第30章 兴旺中的危险
§1
第30章 兴旺中的危险
§2
Chap. 30 - Danger in Prosperity
§3
历代以来，财富和尊荣会给谦卑和灵性带来很大的危险。一个人在兴旺的时候，大家都说他的好话。这时他处于特别的危险之中。人毕竟是血肉之躯。他只有完全依赖上帝，向祂寻求智慧和完全的品格，灵性的旺盛才能继续。最感觉自己需要依赖上帝的人，一般最少有地上的财宝和名誉可以依赖。{CS 147.1}[1]
§4
Throughout the ages, riches and honor have been attended with much peril to humility and spirituality. It is when a man is prospered, when all his fellow men speak well of him, that he is in special danger. Man is human. Spiritual prosperity continues only so long as man depends wholly upon God for wisdom and for perfection of character. And those who feel most their need of dependence upon God are usually those who have the least amount of earthly treasure and human honor on which to depend. {CS 147.1}[1]
§5
【人的赞扬】
§6
馈赠丰富的礼物或讲赞扬的话语是有危险的。蒙上帝眷爱的人应当时刻警醒，免得傲慢之念突然产生，占据优势。那些多人拥戴，常受上帝使者赞扬的人，需要祂忠心守望者的特别祈祷，以抵制自高自大和属灵骄傲的危险。{CS 147.2}[2]
§7
【The Commendation of Man】
§8
There is danger in the bestowal of rich gifts or of words of commendation upon human agencies. Those who are favored by the Lord need to be on guard constantly, lest pride spring up and obtain the supremacy. He who has an unusual following, he who has received many words of commendation from the messengers of the Lord, needs the special prayers of Gods faithful watchmen, that he may be shielded from the danger of cherishing thoughts of self-esteem and spiritual pride. {CS 147.2}[2]
§9
这种人决不要自视过高，企图作独裁者或统治者，而要儆醒祷告，专注上帝的荣耀，思念看不见的事物，揣摩摆在他面前满有希望的喜乐──就是永生的宝贵赏赐。这样，人的赞扬就不会使他的心中充满傲慢的思想了。有时仇敌会作出特别的努力，藉着谄媚和属世的尊荣来败坏他。弟兄们就当忠实地警告他注意这些危险，不要撇下他不管。否则他就容易犯错误，暴露出人性的软弱。……{CS 147.3}[3]
§10
Never is such a man to manifest self-importance, or attempt to act as a dictator or a ruler. Let him watch and pray, and keep his eye single to the glory of God. As his imagination takes hold upon things unseen, and he contemplates the joy of the hope that is set before him,--even the precious boon of life eternal,--the commendation of man will not fill his mind with thoughts of pride. And at times when the enemy makes special efforts to spoil him by flattery and worldly honor, his brethren should faithfully warn him of his dangers; for, if left to himself, he will be prone to make mistakes, and reveal human frailties. . . . {CS 147.3}[3]
§11
【在谦卑谷中】
§12
携带空杯子并不麻烦。满溢的杯子却需要小心平衡。苦难和逆境可能会造成很大的困难，令人沮丧。但是危害属灵生命的乃是兴旺。人如果不能时常顺服上帝的旨意，藉着真理成圣，拥有生发仁爱和洁净心灵的信心，兴旺就一定会引发傲慢的自然倾向。{CS 148.1}[4]
§13
【In the Valley of Humiliation】
§14
It is not the empty cup that we have trouble in carrying; it is the cup full to the brim that must be carefully balanced. Affliction and adversity may cause much inconvenience, and may bring great depression; but it is prosperity that is dangerous to spiritual life. Unless the human subject is in constant submission to the will of God, unless he is sanctified by the truth, and has the faith that works by love and purifies the soul, prosperity will surely arouse the natural inclination to presumption. {CS 148.1}[4]
§15
我们特别需要为身处高位的人祷告。他们需要整个教会的代祷，因为主赐给他们兴旺和影响力。{CS 148.2}[5]
§16
Our prayers need most to be offered for the men in high places. They need the prayers of the whole church, because they are entrusted with prosperity and influence. {CS 148.2}[5]
§17
人在谦卑谷中步步依靠上帝教导和指引，是比较安全的。但愿每一位与上帝保持活泼联络的人，都为那些身负重责的人祈祷，──他们站在高峰上，因着他们的高位，需要大量的智慧。这样的人如果没有认识到需要依靠比血肉的膀臂更有力的臂膀，以上帝为他的靠山，就会扭曲对事物的看法，以致跌倒。（《评论与通讯》1905年12月14日）{CS 148.3}[6]
§18
In the valley of humiliation, where men depend on God to teach them and to guide their every step, there is comparative safety. But let everyone who has a living connection with God pray for the men in positions of responsibility,--for those who are standing on a lofty pinnacle, and who, because of their exalted position, are supposed to have much wisdom. Unless such men feel their need of an Arm stronger than the arm of flesh to lean upon, unless they make God their dependence, their view of things will become distorted, and they will fall.--R. & H., Dec. 14, 1905. {CS 148.3}[6]
§19
【扭曲原有的能力】
§20
积聚财富的欲望，是人本性中原有的，是天父为崇高的目的而栽培在我们心中的。如果你问一位资本家为什么全力以赴地追求财富，为什么坚持不懈地积累他的财产，他这样劳苦有什么计划，他给不了一个肯定的理由，一个明确的宗旨，来解释他赚取属世财富、积累金钱的原因，也无法说明他为了什么伟大的目标或宗旨，或希望获得新的快乐源泉。他之所以要积累，是因为他把自己全部的才干和能力，都用在这一方面。{CS 148.4}[7]
§21
【A Perversion of an Original Faculty】
§22
The desire to accumulate wealth is an original affection of our nature, implanted there by our heavenly Father for noble ends. If you ask the capitalist who has directed all his energies to the one object of securing wealth, and who is persevering and industrious to add to his property, with what design he thus labors, he could not give you a reason for this, a definite purpose for which he is gaining earthly treasures and heaping up riches. He cannot define any great aim or purpose he has in view, or any new source of happiness he expects to attain. He goes on accumulating because he has turned all his abilities and all his powers in this direction. {CS 148.4}[7]
§23
世人都希望得到自己所没有的东西。由于习惯的势力，他把全部的心思意念都用在为将来作准备了。所以他的年龄越大，就急于想获得他所能得到的一切。贪心的人越接近失去对一切属世事物的控制，自然就越贪婪。{CS 149.1}[8]
§24
There is within the worldly man a craving for something that he does not have. He has, from force of habit, bent every thought, every purpose, in the direction of making provision for the future, and as he grows older, he becomes more eager than ever to acquire all that it is possible to gain. It is natural that the covetous man should become more covetous as he draws near the time when he is losing hold upon all earthly things. {CS 149.1}[8]
§25
这一切充满活力、坚持不懈和殷勤随从属世的力量，都是为错误的目标而误用能力的结果。本来每一种才干，都可以藉着运用而培养到最高的地步，以争取属天不朽的生命，和极重无比永远的荣耀。世人在毅力和干劲方面，在利用一切机会增加财富方面所有的习惯和表现，应当给自称为上帝儿女的人一个教训。他们所追求的是尊贵、荣耀和永生。今世之子在世事之上比光明之子更加聪明。从这方面就可以看出他们的智慧了。他们的目的是属世的利益；为此他们全力以赴。但愿为天上的财宝而辛劳的人也有这样的热忱！（《评论与通讯》1887年3月1日）{CS 149.3}[9]
§26
All this energy, this perseverance, this determination, this industry after earthly power, is the result of the perversion of his powers to a wrong object. Every faculty might have been cultivated to the highest possible elevation by exercise, for the heavenly, immortal life, and for the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. The customs and practices of the worldly man in his perseverance and his energies, and in availing himself of every opportunity to add to his store, should be a lesson to those who claim to be children of God, seeking for glory, honor, and immortality. The children of the world are wiser in their generation than the children of the light, and herein is seen their wisdom. Their object is for earthly gain, and to this end they direct all their energies. O that this zeal would characterize the toiler for heavenly riches!--R. & H., March 1, 1887. {CS 149.2}[9]
§27
【财富的障碍】
§28
如果没有经历考验，很少有人意识到自己贪财欲的强烈。那时许多自称跟从基督的人会暴露出他们没有为天国作准备。他们的行为证明他们爱财富过于爱邻舍和他们的上帝。他们就象那位富有的青年官长一样，虽然寻求生命之道，可是当代价指了出来，他们看到需要牺牲地上的财富时，就认定天国的代价太大了。地上积累的财富越多，人就越难以认识到这些财富不是他的，而只是借给他为荣耀上帝而用的。{CS 150.1}[10]
§29
【The Handicap of Riches】
§30
Very few realize the strength of their love for money until the test is brought to bear upon them. Many who profess to be Christs followers then show that they are unprepared for heaven. Their works testify that they love wealth more than their neighbor or their God. Like the rich young man, they inquire the way of life; but when it is pointed out and the cost estimated, and they see that the sacrifice of earthly riches is demanded, they decide that heaven costs too much. The greater the treasures laid up on the earth, the more difficult it is for the possessor to realize that they are not his own, but are lent him to be used to Gods glory. {CS 150.1}[10]
§31
耶稣利用这个机会给祂的门徒一个深刻的教训：“耶稣对门徒说：我实在告诉你们，财主进天国是难的。……骆驼穿过针的眼，比财主进上帝的国还容易呢”（太19:23，24）。{CS 150.2}[11]
§32
Jesus here improves the opportunity to give His disciples an impressive lesson: Then said Jesus unto His disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. {CS 150.2}[11]
§33
【贫穷的富人和富裕的穷人】
§34
财富的力量由此可见。贪财的影响力几乎麻痹了人心。钱财能迷惑人，使许多拥有者表现出丧失理智的行为。他们越拥有属世的财物，就越想多得。他们的财产越多，就越担心受穷。他们迷上了为将来而积累财富。他们吝啬自私，担心上帝不再供应他们。这等人在上帝面前其实是贫穷的。他们的钱财积累得越多，就越信赖钱财，对上帝和祂的应许就丧失了信心。{CS 150.3}[12]
§35
【Poor Rich Men and Rich Poor Men】
§36
Here the power of wealth is seen. The influence of the love of money over the human mind is almost paralyzing. Riches infatuate, and cause many who possess them to act as though they were bereft of reason. The more they have of this world, the more they desire. Their fears of coming to want increase with their riches. They have a disposition to hoard up means for the future. They are close and selfish, fearing that God will not provide for them. This class are indeed poor toward God. As their riches have accumulated, they have put their trust in them, and have lost faith in God and His promises. {CS 150.3}[12]
§37
忠心信靠上帝的穷人在祂面前是富足的，因为他们聪明地利用自己仅有的一点钱财来造福别人。邻居对他有要求时，他没有置之不理，却顺从上帝的命令：“要爱邻舍如同自己”（路10:27）。他视同胞的得救，比世上一切金银更加重要。{CS 151.1}[13]
§38
The faithful, trusting poor man becomes rich toward God by judiciously using the little he has in blessing others with his means. He feels that his neighbor has claims upon him that he cannot disregard and yet obey the command of God, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. He considers the salvation of his fellow men of greater importance that all the gold and silver the world contains. {CS 151.1}[13]
§39
基督指出一个方法，可以让那些拥有钱财、在上帝面前却不富足的人获得真正的财富。祂说：“你们要变卖所有的，周济人”（路12:33）。要积攒财宝在天上。祂所提出解决的办法，就是要他们把情意转到永恒的基业上。他们既把钱财投在上帝的圣工上，帮助人得救，周济需要的人，就会在善事上富足，“为自己积成美好的根基，预备将来，叫他们持定那真正的生命”（提前6:19）。这将证明是一项安全的投资。{CS 151.2}[14]
§40
Christ points out the way in which those who have wealth, and yet are not rich toward God, may secure the true riches. He says: Sell that ye have and give alms; and lay up treasure in heaven. The remedy He proposes is a transfer of their affections to the eternal inheritance. By investing their means in the cause of God to aid in the salvation of souls, and by relieving the needy, they become rich in good works, and are laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. This will prove a safe investment. {CS 151.2}[14]
§41
但是许多人在行动上表现出不敢信任天国的银行。他们宁可信任地上的钱财，不愿先将之送至天上。他们要花一番工夫才能胜过贪婪和爱世界的心。这些富裕的穷人自称侍奉上帝，其实很可怜。他们一方面自称认识上帝，一方面却在行为上否认祂。这是多大的黑暗啊！他们自称相信真理，却在行为上违背他们的信仰。贪爱钱财使他们成为自私、苛求和蛮横的人。（《评论与通讯》1880年1月15日）{CS 151.3}[15]
§42
But many show by their works that they dare not trust the bank of heaven. They choose to trust their means in the earth, rather than to send it before them to heaven. These have a great work to do to overcome covetousness and love of the world. Rich poor men, professing to serve God, are objects of pity. While they profess to know God, in works they deny Him. How great is the darkness of such! They profess faith in the truth, but their works do not correspond with their profession. The love of riches makes men selfish, exacting, and overbearing.--R. & H., Jan. 15, 1880. {CS 151.3}[15]
§43
【跟从耶稣的问题】
§44
耶稣只要求那个年轻的官长走祂所引导的道路。我们追随祂神圣的脚踪，让祂在前把荆棘压平，责任的艰难之路就变得容易了。这位尊贵而有才华的官员只要依从基督的要求，就会蒙悦纳，正如祂接纳贫穷的渔夫，吩咐他们跟从祂一样。{CS 151.4}[16]
§45
【A Question of Following Jesus】
§46
Jesus only required him [the rich young ruler] to go where He led the way. The thorny path of duty becomes easier to follow when we trace His divine footsteps before us, pressing down the briers. Christ would have accepted this talented and noble ruler, if he had yielded to His requirements, as readily as He accepted the poor fishermen whom He bade to follow Him. {CS 151.4}[16]
§47
这位年轻人获得财物的本领对他并无害处，只要他爱人如己，不在获取财物时损人利己就行了。这项才干若用来侍奉上帝，寻找拯救生灵免遭灭亡，就会蒙神圣的主所悦纳，成为基督殷勤成功的工人。可是他拒绝了与基督合作拯救生灵的崇高特权，转离所应许在上帝的国度里给他的光荣财富，依恋那转瞬即逝的地上财富。……{CS 152.1}[17]
§48
The young mans ability to acquire property was not against him, provided he loved his neighbor as himself, and had not wronged another in acquiring his riches. That very ability, had it been employed in the service of God in seeking to save souls from ruin, would have been acceptable to the divine Master, and he might have made a diligent and successful worker for Christ. But he refused the exalted privilege of cooperating with Christ in the salvation of souls; he turned away from the glorious treasure promised him in the kingdom of God, and clung to the fleeting treasures of earth. . . . {CS 152.1}[17]
§49
这位青年的官长代表一大班人。如果没有十字架让他们背，没有屈辱的担子让他们挑，没有属世的利益要他们放弃，没有财产或情感要他们牺牲，他们会成出色的基督徒。基督托付给他们才干和金钱的资本，指望得到相应的回报。我们所拥有的并不是自己的，而是要用来为赐给我们一切的主服务。（《评论与通讯》1878年3月21日）{CS 152.2}[18]
§50
The young ruler represents a large class who would be excellent Christians if there was no cross for them to lift, no humiliating burden for them to bear, no earthly advantages to resign, no sacrifice of property or feelings to make. Christ has entrusted to them capital of talents and means, and He expects corresponding returns. That which we possess is not our own, but is to be employed in serving Him from whom we have received all we have.--R. & H., March 21, 1878. {CS 152.2}[18]
§51
【富人中少有信心】
§52
富人中少有恒久的信心。由行为支持的真正信心实为罕见。然而凡具有这种信心的人不会缺乏感化力。他们会效法基督无私的善行和祂对救灵工作的关注。跟从基督的人应当象祂那样看重视灵魂的价值，支持他们亲爱救主的工作，不惜任何代价努力去拯救祂宝血所买来的人。如果与一个灵魂进行比较，金银、田产与房屋又算得了什么？（《评论与通讯》1886年2月23日）{CS 152.3}[19]
§53
【Faith Rare Among the Wealthy】
§54
A consistent faith is rare among rich men. Genuine faith, sustained by works, is rare. But all who possess this faith will be men who will not lack influence. They will copy after Christ in that disinterested benevolence and interest in the work of saving souls that He had. The followers of Christ should value souls as He valued them. Their sympathies should be with the work of their dear Redeemer, and they should labor to save the purchase of His blood at any sacrifice. What are money, houses, and lands, in comparison with even one soul?--R. & H., Feb. 23, 1886. {CS 152.3}[19]
§55
【财富不能赎罪】
§56
一切财富，即便非常贵重，也不足以在上帝面前遮掩最小的罪。财富或知识都不会被接受为罪的赎价。唯有悔改、真正的谦卑、悲伤的心、忏悔的灵才会蒙上帝接纳。{CS 153.1}[20]
§57
【Riches Not a Ransom for the Transgressor】
§58
All the riches, even of the most wealthy, are not sufficient to hide the smallest sin from God. Neither riches nor intellect will be accepted as a ransom for the transgressor. Repentance, true humility, a broken heart, and a contrite spirit, alone will be acceptable to God. {CS 153.1}[20]
§59
在我们的教会中，本来应该有许多人奉献大笔的捐款，而不满足于缴纳微薄的数量，给这位曾为他们成就大事的主。无法计量的福气正落在他们身上。但是他们归还给那赐予者却是何等少啊！但愿在世上确实作客旅寄居的人，现在就先将他们的财富送到天国里，把最需要的礼物献于上帝的府库。（《评论与通讯》1888年12月18日）{CS 153.2}[21]
§60
There are many in our churches who should bring large offerings, and not content themselves with presenting a feeble pittance to Him who has done so much for them. Immeasurable blessings are falling upon them, but how little they return to the Giver! Let those who are indeed pilgrims and strangers upon the earth, now send their treasures before them to the heavenly country, in the much-needed gifts to the Lords treasury.--R. & H., Dec. 18, 1888. {CS 153.2}[21]
§61
【最大的危险】
§62
我蒙指示：守安息日的复临信徒并不缺乏金钱。目前他们最大的危险是累积财富。有些人正在不断地增加他们的操心和劳碌，这实在太过分了，结果他们几乎忘掉上帝和圣工的需要，而在属灵上死亡了。他们需要向上帝作出牺牲和奉献。牺牲不会增多，只会减少和消耗。……在我们的人中有许多的金钱，证明只是对拥有者有害。（《证言》卷一第492页）{CS 153.3}[22]
§63
【The Greatest Danger】
§64
I was shown that there is no lack of means among Sabbathkeeping Adventists. At present their greatest danger is in their accumulations of property. Some are continually increasing their cares and labors; they are overcharged. The result is, God and the wants of His cause are nearly forgotten by them; they are spiritually dead. They are required to make a sacrifice to God, an offering. A sacrifice does not increase, but decreases and consumes. . . . Much of the means among our people is only proving an injury to those who are holding on to it.--1T 492. {CS 153.3}[22]