第44章 教会中不诚实的行为
§1
第44章 教会中不诚实的行为
§2
Chap. 44 - Dishonesty in the Church
§3
“贪财是万恶之根”（提前6:10）。有些自称信仰真理的人，却不在这一点上抵挡试探。这世代世人最大的罪行，就是因贪财而犯下的。人们若是不能藉着诚实勤奋得到财富，就会采取欺诈、拐骗和犯罪的手段去得财。罪孽之杯已接近满盈，上帝报应的审判将要降在罪恶之人身上。寡妇的一点钱财被律师和自称关心她们的朋友抢夺了，穷人也受到了缺乏生活必需品之苦，因为有人为要满足奢侈的生活而向他们惯行欺诈。我们世上可怕的罪行记录足以使人心中冰凉，充满恐惧；但甚至在自称相信真理的人中间，也混迹着同样的邪恶，或多或少放纵着同样的罪恶，这种事实令人深感羞辱。{4T 489.2}[1]
§4
The love of money is the root of all evil. Some who profess the truth do not withstand temptation on this point. Among worldlings in this generation the greatest crimes are perpetrated through the love of money. If wealth cannot be secured by honest industry, men will resort to fraud, deception, and crime in order to obtain it. The cup of iniquity is nearly filled, and the retributive justice of God is about to descend upon the guilty. Widows are robbed of their scanty pittance by lawyers and professedly interested friends, and poor men are made to suffer for the necessaries of life because of the dishonesty which is practiced in order to gratify extravagance. The terrible record of crime in our world is enough to chill the blood and fill the soul with horror; but the fact that even among those who profess to believe the truth the same evils are creeping in, the same sins indulged to a greater or less degree, calls for deep humiliation of soul. {4T 489.2}[1]
§5
一个真诚敬畏上帝的人，会宁愿日夜辛劳，忍受穷困，缺衣少食，也不放纵情欲去得利，以致压迫寡妇孤儿或剥夺外人应有的权利。因爱炫耀和爱钱财而犯下的罪行，使这个世界成了贼窝和匪窟，使天使哭泣。但基督徒自称不是这世界的居民，他们是在异国他乡，可以说是只过一夜。我们的家是在耶稣去为我们预备的地方。今生只是一片云雾（雅4:14），稍纵即逝。{4T 490.2}[2]
§6
A man who sincerely fears God would rather toil day and night, suffer privation, and eat the bread of poverty than to indulge a passion for gain which would oppress the widow and the fatherless or turn the stranger from his right. The crimes that are committed through love of display and love of money constitute this world a den of thieves and robbers, and cause angels to weep. But Christians are professedly not dwellers upon the earth; they are in a strange country, stopping, as it were, only for a night. Our home is in the mansions which Jesus has gone to prepare for us. This life is but a vapor, which passes away. {4T 490.1}[2]
§7
有些人成了财迷。每一次违背了黄金律，基督都在祂的圣徒身上受到虐待。每一次占人的便宜，无论是对圣徒还是对罪人，都会在天庭的账簿中被记为欺诈行为。上帝的计划是要我们的生活代表我们伟大模范的生活，向他人行善，在提拔人类上起到圣洁的作用。这种工作环绕着真正的尊严和荣耀，是人们在今生可能决不会看到和认识到的，但在来生却会充分地赏识到。仁心善举和慷慨行为的记录会永垂不朽。人损人利己到什么程度，他的心灵对上帝之灵的感化就会刚硬到什么程度。这样的利得乃是可怕的损失。{4T 490.2}[3]
§8
The acquisition of property becomes a mania with some. Every time the golden rule is violated, Christ is abused in the person of His saints. Every advantage that is taken of fellow mortals, be they saints or sinners, will stand as fraud in the Ledger of Heaven. God designed that our lives should represent the life of our great Pattern in doing good to others and in acting a holy part in the elevation of man. About this work there hovers a true dignity and a glory which may never be seen and realized in this life, but which will be fully appreciated in the future life. The record of kindly deeds and generous actions will reach into eternity. Just to the extent that man would advantage himself at the disadvantage of his fellow man will his soul become calloused to the influence of the Spirit of God. Gain obtained thus is a fearful loss. {4T 490.2}[3]
§9
一直有人身居高位却不保护他人的权益。他们中在乎自己的利益，疏于维护教会的名誉。他们向来又自私又贪财，行事并不专注上帝的荣耀。教会作为一个整体，要在一定程度上为其个人成员的错误负责任，因为他们既没有扬声反对那些坏事，就支持了邪恶。享受不到上帝的眷爱是有若干原因的。祂的灵因一些自称敬虔之人所放纵的骄傲、奢侈、不诚实和巧取豪夺的精神而忧伤。这一切的事都使上帝对祂的子民不悦。{4T 490.3}[4]
§10
There have been men in important places who have not been guardians of the interests of others. They have been wholly absorbed in their own interests and have neglected to preserve the reputation of the church. They have been selfish and avaricious, not moving with an eye single to the glory of God. The church as a whole is in a degree responsible for the wrongs of its individual members because they countenance the evil in not lifting up their voice against it. The favor of God is not enjoyed for several reasons. His Spirit is grieved by the pride, extravagance, dishonesty, and overreaching which are indulged by some professing godliness. All these things bring the frown of God upon His people. {4T 490.3}[4]
§11
主将以色列人的不信和罪恶呈现在我面前，我便看到类似的错误和罪孽存在于现代的以色列中。灵感之笔记载了他们的罪行，是为那些生活在末世之人的益处，好叫我们避免他们的恶事。亚干贪心，从所夺敌人的财物中私藏了一条金子和一件美好的示拿衣服。但耶和华已宣布耶利哥城是受咒诅的，也曾吩咐百姓不可将从他们的敌人夺来的财物挪为己用。“至于你们，务要谨慎，不可取那当灭的物，恐怕你们取了那当灭的物就连累以色列的全营，使全营受咒诅。惟有金子、银子，和铜铁的器皿都要归耶和华为圣，必入耶和华的库中”（书6:18,19）。{4T 491.1}[5]
§12
The unbelief and sins of ancient Israel were presented before me, and I saw that similar wrongs and iniquity exist among modern Israel. The pen of inspiration recorded their crimes for the benefit of those who live in these last days, that we might shun their evil example. Achan coveted and secreted a wedge of gold and a goodly Babylonish garment that were taken as spoil from the enemy. But the Lord had pronounced the city of Jericho accursed and had commanded the people not to take of the spoil of their enemies for their own use. And ye, in anywise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the Lord: they shall come into the treasury of the Lord. {4T 491.1}[5]
§13
但是犹大支派的亚干，竟取了当灭的物，引起了上帝对以色列人的怒气。当以色列人前去与敌人作战时，他们被击退了，其中有些人被杀。这使百姓大大丧胆。他们的领袖约书亚感到困惑，不知所措。他在极大的羞辱中面伏于地祈祷说：“哀哉！主耶和华啊，你为什么竟领这百姓过约但河，将我们交在亚摩利人的手中，使我们灭亡呢？我们不如住在约旦河那边倒好。主啊，以色列人既在仇敌面前转背逃跑，我还有什么可说的呢？迦南人和这地一切的居民听见了就必围困我们，将我们的名从地上除灭。那时你为你的大名要怎样行呢”（书7:7-9）？{4T 491.2}[6]
§14
But Achan, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing, and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the children of Israel. When the armies of Israel went out to fight against the enemy, they were repulsed and driven back, and some of them were slain. This brought great discouragement upon the people. Joshua, their leader, was perplexed and confounded. In the greatest humiliation he fell upon his face and prayed: Alas, O Lord God, wherefore hast Thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan! O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies! For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt Thou do unto Thy great name? {4T 491.2}[6]
§15
主回答约书亚的话是：“起来！你为何这样俯伏在地呢？以色列人犯了罪，违背了我所吩咐他们的约，取了当灭的物；又偷窃，又行诡诈，又把那当灭的放在他们的家具里”（书7:10,11）。亚干偷了要留给上帝和放在祂库中的东西；他还行诡诈，虽看到以色列全营受了连累，也不承认自己的罪，因为他知道约书亚曾向百姓重申耶和华的话，他们若将上帝所保留的东西挪为己用，以色列全营就会受连累。{4T 492.1}[7]
§16
The answer of the Lord to Joshua was: Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. Achan had stolen that which was to be reserved for God and placed in His treasury; he had also dissembled in that when he saw the camp of Israel troubled he did not confess his guilt, for he knew that Joshua had repeated the words of the Lord to the people, that if they should appropriate to themselves that which God had reserved, the camp of Israel would be troubled. {4T 492.1}[7]
§17
他虽因自己的非法所得而欣喜，却打破了自己的平安。他听说要调查，就心里不安。他一遍又一遍地对自己说：这与他们有什么相干？我为自己的行动负责。他假装勇敢，极其外露地谴责犯罪的人。他若认罪，原可得救；但他因罪而心地刚硬，继续坚称自己无辜。他以为自己在如此众多的群众中，不会被发现。为查出犯罪的人，就掣了签。取出来的是犹大支派。亚干的心因犯罪的恐惧而悸动了，因为他是属于那个支派的；但他依旧自以为会逃脱的。又掣了签，取出来的是他所属于的宗族。这时约书亚在他苍白的脸上看出了他的罪过。再次掣签，取出了这个不幸的人。他站在那里，被上帝指出他就是那个惹起这一切麻烦的罪人。{4T 492.2}[8]
§18
While he is rejoicing in his ill-gotten gain, his security is broken in upon; he hears that an investigation is to be made. This makes him uneasy. He repeats over and over to himself: What does it concern them? I am accountable for my acts. He apparently puts on a brave face and in the most demonstrative manner condemns the one guilty. If he had confessed he might have been saved; but sin hardens the heart, and he continues to assert his innocence. Amid so large a crowd he thinks he will escape detection. Lots are cast to search out the offender; the lot falls upon the tribe of Judah. Achans heart now begins to throb with guilty fear, for he is one of that tribe; but still he flatters himself that he will escape. The lot is again cast, and the family to which he belongs is taken. Now in his pallid face his guilt is read by Joshua. The lot cast again singles out the unhappy man. There he stands, pointed out by the finger of God as the guilty one who has caused all this trouble. {4T 492.2}[8]
§19
当亚干屈服于试探时，若是问他是否愿意把失败和死亡带入以色列营，他原会回答说：“不，不！你仆人算什么，不过是一条狗；焉能行这大恶呢”（参王下8:13）？但他留恋试探，要满足他自己的信心；及至机会来到，他就比心中定意的更加胆大妄为了。教会的信徒个人正是这样不知不觉被诱导使上帝的灵担忧，去欺诈邻舍，使教会招致上帝不悦的。没有一个人向自己活。因一个人的罪，就给以色列人带来了羞耻、失败和死亡。在打仗的时候他们头上的保护被撤去了。自称基督徒的人所怀藏和实行的各种罪恶使上帝对教会不悦。将来天上的案卷展开的时候，审判世人的主不必用言语宣布人的罪状，只要用祂洞察人心和令人折服的眼光一看，行恶之人的每一件行为，和人生的每一样事情，就必生动地活现在他的记忆之中了。那人也不必象在约书亚的日子一样，从支派到家室，一步一步地被搜索出来，因为他自己的口必承认他的羞耻，他的自私、贪婪、不诚实、伪装和欺诈。于是那一直隐瞒着，不为人知的罪就要公开出来，可以说是在房顶上宣扬出来。{4T 492.3}[9]
§20
If when Achan yielded to temptation he had been asked if he wished to bring defeat and death into the camp of Israel, he would have answered: No, no! is thy servant a dog that he should do this great wickedness? But he lingered over the temptation to gratify his own covetousness; and when the opportunity was presented, he went further than he had purposed in his heart. It is exactly in this way that individual members of the church are imperceptibly led on to grieve the Spirit of God, to defraud their neighbors, and to bring the frown of God upon the church. No man lives to himself. Shame, defeat, and death were brought upon Israel by one mans sin. That protection which had covered their heads in the time of battle was withdrawn. Various sins that are cherished and practiced by professed Christians bring the frown of God upon the church. In the day when the Ledger of Heaven shall be opened, the Judge will not in words express to man his guilt, but will cast one penetrating, convicting glance, and every deed, every transaction of life, will be vividly impressed upon the memory of the wrongdoer. The person will not, as in Joshuas day, need to be hunted out from tribe to family, but his own lips will confess his shame, his selfishness, covetousness, dishonesty, dissembling, and fraud. His sins, hidden from the knowledge of man, will then be proclaimed, as it were, upon the housetop. {4T 492.3}[9]
§21
教会最可怕的影响并不是公开反对的人，不信的人和亵慢的人，而是那些自称属基督之人的言行不符。这些人使百姓得不到以色列上帝的赐福，并使教会软弱，给教会带来不易消除的羞辱。当约书亚面伏于地，心中痛苦，眼中含泪地向上帝倾心吐意时，上帝的命令乃是一个责备：“起来！你为何这样俯伏在地呢”（书7:10）？{4T 493.1}[10]
§22
The influence most to be feared by the church is not that of open opposers, infidels, and blasphemers, but of inconsistent professors of Christ. These are the ones who keep back the blessing of the God of Israel and bring weakness upon the church, a reproach that is not easily wiped away. While Joshua was lying on his face upon the ground, pouring out his soul to God with agony of spirit and with tears, Gods command was a reproof: Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? {4T 493.1}[10]
§23
一般的教会里充斥着自称侍奉上帝，实为盗贼，凶手和淫乱苟合的人。然而自称信奉我们卑微信仰的人，却需要更高的标准。他们应当是尊崇圣经的基督徒，殷勤学习这部人生指南，仔细而虔诚地省察自己行动的动机。那些愿意倚靠基督的人，现在就应该开始研究十字架的荣美。他们若愿意作活的基督徒，现在就必须开始敬畏和顺从上帝。他们若愿意，就能救自己的灵魂免于灭亡，获得永生。{4T 493.2}[11]
§24
The popular churches are filled with men who, while they make a pretense of serving God, are thieves, murderers, adulterers, and fornicators; but those who profess our lowly faith claim a higher standard. They should be Bible Christians, and they must be diligent in the study of the Chart of life. Carefully and prayerfully should they examine the motives which prompt them to action. Those who would put their trust in Christ should begin to study the beauties of the cross now. If they would be living Christians they must begin to fear and obey God now. If they will they can save their souls from ruin and make a success of winning eternal life. {4T 493.2}[11]
§25
世上所存在商业欺诈的行为，不应为基督徒所效仿。即使在小事上，基督徒也不应偏离完全的纯正。卖一件商品超过它的价值，趁购买者无知占他们的便宜，乃是欺诈。非法得利，在交易上耍小把戏，夸大其词，竞争，以低价倾销对待一位谋求诚实作生意的弟兄，这些事都在败坏教会的纯正，毁灭她的灵性。{4T 494.1}[12]
§26
The custom of overreaching in trade, which exists in the world, is no example for Christians. They should not deviate from perfect integrity, even in small matters. To sell an article for more than it is worth, taking advantage of the ignorance of purchasers, is fraud. Unlawful gains, petty tricks of trade, exaggeration, competition, underselling a brother who is seeking to pursue an honest business--these things are corrupting the purity of the church, and are ruinous to her spirituality. {4T 494.1}[12]
§27
商界并非处在上帝政权的管束之外。基督教不只是在安息日和在圣殿里展示，而是要表现在每一天，每一周和每一个地方。在工作场所，在家里和在与弟兄及世人进行交易的时候，都必须承认和遵守它的要求。对许多人来说，一种吸引人的世俗化蒙蔽了他们对基督徒义务的真认识。基督的宗教会对人的内心产生影响，以致支配人的生活。自称信奉真宗教的人，会在他们一切的业务交易上表明他们对正义的清晰理解，与他们在施恩的宝座前恳求时一样。生命及其一切能力都属于上帝，应该用来促进祂的荣耀，而不是被滥用于侍奉撒但，欺骗同胞。{4T 494.2}[13]
§28
The business world does not lie outside the limits of Gods government. Christianity is not to be merely paraded on the Sabbath and displayed in the sanctuary; it is for every day in the week and for every place. Its claims must be recognized and obeyed in the workshop, at home, and in business transactions with brethren and with the world. With many, an absorbing worldliness eclipses the true sense of Christian obligation. The religion of Christ will have such an influence upon the heart that it will control the life. Men possessing the genuine article of true religion will in all their business transactions show as clear a perception of right as when offering their supplications at the throne of grace. The life, with all its capabilities, belongs to God, and should be used to promote His glory, instead of being perverted to the service of Satan in defrauding our fellow men. {4T 494.2}[13]
§29
撒但成了一些人的顾问。他告诉他们，若要兴旺，就必须听从他的劝导：“不要太在意荣誉或诚实；而要精明地照料自己的利益，不要被同情、温柔和慷慨感动。人们不必照顾寡妇孤儿。不要鼓励他们指望你们，依靠你们；让他们自己去照顾自己吧。不要问他们有没有食物，也不要问你们是不是能用周到仁慈的关心祝福他们。要照顾你们自己。要把所能得到的都掌握到你们手中。要抢夺寡妇孤儿，别给外人当得的，你们就会有钱满足你们各种的需要了。”有些人听从了这种建议，藐视了曾说下述话语的主：“在上帝我们的父面前，那清洁没有玷污的虔诚，就是看顾在患难中的孤儿寡妇，并且保守自己不沾染世俗”（雅1:27）。{4T 494.3}[14]
§30
Satan has been the adviser of some. He tells them that if they would prosper they must hearken to his counsel: Do not be overconscientious in regard to honor or honesty; look out sharply for your own interest, and do not be carried away with pity, softness, and generosity. You need not care for the widow and the fatherless. Do not encourage them to look to you and depend on you; leave them to look out for themselves. Do not inquire whether they have food, or if you can bless them with thoughtful, kindly attention. Take care of yourself. Get all into your hands that you can. Rob the widow and the fatherless, and turn away the stranger from his right, and you will have means to supply your various wants. Some have heeded this counsel and despised Him who has said: Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. {4T 494.3}[14]
§31
只要人们愿意屈服于撒但的霸权，他就给予他们属世的国度。许多人这样做而牺牲天国。要宁可死也不犯罪；宁可缺乏也不诈骗；宁可饥饿也不说谎。但愿凡受试探的人都用这些话对付撒但：“凡敬畏耶和华、遵行祂道的人便为有福！你要吃劳碌得来的；你要享福，事情顺利”（诗128:1,2）。这里有一个条件和一个应许，要明白地认识到。幸福和兴旺将是侍奉上帝的结果。{4T 495.1}[15]
§32
Satan offers to men the kingdoms of the world if they will yield to him the supremacy. Many do this and sacrifice heaven. It is better to die than to sin; better to want than to defraud; better to hunger than to lie. Let all who are tempted meet Satan with these words: Blessed is everyone that feareth the Lord; that walketh in His ways. For thou shalt eat the labor of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Here is a condition and a promise which will be unmistakably realized. Happiness and prosperity will be the result of serving the Lord. {4T 495.1}[15]