每日活灵(247)…

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「因为祂预先所知道的人，就预先定下效法祂儿子的模样，使祂儿子在许多弟兄中作长子。」【罗8: 29】

基督救恩的最高峰，就我们而论，全人从里到外，从灵到体，都被『模成神儿子的形像』；就神而论，祂借着『长子』得着了『众子』，合一个『儿子群』，也就是一个扩大的儿子，一个丰满的儿子，一同显在荣耀里，使祂本性一切的丰盛，得到最完满的彰显。这就是神最终的心意。

在神永远心意中，基督乃是为我们效力，要把我们模成基督的形状；同时祂又以基督作我们爱的保障，保守我们在万有的『模成』中，能够得胜有余，而达成神在我们身上完美的心意。是神旨意中的一切。

一个人得救之后，他里面深处就渴望，照着主耶稣所设立的模型过生活。然而，许多人不是忽视这渴望，就是错误的培养这渴望，以为凭着自己的努力可以成功的效法祂。我们以为靠着运用天然的生命可以效法基督，这是错误的。

当我们爱主，接触祂，向祂祷告，我们就自然而然的照着福音书中所描绘的模子活祂。这样，我们就被形成、被模成这个模子的形像。这就是学基督的意思。

这样学基督，与把祂当作客观的榜样，而凭我们天然的生命努力模仿祂，是全然不同的。神已经把我们摆在主耶稣在地上生活所形成的模子里。同时，基督作赐生命的灵已经进入我们里面作生命。我们越爱祂，越接触祂，我们就越照着这模子活祂。结果，我们就自然而然的模成这模子的形像。因此，我们能同保罗说，‘在我，活着就是基督。奉主蒙恩! 阿们!   

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生命福音[131]…

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「感谢神，使我们借着我们的主耶稣基督得胜。」【林前15: 57】

罪仗着律法的权势，把人钩入死亡中；但赞美主，复活的基督把这一切都摧毁了！因此我们若还活在律法之下，以致被罪钩入死亡中，那是何等愚昧！我们若活在复活的基督里，就能欢然夸耀说，感谢神，使我们借着我们的主耶稣基督得胜﹗

论到罪，说到律法，说到死，神就把得胜赐给我们。得胜，不只胜过罪，也胜过律法；不只胜过律法，也胜过死亡。这里有一个唯一的福音，就是神把得胜赐给我们每位在基督里的人。

若人倘未归正，生命的线断了，或许是在明天，或许几分钟之后，你会在哪里呢？又会掉进哪里？的确，这条线一断，人就 要掉进烧着硫磺的火湖里，也要痛苦躺在那里，直到永远。

耶稣要我们承认自己的罪，也需要从罪中救赎我们，并且信靠祂是我们的救主。我们要做的就是向祂敞开心门，承认自己的罪，并邀请祂进入心中。祂说：“看哪，我站在门外叩门，若有听见我声音就开门的，我要进到他那里去。”

人要细查自己的悲惨结局，直到內心向基督呼求，就像正溺水的人迫切地向船只呼救，或像受伤的人急需外科医生一样。人必须看到他们的危险，也感觉到他们致命的伤势和疾病，否则基督对他们是无用武之地。杀人凶手，当报血仇的追 杀他时，快速地跑往逃城；人必须被迫离开自己，否则不会来就基督。患难和困苦迫使浪子回家。

人要大大睁开良心之眼，看尽自己一切的悲惨。人的心充满恐怖或逃避是不可避免。人自觉悲惨不过是溃烂的伤口，必须化脓才能得医治。最好是现在惧怕未来的 折磨，而不要在未来亲身经历永久的折磨。改邪归正，借着我们的主耶稣基督得胜。感谢神 ! 奉主蒙恩 ! 阿们 ! 

每日活灵(246)…

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「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】

我们时常忘记自己是耶稣和邻舍的仆人,从而陷入自取荣耀的傲慢当中。忠诚的仆人应该时刻谦卑地去事奉。他们生活的座右铭应该是“劳苦在我,荣耀在神”。

将自己完全降服于神的旨意，不为自己作甚么，也不盼望为自己得甚么，这样的人，心里才会有真正的安息。接受主给我们一切的托付、工作、事奉、甘心顺服，就能「得享安息」。

我们若要与主同负一轭，便须要调整我们的脚步，与主同行，亦步亦趋，不前不后，不离左右。真安息乃是内心的平静安稳，与客观的环境无关，也不受外界事物的影响。

基督对我们不仅是生命，也是榜样。我们照着祂的榜样跟祂学，不是凭我们天然的生命，乃是凭祂在复活里作我们的生命。根据新约，主耶稣并没有直接进到我们里面作生命。祂在地上三十三年半的一生当中，设立了模型，模子，榜样。

写四福音书的一个原因，就是要给我们看见，神所要之生命的模型是什么，能满足神并完成祂定旨之生命的模子是什么。因这缘故，新约从四方面给我们一部独特的传记─ 主耶稣的传记。主耶稣设立了启示在福音书里的模型之后，就被钉在十字架上，然后进入复活。祂乃是在复活里，进到我们里面作我们的生命。

那在耶稣身上是实际者，是指耶稣一生的真实光景，如四福音书所记载的。外邦堕落之人不敬虔的行事为人乃是虚妄；但在耶稣敬虔的生活里乃是真实，实际。耶稣在生活中总是在神里面，同着神并为着神行事。

神是在祂的生活中，并且祂与神是一。这就是在耶稣身上是实际者。我们信徒，既以基督作我们的生命得了重生，并在祂里面受过教导，就照着那在耶稣身上是实际者学了基督。奉主蒙恩! 阿们! 

Testimony…

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Gideon Pastor Timothy Keller mentioned in the book “Generous Justice” that when he was studying in a seminary, he met a black classmate named Ellis. At one point, they were having dinner together, and Iris said to Keller, “You know what, you’re a racist. Well, you don’t mean to, and you don’t want to, but you are. You can’t help it. for example, being black When you do things a certain way, you say ‘Well, that’s your culture’, but when white people do things a certain way, you say ‘That’s the right way to do things’. You don’t realize that you are Also in a culture, many of your thoughts and practices are also cultural.”

The Selfish Gene
Later, Iris became Keller’s good friend. Keller said Iris was “kind and outspoken” and helped him understand the realities of injustice in American culture. Keller recognizes that, in many ways, each of us may be inherently racist: We use our cultural values ​​to judge other things as good and bad, and then use them to judge people of other races; In our hearts, we feel that they are not as good as us, or even worse than us-although we may not say so. Elevating the value of one (or some) race in thought, feeling, and behavior while devaluing other races is the standard definition of the word “racism.” The racism that looks down on “other races” is a common and insurmountable problem in human nature.

Racist thoughts beget racist behavior. In our society, all kinds of discrimination exist very widely. However, discrimination based on race may be the most common, and it is also most likely to be expressed and implemented in the form of unspoken rules, institutionalization, and structure. When we ourselves are racially discriminated against, we tend to be sensitive and feel “hurt the feelings of the Chinese people”, but when we discriminate against others, it is difficult for us to be self-aware. In many cases, racist awareness is subtly spread through new media or entertainment programs. For example, a TV skit program during the Spring Festival this year, there is to promote the rise of China and African people’s love for China, but the content caused a lot of controversies because there was a Chinese actress with a blackened face, playing the role of a black aunt” Give China a thumbs up”, with a monkey next to it, played by an African actor.

Overseas, many people commented that this is a blatant racist expression, but some netizens in China seem to have a much calmer reaction to this matter. Many people think that elevating criticism to the level of racial discrimination is a big deal. Some people say that overseas people are overly sensitive because they have been brainwashed by “political correctness” for a long time.

In European and American societies, there is indeed a situation where “political correctness” goes to extremes, but now the anti-“political correctness” has overcorrected and gone to another extreme. Racial discrimination has revived and becomes public again. Some people even justify and open up racism.

A netizen on Zhihu said in a column: “In fact, each of us can be regarded as a racist.” But he thinks this is a “very natural” thing, and there is no need to deny or criticize it. He said: “From the bottom of our hearts, each of us will value ourselves more than others, and value people who are similar to us more than those who are very different from ourselves. This is human nature determined by survival genes. Extending to race and ethnicity racism and nationalism is a very natural phenomenon. This kind of judgment has the scientific basis of evolution and genetics. In the words of Oxford University biologist Richard Dawkins, it reflects “genetic Selfishness'”. He actually made a rational defense for racism, and his defense was based on naturalistic evolution (atheism). Starting from this naturalistic presupposition, racism seems to be very “scientific”, reasonable, understandable, and even beneficial to human progress.

The Image of God
However, such Darwinian atheism is completely contrary to the Christian faith, so it is impossible for Christians to agree with such a defense. According to Christian belief, people of different races are created by God. Because man fell after rebelling against God, sin entered the depths of human nature. Selfishness or self-centeredness is one of the many sins (sins) of human beings. It is human nature polluted by sins, not the “nature” that God created man should have.

Pastor John Piper pointed out that racism is born of pride and a companion of greed, fear, and lust. According to the Bible, pride, greed, fear, and lust are all sins. In the era we live in, these sins are deeply rooted in society, cultural entertainment, advertising, business, academia, and partisan politics. You and I are immersed in them, and our minds are easily shaped by them, so we are easily unconscious. Or being racist “by nature”. 

Therefore, Christians oppose racism for reasons based on our faith. The Bible says that everyone is created by God in his image (refer to “Genesis” 1:26), so everyone has uniqueness and has the value and dignity given to him by God. The “image of God” does not distinguish between high and low. God wants us to learn and know that He created us to take care of each other and to respect the dignity and worth of every human being.

Although Christians have historically misused the Bible to endorse racism, the fact is that racism is running counter to biblical values. Although racism has also occurred in the history of the United States, the anti-racism civil rights movement in the last century was based on Christianity (rather than atheism) as its spiritual pillar. In fact, racial equality is also an important part of the “original heart” of the “American Dream”. The founding fathers of the United States were deeply influenced by the Bible, so their “American Dream” is closely related to the theological concept of “the image of God”.

Many Jews in the Bible have a very strong sense of national pride, and even look down on “Gentiles” because they are “God’s chosen people”. But God told the Israelites through the mouth of the Old Testament prophets that they were chosen not because they were more righteous than other nations (see “Deuteronomy” 9:5). The Israelites are also a people who often rebel against God, so they become a “model” that no one can be saved by keeping the law, and they also testify to the gospel of Christ from the negative side.

Both the Old Testament and the New Testament emphasize that “God is no respecter of persons” (see “Romans” 2:11), and his love pervades all nations. So, racism is evil. Christians should resist all forms of racism, including fighting institutional and structural racism in nonviolent ways.

the gospel is the cure
The general idea of ​​the entire Bible is that God will bless all nations and peoples through the nation of Israel. God’s ultimate intention is for all mankind to be redeemed and to receive grace. The kingdom of heaven brought by Christ, or the kingdom of God, is composed of “all nations, tribes, tongues, and peoples” (refer to “Revelation” 14:6) that are justified by faith. The Gospel of Christ is the universal “good news” that “God loves the world”. Therefore, the Christian Gospel transcends race, nation, and nation. In the church of Christ, because we believe in Christ, we become children of God and brothers and sisters to each other. The Bible says that “there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, free or slave, male or female” because we are “in Christ are all one in Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

Because of this, the theologian and biblical scholar DA Carson (DA Carson) believes that the issue of race is not just a cultural issue, but essentially a “gospel issue”: “The purpose of God’s redemption is to bring different languages, tribes, and nationalities together through the cross. and nation men and women lead to God Himself, the Church is the new creation of humanity, composed of Jews and Gentiles. This trajectory begins at Creation, as all men and women are created in the image of God; it looks forward Look to God’s promise to Abraham that through his descendants all peoples on earth will be blessed. Salvation ensured by the Christ of the Gospel…bringing repentance, spiritual health and love for brothers and sisters to the Christian community.” 

Therefore, I believe that opposing racism is not only in line with the Bible but also must be based on the foundation of the Gospel of Christ in order to “treat the root cause” and fundamentally change the hearts of racists, rather than just relying on the system, culture or “political correctness” to suppress racist behavior.

Pastor Keller mentioned another thing in Generous Justice. After graduating from seminary, he went to the church to pastor and became a young pastor. There is a brother named Shelton in the church. One day, the brother suddenly said to Pastor Keller, “You know what? I’ve always been a racist.” Keller was surprised because he hadn’t spoken specifically about racism in the church. But the brother had listened to Keller’s preaching of the gospel of Christ a lot, and he understood this point himself. He told Keller that his previous understanding of life was moralistic, but he became self-righteous like a Pharisee and looked down on others. But when he began to understand that his acceptance of God’s salvation was based on the free and undeserved grace of Jesus, his heart changed. He abandoned self-righteousness and began to experience the warmth, joy, and confidence of a renewed life, and he also realized and abandoned the racism in his heart.

Pastor Piper said in the book “Bloodline” that the gospel of Jesus Christ can dissolve the sins that lead to racism and lead people to the kingdom of God composed of people of different races and cultures. In Christ, the blood of the different races is washed clean by the blood shed on the same cross. Jesus Christ shed blood and died for us, and resurrected for us so that we can become brothers and sisters in the kingdom of God.  The Gospel of Christ is the antidote to racism, and only the Gospel of Christ can dissolve the demons of racism.

I think of the life testimonies of some missionaries who moved us in history. A missionary is a group of people who have overcome and transcended the “selfish gene”. They could have enjoyed success and affluent life in the world, but they left their hometowns, traveled across the oceans, and went to strange foreign lands, dedicating their youth, energy, and even life to care for and serve those who are humble, weak, incomplete, and regarded as “Backward” “non-my race”. This is not because they are “people made of special materials (genes)”, but because the gospel of Christ has changed their lives, enabling them to cross the gap between race and culture, and live a life of “love your neighbor as yourself”.

Today, there are still tens of thousands of Christians whose lives have been changed by the gospel, bearing the same testimony with their actions. Whether it is an American Christian doctor who went to Africa to rescue the Ebola virus epidemic or a Chinese Christian teacher who went to Miaozhai, Guizhou to teach and help minority children, they all uphold the same spirit as the missionaries, and they have witnessed Christ together. The power of the gospel to transcend racism.

Yes, each of us can be a racist. On our own, we not only cannot overcome racism, but we are not even aware of its existence. But the Gospel of Christ can reverse our values, subvert our inner self-righteousness and pride, and give us new life, making us not only free from the racist virus but also able to transcend racial barriers and care for people of different races, to Christians who evangelized them.

生命福音[130]…

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「他们应许人得以自由，自己却作败坏的奴仆，因为人被谁制伏就是谁的奴仆。」【彼后2: 19】

基督徒没有不听命于主得自由；人若不受主的管辖，必作败坏的奴仆；人若甘作基督的奴仆，反得真自由。人若作了败坏的奴仆，作恶或行善均由不得自己，罪捆梆人不能不作，人想作却作不得，结局乃是沦亡。

人若修剪罪恶的树枝，而保留腐败的树根，仍然没有用。人若清理溪流， 而泉源仍旧污秽，也是没有用。要让你悔改的斧头和大卫的一样，直砍到罪恶之根！ 

罪能使灵魂的每一个轮子都歪曲了，使这本来是圣洁的居所，变成一个充满罪孽的地狱。这罪污秽并扭曲了人所有的肢体，使它们成为行不义的器具和罪的奴仆；这罪用属肉体和腐败的计划充满人的思想，使得手充满邪恶的方法，眼睛充满迷失和堕落，舌头充满致命的毒药！

这罪使得耳朵向谎言、恭维、和脏话开启，反而向得生命的教训关闭。这罪让人的心成为一切致命的思想，被咒诅的来源。当心里一直不断地流出它的邪恶，就像泉源流出水 来，也像翻腾的海涌出污秽和淤泥一般。

科学家们发现，当人们在进行一些让他们感到愉悦和享受的活动时，大脑就会分泌一种让人感觉良好的化学成分（如多巴胺），这些化学成分会给当事人带来情绪上的快感。

然而这种快感并不会维持太久，于是为了再度获得这种快感，人就会继续追求那使他愉悦的物质（如酒精）或是活动（如赌博）。很快地，这人就会被这物质或活动所辖制，身不由己。从前，人们以为只有直接对大脑产生化学反应的物质，如毒品、酒精和尼古丁，才会使人上瘾，现在研究发现，行为习惯也会使人上瘾。当我们了解人们是如何经历学习、记忆并享受愉悦的历程，便可以更容易理解这个变化过程。

人已经上瘾的罪。人就要细查它一切的伤害，提醒自己，神对这罪的威胁。就要悔改！要 把成群的罪恶都赶走，但要特别把箭射向你心里最深的罪！要专门治死这个罪！人要努力让这罪成为自己最厌恶的罪，并要加强努力和决心攻退这个罪，不做罪的奴仆，在基督里做个自由人。感谢神 ! 奉主蒙恩 ! 阿们 ! 

每日活灵(245)…

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「他们心地昏昧，与神所赐的生命隔绝了，都因自己无知，心里刚硬；」【弗4: 18】

信徒与世人有不同的生命和生活境界，彼此的行为规范也不一样。不尽本分而妄想享受权利，不种而想收获，不切实际的空想等，都不是信徒所当有的存心和行事表现。

人的堕落、败坏，乃始自里面的昏花；所以我们里头若不明亮，就当留意，因为这就是开始堕落的信号。从一个人生活的表现，就可以看出他属灵生命长大到甚么程度。

人的心地麻木、顽梗、固执，表明他是被神弃绝的；这种人得罪神，却不怕祂的审判，仍是我行我素，毫无忧虑地过着取悦自己的生活。

这种隔绝的一个原因，乃是‘那在他们里面的无知’。无知在这里的意思是，不仅缺乏知识，也拒绝知道。堕落的人因着心里的刚硬，不以认识神为美。故此，他们的悟性昏暗，不认识神。

不信的人不认识神或属灵的事；不仅如此，他们也不愿意认识。何等的怜悯，我们不仅有正确的认识，也渴望认识！我们里面渴望认识神，认识生命，并认识属灵的事，这是莫大的祝福。我们得救以前，没有这种渴望。我们像外邦人一样，缺少认识，也不愿意认识。

但如今我们饥渴要认识神。我们越能认识祂和神圣的生命越好。任何不寻求认识主的基督徒，不会快乐或满足。寻求主，并寻求认识生命和属神的事，是最大快乐的来源。这就是我们在教会聚会中这样快乐的原因。奉主蒙恩! 阿们!    

见证篇170.崇拜…

上帝说：“除了我以外，你不可有别的神。”出20：3

君主说：“难道耶和华能救耶路撒冷脱离我的手吗？”王下18：35

信心说：“顺从神，不顺从人，是应当的。”徒5：29

圣经明言：“我们知道我们是属神的，全世界都卧在那恶者手下；我们也知道神的儿子已经来到，且将智慧赐给我们，使我们认识那位真实的，我们也在那位真实的里面，就是在他儿子耶稣基督里面。这是真神，也是永生。小子们哪，你们要自守，远避偶像。”约壹5：19-21

这里清楚告诉我们以下几点：
1、基督徒被世界分别为圣。至高主权在神，不在地上君王。“彼得、约翰说：听从你们，不听从神，这在神面前合理不合理，你们自己酌量吧！我们所看见、所听见的，不能不说。”徒4：19-20

2、有属灵的争战正在发生，直到基督耶稣的再来。我们蒙召得以在主的里面，并参与这场激烈的战争。“要穿戴神所赐的全副军装，就能抵挡魔鬼的诡计。因我们并不是与属血气的争战，乃是与那些执政的、掌权的、管辖这幽暗世界的，以及天空属灵气的恶魔争战。”弗6：11-12

3、这场战争将以强推偶像崇拜与拒绝偶像崇拜为主战场。看起来优势都在世界之王的手下，不过信心却说：事实恰恰相反。主耶稣宣告：“这世界的王将到，他在我里面是毫无所有天上地下所有的权柄都赐给我了。”约14：30，太28：18

4、认识真神，就能得胜。得胜的关键点在于要谨慎自守，远避偶像。
圣经语境中的偶像是什么？就是所有被人为高举试图代替上帝的人、事、物。

偶像不仅是泥雕木塑的异教造像，还会是帝国的君王，自家的孩子，个人的爱好，金钱权力，文学艺术，明星大家等。一切导致会膜拜、继而替代上帝尊荣的东西，都有可能成为偶像。

其背后有黑暗的势力，就是管辖幽暗世界、天空属灵气的恶魔。那恶者会操纵人，所有没有重生的人都在其权势之下。人们既像行尸走肉，又如残暴诡诈的豺狼。不管是平民百姓，还是君王元首，都是如此。“你们死在过犯罪恶之中，他叫你们活过来。那时，你们在其中行事为人，随从今世的风俗，顺从空中掌权者的首领，就是现今在悖逆之子心中运行的邪灵。我们从前也都在他们中间，放纵肉体的私欲，随着肉体和心中所喜好的去行，本为可怒之子，和别人一样。”弗2：1-3

其他的偶像往往是诱惑欺骗，唯独帝国的暴君会用赤裸裸的强逼手段。于是，宗教就会妥协，高举君王为神灵。清代僧侣就阿谀奉承清高宗是菩萨。人都有虚荣心，身居高位者更有膨胀的骄傲，所以听了就很高兴，予以赏赐和特殊的地位。

真信仰知道惟有上帝是良善的，人心比万物都诡诈，人无法救自己脱离罪。高举人等于在害人，吹捧君王事实是在捧杀。

可惜，自古忠言逆耳，真话都是扎心又冒犯了骄傲。所以，通常的情况就是黑暗拒绝光明。和平时人们会诋毁说福音狭隘偏激，逼迫时就威胁以监牢酷刑甚至死亡。这是寻常之事，主早就告诉我们：“世人若恨你们，你们知道恨你们以先，已经恨我了。你们若属世界，世界必爱属自己的；只因你们不属世界，乃是我从世界中拣选了你们，所以世界就恨你们。你们要记念我从前对你们所说的话：‘仆人不能大于主人。’他们若逼迫了我，也要逼迫你们；若遵守了我的话，也要遵守你们的话。”约14：18-20

到底谁是神？

神是万有造物主，永在的全能者；是一切美善与智慧的源头，是世界的光，是慈悲的救世主。我们所信靠的是独一的真神上帝，是亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各的神，就是信实的神。他的名为奇妙、策士、全能的神、永在的父、和平的君。

若有人说自己是全能、绝对正确、能带给人类幸福、无所不知，那不是精神疾病患者，就是暴 君。前者要怜悯，予以恰当医治；后者也要怜悯，同时拒绝膜拜。那样，等于有人要自杀，你就送上一大杯毒药。害了对方，也在其死上有份。暴君也是人，也是脆弱、渺小、内心充满孤独、恐惧的人。他们被身边的人不断欺骗，同时也伸手作恶。我们不应该恨朝鲜的金家君王，而是要怜悯他，并为他祷告。

主说：“为义受逼迫的人有福了，因为天国是他们的。人若因我辱骂你们，逼迫你们，捏造各样坏话毁谤你们，你们就有福了。应当欢喜快乐，因为你们在天上的赏赐是大的。在你们以前的先知，人也是这样逼迫他们。“太5：10-12

因为出于不知道，所以君王会失控，强逼基督徒膜拜自己。先是在文化、教育上引导洗脑，然后用利益诱惑牵引，第三步是打压威胁、以便内部分化，最后就是赤裸裸地逼迫残害。那时也就是企图从肉体消灭，在精神上摧毁。他们这么做，等于用脚踢刺，当然是难的。

人若要动以色列民或者神的儿女，就是要动神眼中的瞳人，就是在直接与神为敌。“这正是神公义判断的明证，叫你们可算配得神的国，你们就是为这国受苦。神既是公义的，就必将患难报应那加患难给你们的人。”帖后1：5-6

撒旦从起初是要杀人的，面对神的儿女，会像吼叫的狮子那样凶残。因为它掌握地上的强大资源，其中包括政权，又能杀害人的性命，所以威胁是真实的，逼迫也是残酷而漫长。但我们要知道：“主是信实的，要坚固你们，保护你们脱离那恶者。”帖后2：3

2500多年前当时世界上的超级大国 – 巴比伦帝国的君王因为内心的骄傲，也为了巩固政权在平原造一尊巨大的金像，命令所有的人都在规定时间拜金像。为了显示权威，下旨意谁不拜金像就要被扔进烈火窑中烧死。三位幼年即被掳巴比伦的犹太人拒绝拜金像。尼布甲尼撒王感到非常丢面子，但因喜欢这三个年轻人，就给他们一个机会，只要不是故意不拜就不用被处死，但现在得拜金像，否则后果自负。

这三个至高神忠心的仆人信心坚定，刚强壮胆，毫无惧怕。“沙得拉、米煞、亚伯尼歌对王说：尼布甲尼撒啊，这件事我们不必回答你。即便如此，我们所侍奉的神，能将我们从烈火的窑中救出来。王啊，他也必救我们脱离你的手；即或不然，王啊，你当知道我们决不侍奉你的神，也不敬拜你所立的金像！”但3：16-18

他们认为在不拜偶像的事上没有商量的余地，因为这样性质的事上绝不能妥协。他们相信神能有能力保守自己不死，脱离险境。最令人感动的是，他们敬畏神、愿意顺服神的主权。即便神要接他们马上回天家，也愿意顺服。当然，离世与主同在，是好得无比的。这里的“即或不然”真是伟大的宣告，令撒旦势力颤抖惊惧。

因为有言在先，所以王只好下令把这三位信心的伟人扔进烈火窑中。奇妙的是他们在烈火中经历到主的同在，毫发无损。这神迹是荣美的见证，令王大为震惊。于是，“尼布甲尼撒说：沙得拉、米煞、亚伯尼歌的神是应当称颂的。他差遣使者救护倚靠他的仆人，他们不遵王命，舍去己身，在他们神以外不肯侍奉敬拜别神。现在我降旨，无论何方、何国、何族的人，谤渎沙得拉、米煞、亚伯尼歌之神的，必被凌迟，他的房屋必成粪堆，因为没有别神能这样施行拯救。”但3：28-29

我们可以看到信奉异教神灵的巴比伦王亲自为神来做见证，何等奇妙。但以理和他的三个朋友除神以外一无惧怕，也一无所爱，他们只敬拜真神上帝。这样美好的心志值得我们效法，如此美好的见证应该传扬。

日光之下，并无新事。

王朝一直有更替，帝王不断在轮换。人心古今不改变，逼迫从来不罕见。崇拜领袖，看似不要紧，是一种文化，是不得已的”临庙门屈身”。其实是东方式的拜偶像。因为人们会喊万岁，天天学习其思想，认为领袖绝对正确，不容置疑。并疯狂打击拒绝崇拜、保留独 立自 由思想的人。这是弯曲悖谬之世代必有的社会现象，不足为奇。

基督徒要顺服在上有权柄的，这顺服体现在承认其权柄由神而来，恭敬对待不谋推翻苛政，尽公民本分上税纳粮，而不是把领袖当偶像在拜。那样就是在随伙作恶，也是在敌挡神。神是轻慢不得的，那杀身体不能灭灵魂，根本无须怕他。惟有神配得一切的敬拜与赞美，卑微的人性则需要被提醒与规劝。做好准备，拒绝拜一切有形无形的偶像。

主说：“我差你们去，如同羊进入狼群，所以你们要灵巧像蛇，驯良像鸽子。你们要防备人，因为他们要把你们交给公会，也要在会堂里鞭打你们；并且你们要为我的缘故被送到诸侯君王面前，对他们和外邦人作见证。你们被交的时候，不要思虑怎样说话，或说什么话。到那时候，必赐给你们当说的话，因为不是你们自己说的，乃是你们父的灵在你们里头说的。”太10：16-20

Testimony…

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Worshiping leaders is worshiping idols

Worshiping leaders is worshiping idols You shall have no other gods.” Exodus 20:3 

The king said, “Can the LORD deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?” 2 Kings 18:35 

Faith said, “It is right to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29 

The Bible clearly states: “We know that we belong to God and that the whole world lies in the hand of the evil one; and we also know that the Son of God has come and has given us wisdom so that we may know the true One, and we are also in him who is true, that is, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:19-21 tells us clearly here The following points: 

1. Christians are separated as holy by the world. Sovereignty rests with God, not earthly kings. “Peter and John said: Listening to you instead of God, whether it is reasonable or not before God, you should decide for yourselves! What we have seen and heard, we must say.” Acts 4:19-20

2. Spiritual The battle is going on until the return of Christ Jesus. We are called to be in the Lord and to engage in this fierce battle. “Put on the whole armor of God, and you will be able to resist the wiles of the devil. For we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, powers, rulers of this dark world, and spiritual demons in the heavenly places. ’” Ephesians 6:11-12

3. This war will focus on forcing idolatry and rejecting idolatry. It seems that the advantages are in the hands of the king of the world, but confidence says: the opposite is true. The Lord Jesus declared: “The prince of this world is coming, and he has nothing in me. all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” John 14:30, Matthew 28:18 

4. If you know the true God, you will be able to overcome. The key to victory is to be careful and self-controlled, avoiding idols.

What are idols in a biblical context? It is all the people, things, and things that are artificially exalted and try to replace God.

Idols are not only pagan clay sculptures and wood sculptures, but also emperors of the empire, their own children, personal hobbies, money and power, literature and art, celebrities, etc. Everything that leads to worship and then replaces the honor of God may become an idol.

Behind it is the power of darkness, the demon who rules the dark world, and the spiritual energy of the sky. The evil one is manipulative, and all the unregenerate are under his power. People are not only like the walking dead but also like cruel and treacherous wolves. This is true whether it is the common people or the king and head of state. “You were dead in trespasses and sins, and He made you alive. Then you walked in it after the course of this world, after the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience. We once And among them they all indulged the lusts of the flesh, following the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the rest.” Ephesians 2:1-3

Other idols are often temptations and deceptions, but in empires alone, The tyrant will use naked coercion. Therefore, religion will compromise and exalt the king as a god. The monks in the Qing Dynasty flattered Emperor Gaozong of the Qing Dynasty as a Bodhisattva. Everyone has vanity, and those in high positions have even more inflated pride, so they are very happy when they hear it, and they are rewarded and given a special status.

True faith knows that only God is good, the human heart is deceitful above all things, and man cannot save himself from sin. Exalting people is tantamount to harming others, and touting the king is actually killing people.

It’s a pity that since ancient times, loyal words have been harsh to the ears, and the truth has always pierced the heart and offended pride. So, it is often the case that darkness rejects light. In peacetime, people will slander and say that the Gospel is narrow and extreme, and in times of persecution, they threaten prison, torture, or even death. This is a common thing. The Lord told us long ago: “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world will love what belongs to itself; because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, and therefore the world hates you. Remember what I said to you before: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if you keep my word, Keep your word.” John 14:18-20

Who is God?

God is the Creator of all things, the everlasting Almighty; the source of all goodness and wisdom, the light of the world, and the merciful Savior. What we believe in is the only true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of faithfulness. His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

If someone says that he is omnipotent, infallible, able to bring happiness to mankind, and omniscient, he is either a mentally ill patient or a tyrant. The former wants mercy and gives proper healing; the latter wants mercy and at the same time refuses to worship. In that way, if someone is about to commit suicide, you will send a large cup of poison. If he harmed the other party, he also had a part in his death. A tyrant is also a human being, fragile, small, lonely, and fearful. They are constantly deceived by the people around them, and at the same time they stretch out their hands to do evil. Instead of hating King Kim of Joseon, we should pity him and pray for him.

The Lord said: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and fabricate all kinds of evil things against you because of me. Rejoice and be happy, because you are in heaven. The reward is great. The prophets before you were persecuted in the same way.” Matthew 5:10-12

Because of ignorance, kings would lose control and force Christians to worship themselves. The first step is to guide brainwashing in terms of culture and education, and then use profit to lure and lead, the third step is to suppress threats to facilitate internal division, and finally, it is to persecute and persecute. At that time, it is an attempt to destroy physically and destroy spiritually. What they do is like kicking a thorn with their feet, which is of course difficult.

If people want to touch the people of Israel or the children of God, they want to touch the pupil of God’s eyes, and they are directly opposing God. “This is a clear proof of God’s righteous judgment, so that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you have suffered. Since God is just, He will repay tribulation to those who afflict you.” 2 Thessalonians 1: 5-6

Satan is a murderer from the beginning, facing the children of God, he will be as ferocious as a roaring lion. Because it has powerful resources on earth, including political power, and can kill people, the threat is real, and the persecution is cruel and long-lasting. But we need to know: “The Lord is faithful and will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3 More than 2,500 years ago, the king of the Babylonian Empire, the superpower in the world at that time, was out of pride in his heart and for the sake

of Consolidate the regime and build a huge golden statue on the plain, ordering all people to worship the golden statue at the specified time. In order to show authority, it was decreed that whoever does not worship the golden statue will be thrown into the fiery kiln and burned to death. Three Jews who were captives in Babylon as children refused to worship the golden statue. King Nebuchadnezzar felt very ashamed, but because he liked the three young men, he gave them a chance, as long as they did not worship on purpose, they would not be executed, but now they had to worship the golden statue, or they would bear the consequences.

These three faithful servants of the Highest God were firm in their faith, strong and courageous, without fear. “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego said to the king, Nebuchadnezzar, we need not answer you in this matter. Even so, the God we serve can deliver us from the fiery furnace. He will deliver us from your hand, O king; and if not, know that we will not serve your God, nor worship your golden image!” Dan 3:16-18

It is believed that there is no room for negotiation on the matter of not worshiping idols because there must be no compromise on matters of this nature. They believe that God has the power to keep them from dying and out of danger. The most touching thing is that they fear God and are willing to submit to His sovereignty. Even if God wants to take them back to their heavenly home immediately, they are willing to obey. Of course, it is far better to die and be with the Lord. The “if not” here is a great statement that makes Satanic powers tremble and fear.

Because the words had come first, the king had no choice but to order these three great men of faith to be thrown into the fiery furnace. The amazing thing is that they experienced the presence of the Lord in the fire without any damage. This miracle was a testimony of splendor and beauty, and it astonished the king greatly. Then, “Nebuchadnezzar said, Blessed, be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who sent his messengers to save his servants who trusted in him, who disobeyed the king’s command and gave themselves up, in the presence of their gods. He refused to serve or worship other gods. Now I decree that no matter where, what country, or what kind of people, whoever slanders the gods of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he will be cut down, and his house will be destroyed. become a dung heap, because no other god can save like this.” But in 3:28-29

we can see how wonderful it is that the king of Babylon, who believed in pagan gods, came to testify for God himself. Daniel and his three friends had no fear and love for nothing but God, and they worshiped only the true God. Such a beautiful aspiration is worthy of our imitation, and such a beautiful testimony should be spread.

There is nothing new under the sun.

Dynasties have been changing, and emperors are constantly rotating. People’s hearts have never changed, and persecution has never been uncommon. Worshiping leaders, seemingly unimportant, is a kind of culture, and it is a last resort to “bow at the temple gate”. In fact, it is idolatry in the Eastern style. Because people will shout Long live, learn his thoughts every day, and think that the leader is absolutely right and unquestionable. And frenziedly crack down on those who refuse to worship and retain independent and free thinking. This is an inevitable social phenomenon in a crooked and perverted generation, and it is not surprising.

Christians must submit to those in authority. This obedience is reflected in acknowledging that their authority comes from God, treating them with respect and not seeking to overthrow a tyrannical government, and fulfilling their civic duties by paying taxes and paying taxes, rather than worshiping leaders as idols. To do so is to follow others in doing evil, and to oppose God. God cannot be underestimated. If killing the body cannot destroy the soul, there is no need to be afraid of him. Only God deserves all worship and praise, while humble humanity needs to be reminded and advised. Get ready and refuse to worship all visible and invisible idols.

The Lord said, “I am sending you as sheep among wolves; therefore be as wise as serpents, and as gentle as doves. Beware of men, for they will hand you over to the Sanhedrin and scourge you in their synagogues; and you You will be sent before princes and kings for my sake, to be a witness to them and to the Gentiles. When you are handed over, do not worry about how you will speak, or what words to say. At that time, you will be given what you have to say, because it is not What you speak yourselves, it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” Matthew 10:16-20

见证篇169.信仰…

几天前，美国德州大学奥斯汀校园的教授，97岁的约翰.古德诺夫（John B. Goodenough）成为2019年诺贝尔化学奖的三个得主之一。古德诺夫是可充电锂电池之父，是历史上最年长的诺贝尔获奖者。 当今世界，几乎所有便携式电子产品（如电动工具，医疗设备，智能手机，笔记本电脑等），都依赖轻巧可充电的锂电池。 可以说，古德诺夫发明的可充电锂电池，开启了便携式电子产品的新时代。

古德诺夫是科学界的异数和奇迹。 爱因斯坦曾说：“如果一个人在三十岁之前还没对科学做出巨大贡献，这个人就没希望了。” 而古德诺夫，54岁转去牛津大学工作后，才开始转向研究电池。在他64岁，快被牛津大学强制退休时，又转去德州大学，才得以继续他的科研工作。在德州大学，他一干又是三十多年。古德诺夫至今还在工作！直到3年前94岁时，他仍然每天早上8点之前到达实验室，跟他的研究生和博士后一起，研究新电池新能源。

古德诺夫是一位公开的基督徒，在大环境敌对基督信仰的学术界，他毫不隐讳自己的基督信仰。 他的实验室里挂着一大幅“（耶稣）最后的晚餐”的挂毯，他的办公室里摆放着许多与基督信仰相关的饰物。约10年前，他还写了一本85页的自传《见证（上帝的）恩典》 （Witness to Grace），讲述上帝如何带领他的人生，包括他的童年，他参加二战，他去芝加哥大学转学物理，他又转向研究电池，等等。

古德诺夫是家中的老二，小时候，他父母的夫妻关系恶劣。他的母亲对他冷漠，使他感受不到母爱。他从小还有严重的阅读障碍，敏感且焦虑。12岁去格罗顿（Groton）基督教住读学校后，古德诺夫跟母亲的关系更加疏远，几乎没有联系。在格罗顿学校，他经历上帝，并且明白“上帝就是爱。” 他说：“这是我第一次经历这种爱，我差点跳下床，我感到非常兴奋。”

这种被上帝的大爱环绕的认知，一直伴随古德诺夫八十多年，这是他从事研发工作的根基。 古德诺夫说，利用自己的恩赐，以及与同事们一起研发创新，以保护地球并改善人类的生活，是他爱上帝及爱邻舍（圣经的大诫命）的一种表达方式。

科学追求与基督信仰之间的关联，对于古德诺夫，是显而易见的。他说：“如果你相信有一位创物主，你应该通过欣赏祂的创造物，来表达对创物主的敬仰。科学家通过研究我们居住的星球及其运作，来表达对受造之物的欣赏，并用他们的发现服务人类。”

在上帝面前，古德诺夫有一颗柔和谦卑敏感的心，所以，他才能用心灵的眼睛，看清楚上帝，人，与其它受造物三者之间的关系， 就像早期开创科学先河的基督徒科学巨人们一样。这些基督徒巨人有如牛顿，帕斯卡，波义尔， 开普勒， 哥白尼， 法拉第，焦耳，麦克斯韦，伽利略，普朗克，道尔顿，巴斯德，孟德尔，爱迪生，等等。 牛顿说：“如果没有其它证据，单单拇指，就会让我相信上帝的存在。”

古德诺夫和牛顿的见证，印证了圣经的教导：“上帝的事情，人所能知道的，原显明在人心里，因为神已经给他们显明。自从造天地以来，神的永能和神性是明明可知的，虽是眼不能见，但藉着所造之物就可以晓得，叫人无可推诿。”（罗1:19-20）

神所赐出人意外的平安，必在基督-鹿鸣
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/RNTo79IWDiKo9Vy5hpoJtw

“锂电池之父”古迪纳夫获诺奖。他童年深受阅读障碍和父母关系困扰，大学屡屡更换专业，硕士入学考了两次，54岁才确定研究方向。“难道一切都是偶然？为什么这些完全改变了我的生命？对我来说，所有意外都是上帝之爱的表现。”他毕生追求的，其实是与神同行。

10月9日，被人亲切地称为“足够好”老爷爷的约翰·古迪纳夫获得了诺贝尔化学奖。获奖后，他的传奇人生迅速在华人圈里广为传播。

老爷子小时候曾为阅读障碍困扰，童年父母关系紧张，大学期间屡屡改换专业，入学时主修古典文学，中间转到哲学系，为了凑学分学了两门化学，最后拿的却是数学学士学位；研究生考试考了两次才被录取。直到54岁才开始进军电池领域，被称为“锂电池之父”。至今97岁的他仍奋斗在科研一线，直到日前与另外两位该领域的专家一同获得诺贝尔化学奖。今天，我们所用的手机、电脑、相机以及电动汽车越来越轻便安全，很大程度上要归功于他。

在接受媒体采访时他说：“我好像应该很高兴，但我这样的年纪对这些已经无所谓了；我每天会去实验室，不然退休等死吗？我才不会那么做。”

很多人将古迪纳夫当作最新版大器晚成的励志榜样。不过，他本人如何看待自己的人生呢？在一本十年前出版的自传中，古迪纳夫将自己的一生看作是“对恩典的见证”（Witness to Grace）。

那个躲在角落哭泣的孩子
古迪纳夫的祖父是一位虔诚的基督徒，父亲曾受祖父影响修读神学，准备在教会服侍。不过，当父亲进入哈佛神学院读书时，受到当时自由派神学的影响，当他跟随学术圈子去“发现历史中的基督”，却直接导致了信仰的动摇。后来，父亲更是接受了弗洛伊德的理论，认为信仰只不过是人的心理投影，日渐远离信仰，虽然他曾在哈佛神学院任教。

古迪纳夫于1922年出生，是家里的第二个男孩，哥哥大他三岁。童年的古迪纳夫最大的乐趣就是在家附近的草地和树林中探险。但父母的紧张关系带给他很大困扰。他们的婚姻像是一场灾难，不过因为那时离婚还不那么流行，父母的婚姻像一艘破船一样，将就着前行。

可能受此影响，小古迪纳夫感到极度缺乏安全感。一到晚上，当他一个人躺在床上，就开始担心自己会被父母遗弃。有时，他听见窗外火车呼啸而过，就悄悄走下床去父母卧室确认他们是否还在。有一次，爸爸妈妈开车离开以后，古迪纳夫无比确信自己已经被遗弃了，于是一个人坐在角落里抽泣，直到父母回来。那是他最接近精神崩溃的一次经历。

从七岁开始，他被阅读障碍困扰。他机械式的阅读无法理解文字的意思，这个问题一直持续到大学。

1934年，12岁的古迪纳夫进入寄宿制的格罗顿学校读书。校园中心附近有一座小教堂，由洛克菲勒出资建造，它是学校活动的中心。每周日，学生们都穿着蓝色校服参加早晚两次敬拜。古迪纳夫被选入了诗班，这让他十分惊讶。因为他从小就自认为五音不全，就连哥哥也讽刺他说，“你必须唱吗？”在诗班的经历却让古迪纳夫感到特别开心。

格罗顿中学的教堂：猎犬背后，改变一生的觉醒

在诗班唱歌使古迪纳夫开始了解基督信仰。尽管他的家族有信仰的传统，但他对基督教的了解极其贫乏。他发现校长每天早餐前很早就来为学校祷告，他常常听到校长祷告说：“哦，主啊，帮助我们，让我们尊贵地活着，并且为了别人的益处而活。”

到了第三个学年，古迪纳夫注意到学校的祷告手册里有一些他不能理解的东西。上面写着利19: 2 “你们要圣洁，因为我耶和华——你们的神是圣洁的。”他查词典，想要弄清“圣洁”的意思，但词典里没有一个令他满意的答案。“圣洁一定不仅仅是遵守律法而已！我意识到圣洁是一个无法被定义的词汇；圣洁肯定是一种经历。我也同时意识到，如果没有这种经历，无论是圣经故事还是敬拜仪式都和我隔着一层帕子。”

那一年，他读到了摩西的故事。摩西看到荆棘焚而不毁。“这幅图景并没有令我震惊，因为夕阳落山时有可能会造成荆棘被焚烧的错觉。真正让我惊讶的是摩西问上帝的名字时所得到的回答：‘我是自有永有的；那自有永有的打发我到你们这里这里来’。这句话冲击着我的想象力，我感觉这似乎是一把揭开我疑惑的钥匙。”古迪纳夫决定受洗，他希望通过受洗彻底揭开遮蔽着他理性的帕子。

受洗虽然让他加入了一个群体，但他感觉自己依然是个门外汉。于是他又想，或许等领了圣餐之后我就能明白了吧。“结果我的困惑还是没能解决。一定有什么东西被我忽略了！”古迪纳夫说。

第五个学年，古迪纳夫上了一门英文诗歌鉴赏课，这对阅读障碍的他挑战蛮大。他认为学会读诗唯一的途径就是试着自己写诗，而在他写诗的过程中，他终于理解了比喻的手法。二月的一天，老师布置的作业是“天堂猎犬”，这是一首关于作者如何被上帝的爱征服的诗。复活节假期，古迪纳夫和父亲讨论信仰的话题。当时在耶鲁大学担任宗教历史学教授的父亲告诉他，人类普遍都有一种宗教诉求，又给他看古人所画的各种神明的形象。

或许是父亲给他上的这堂专业课的刺激，虽然没能减少他心中的困惑，那天晚上，他却作了一个梦，梦里那些白天所见过的图像一一在眼前闪过，每一副图像出现的时候，他都大声说：“这不是上帝。”最后，一只猎犬的头出现在他眼前。古迪纳夫依然说，“这不是上帝。”忽然猎犬露出笑容，笑容背后发出有一道温柔的光。古迪纳夫在梦中喊道：“上帝就是爱！”他激动地从梦中醒来，跳着从床上下来，内心充满喜乐。

第二天早晨，古迪纳夫将自己的梦告诉父亲，父亲却劝不要把它看得太重要。父亲完全不了解这个梦对古迪纳夫的意义，“这是改变我人生的觉醒。”古迪纳夫回忆说。

回到学校以后，校长注意到古迪纳夫心里的变化。有一天，校长建议他去读神学，服侍教会。但古迪纳夫说他要以一个平信徒的身份传福音。实际上他内心还是害怕公开讲话，他觉得自己无法成为一个好的传道人，自己还不配代表耶稣。当时的他还不明白恩典的大能足以使他成为一个新造的人。

虽然阅读障碍和不安全感的问题并没有消失，但格罗顿学校的学习和生活总体上令古迪纳夫满意。他的成绩也在不断进步，从B到A，再到A+，最终他以优等成绩毕业。

站在物理学门外的气象预测员

在格罗顿中学的最后一年，爸爸终于决定和妈妈分开，与他的研究助手开始另一段婚姻。新妈妈不接纳他，他决定不再接受父母的钱，手拿35美元离开家进入耶鲁大学。大学生活虽然拮据，好在他靠着给富家子弟做家教熬了过来。

生活困难并非他在耶鲁遭遇的最大挑战。古迪纳夫相信有一种普遍的道德准则支配着人类的行为，正如物质世界有普遍存在的规律一样。但耶鲁的哲学教授却教导一切道德和美学判断都是相对的。教授们言之凿凿，却从来不怀疑自己的说法同样也是相对的。

“我们对圣洁的观念是武断的还是人性所固有的呢？我们是不是要上战场与希特勒和东条英机打仗呢？是否要与斯大林的野蛮行径对抗？尽管不同的人忠于不同的理念，但我们必须要在这些极端处境中选择优先服从的原则。可悲的是，我们经常屈从于即时的个人利益，让一些短暂之事诱惑我们偏离最终目标，结果往往是灾难性的。”古迪纳夫开始思考人生的方向。

他回忆说：“我开始明白，人生的意义并不是别人的认可，而是我们所服侍对象的重要性。我们是以自己、家庭、民族还是国家为最高的服侍对象？我想找到自己的呼召，或许它在科学领域吧。大学二年级，我决定攻读科学哲学。”

没有找到呼召的人生是容易摇摆的。这从古迪纳夫在耶鲁求学的经历可见一斑。入学耶鲁时他主修古典文学，中间转到哲学，为了凑学分学了两门化学，最后拿的却是数学学士学位。

珍珠港事件爆发后，美国正式参战。古迪纳夫和同学们一起应召入伍，他接受了数学教授的建议，加入美国陆军航空队，担任气象预测员。1945年，欧洲战场的战争即将结束。一次在食堂吃饭时，古迪纳夫看见一位牧师低头谢饭，这个简单的动作将信仰的思考重新带到他面前。他觉得自己应该重新读圣经，让圣经对他说话。当时的环境不许可他有规律的读经，军旅的环境常常使他心有旁骛。

二战结束后，古迪纳夫已经是一名上尉。虽然他有机会留在部队从事气象工作，但古迪纳夫认为这不是他在和平年代的使命。1946年，他来到华盛顿，在从前的数学教授的帮助下，得到一个在芝加哥大学学习的机会。

从华盛顿去往芝加哥的路上，古迪纳夫忽然想起自己服役期间曾希望战后能读一读物理学，于是他当即决定进入芝大后要转去学习物理。在他注册的时候，一位教授却当头给他浇了一盆冷水，“在你这个年纪，那些物理巨匠们都已经荣誉等身了”。

艾琳后来成为他的妻子-勇敢者做出选择，懦弱者还在犹豫
作为一个物理小白，古迪纳夫的研究遇到很大瓶颈，研究生考试考了两遍才被录取。幸运的是，他的导师是“齐纳二极管”的发明者齐纳。导师对他说：“现在你面临两个问题：一是找到一个问题，二是把它解决掉。”这句话让他受益匪浅。

古迪纳夫的另一个问题是关于基督信仰的。他发现在信仰上给予他启蒙的父亲和格罗顿老校长的观念都有一些问题。老校长认为信仰主要关乎道德；父亲则用理性来批判一切宗教。古迪纳夫同样相信科学的方法，并通过科学方法寻找问题和解决问题，但他发现除了科学以外还存在另一个超乎理性的维度，人应该向这个维度保持开放的态度。

为此，古迪纳夫参加了学校里的一个基督徒青年小组。虽然小组成员彼此的关系融洽，不过或许因为大家教育背景类似，给人的感觉非常自大而局限，无助于真实的对话。古迪纳夫希望找到一个人既能本于圣经，又能帮助他发掘圣经文字背后的真正含义。

这个人真的出现了。1949年秋天，艾琳·怀斯曼（Irene Wiseman）来到芝加哥大学，她的父亲是一位牧师，艾琳继承了父亲的信仰。她既对文化保持敏感，又有对圣经的理解和洞察，是一个很有恩赐的老师。她知道如何聆听和对话，也总能让对话满有收获。

受到古迪纳夫的鼓励，艾琳组织了一个圣经学习小组。在小组里，古迪纳夫和另一位学法律的同学经常争论得不可开交。其他基督徒女孩常常坐在那里，静观这两人你一言我一语各逞机锋、互不相让。转眼1950年的春天已到，古迪纳夫和法学院的男生到了必须做决定的时候。法学生选择了退却，而古迪纳夫发现自己完全不再怀疑耶稣来使世界与神和好，不再拒绝公开承认：耶稣就是基督。

“一个天主教徒曾对我说，‘信仰是私人的事’。”古迪纳夫说，“不！信仰是个人的事，但我们被呼召将自己所看见的见证出来，使别人也能看见。当然，我们今天的理解仍然是模糊不清的，但我们仍然应该与人对话，开瞎子的眼睛、领被囚的出监牢，但首先我们自己要让圣灵光照我们。耶稣说‘若不藉着我，没有人能到父那里去’，如果我们看不见耶稣，就找不到去往天国的道路。”

一句诗歌在古迪纳夫的脑中回响：“决定的时刻已来临，勇敢者做出选择，懦弱者还在犹豫。”这句话自从他出现在格罗顿中学的教堂就开始经常在脑海中浮现，直到今天他终于公开承认他的信仰，委身于对基督的见证。

“我的儿子竟然成了该死的‘清教徒’”
当古迪纳夫将自己信主的消息告诉芝大的同学，大家的反应千奇百怪。有人居高临下不以为然，也有人觉得他是在理性自杀。另一位齐纳教授的学生则抓住古迪纳夫的信仰，在教授那里获得了竞争优势——因为在学术领域做基督徒，总是让人感觉靠不住。

当他将消息告诉妈妈，母亲火冒三丈。在教会出现、偶尔服务一下还可以接受，但像一个布道家一样要去作见证就让她感到非常尴尬了。父亲的态度则更失望，他直接对一位朋友说：“我真不明白，为什么我的一个儿子竟然成了该死的清教徒。”

尽管父母还是像古迪纳夫小时候一样给他的生活添堵，但他现在已经不再被他们困扰了。1950年，古迪纳夫迎来了人生中最幸福的时光，他与艾琳走进了婚姻殿堂。与此同时，他进入麻省理工学院林肯实验室，主攻固体磁性的相关研究，也就是后来的电脑内存。

不过，因为实验室接受空军的资助，当资助被削减，古迪纳夫的项目也不得不在1969年终止。他失业了。不过，正是这次失业使他将注意力转向能源材料，后来接受了牛津大学的邀请，走在了成为“锂电池之父”的路上。为了规避牛津的退休制度，64岁的古迪纳夫跳槽回美国，在德克萨斯大学继续从事研究工作。

在获得诺贝尔奖之后，他说：“现在我的团队正在努力让电池更安全和持久。我知道这是一个浮躁的社会，大家不希望东西可以用很久，但我喜欢做可以很持久的东西。”97岁的“足够好”先生依然每天去实验室工作，但他并不是一个以事业为偶像的工作狂，他很清楚科学的局限。

正如他在自传中写道的，“科学是一种能力，既能突破人类局限、改变命运，又能压制、威胁和毁灭人类。科学只能回答‘事物为什么是这样？’以及‘如何利用这些知识达成目标？’之类的问题，却不能帮助我们对人类的目标作道德评价。要做到这一点，我们需要另觅他途。”

古迪纳夫继续说：“‘人的目标’这个词汇本身就暗含一个前设，即我们的生命是有意义的。这一点是哲学家、艺术家和宗教信徒的基本前设。除此以外，他们还相信有一种固定和普遍的道德律维系着我们与自己、他人、自然界以及人类本性之间的关系，而且人可以理解这种道德律。”在他看来，人应该按照耶稣所说的寻找人生的意义。

古迪纳夫很有资格展示自己的理性和智商，但他诚实地承认：“我们的存在并不仅仅是大自然的结果，还有一个奥秘的起源，”骄傲的人是无法祷告的，因为他无法承认有一个高于他自己的存在。古迪纳夫是一位祷告的操练者，他说：“祷告就是承认有一位奥秘的存在，你可以称祂为父或生命的源头。祷告就是承认祂的主权，在社会和家庭生活中与祂同行。祷告的目的不是执行我们的旨意，而是使我们了解和实践上帝的旨意，以至于圣灵可以藉此改变我们自己和我们的文化。人生的最终意义其实就是与那位永存的上帝同行。”

人生只是一串巧合的叠加？
“当我回顾自己的人生，”这位年逾九十的老人说，“我无法不认为自己的人生是由一双看不见的手引导的。我小时候偷窃、撒谎、酗酒、赌博、自我放纵，我为什么认为这些是不好的呢？”父母虽然曾教导古迪纳夫举止合宜和诚实，但他不止一次看见自己的父亲在祖父来访的时候躲着偷偷抽烟。“我不相信自己童年时期的良知来自于家教，相反，我们对公平、公正、荣誉有一种与生俱来的感觉。”

一个从小深受阅读障碍困扰的孩子如何能以优异的成绩毕业，并最终获得诺贝尔奖？“这究竟是个偶然，还是上帝的恩典在背后的掌管？”古迪纳夫问道，“当我读到摩西的故事时，我莫名其妙地想要弄清楚‘圣洁’的意思；当我梦见猎犬的微笑时，我从中看见了上帝的爱，难道这一切都只是潜意识在作祟？若是如此，为什么这些经历竟然完全改变了我的生命？”

“为什么当我大学面临经济压力的时候，正好遇到了银行家皮博迪先生帮助我？为什么我这个以古典文学入门的学生在战后却走上了物理学的道路？为什么在我入伍的时候，恰巧数学教授建议我不要加入海军陆战队而去作气象兵？当我的数学教授知道对退伍军人有一个继续深造的计划时想起我来，真的只是一个偶然？遇见艾琳也只是一个意外吗？”古迪纳夫显然不把自己的人生看作一个又一个巧合的叠加，他也不希望当人们看见他登上诺贝尔奖领奖台时，仅仅把他当作一个鼓励孩子的励志故事，“对我来说，我人生中的所有意外都是上帝之爱的表现。”