salvation of man, how easily it might have been accomplished by Him who says, The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine! Haggai 2:8. But the sinner could be redeemed only by the precious blood of the Son of God. Those who, failing to appreciate this wonderful sacrifice, withhold themselves from Christs service, will perish in their selfishness. {MH 502.1}[20]
§44
目标专一在基督的生活中，一切事情都服从祂来所要成就的救赎大工。祂的门徒要表现出祂那样的献身、克己牺牲、和对上帝圣言要求的顺从。{MH 502.2}
§45
【Singleness of Purpose】
§46
In the life of Christ, everything was made subordinate to His work, the great work of redemption which He came to accomplish. And the same devotion, the same self-denial and sacrifice, the same subjection to the claims of the word of God, is to be manifest in His disciples. {MH 502.2}[21]
§47
凡接受基督为个人救主的人，都盼望得到侍奉上帝的特权。想到上天怎样待他，他的心就被无限的爱和敬慕感激之情所动。他急切地要奉献自己的才能为上帝服务，以表示他的感戴。他切望表显自己爱基督和基督所赎的产业。他酷爱劳苦、艰辛和牺牲。{MH 502.3}
§48
Everyone who accepts Christ as his personal Saviour will long for the privilege of serving God. Contemplating what heaven has done for him, his heart is moved with boundless love and adoring gratitude. He is eager to signalize his gratitude by devoting his abilities to Gods service. He longs to show his love for Christ and for His purchased possession. He covets toil, hardship, sacrifice. {MH 502.3}[22]
§49
上帝真实的传道人必须尽到自己的努力，因他这样做就能荣耀他的主。为重视上帝的要求，他愿意行义。他要尽力改善自己的一切才能，履行每一职责，象是对上帝做的。他的心愿就是使基督得到尊荣和完美的侍奉。{MH 502.4}
§50
The true worker for God will do his best, because in so doing he can glorify his Master. He will do right in order to regard the requirements of God. He will endeavor to improve all his faculties. He will perform every duty as unto God. His one desire will be that Christ may receive homage and perfect service. {MH 502.4}[23]
§51
有一幅图画画着一头牛站在祭坛和耕犁之间，旁边写着：“作两种准备”——既准备耕田，又准备被献在祭坛上。这就是上帝真儿女的立场——愿意到责任呼召之处，为救赎主的圣工克己牺牲。{MH 502.5}
§52
There is a picture representing a bullock standing between a plow and an altar, with the inscription, Ready for either, ready to toil in the furrow or to be offered on the altar of sacrifice. This is the position of the true child of God--willing to go where duty calls, to deny self, to sacrifice for the Redeemers cause. {MH 502.5}[24]