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Why make more money?
Scripture: “But godliness and contentment are great gains, for we have not brought anything into the world, nor can we bring anything with us, but be content as long as we have food and clothing.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8A phenomenon, anxiety:A common anxiety among pastors in urban churches is that young brothers and sisters are so busy with their careers that they do not have the time or energy to pursue spirituality as Christians of previous generations did. It’s not that they don’t want to draw near to God and serve the Lord, but there are great challenges. It is necessary to face the high cost of living in big cities, as well as buying a house, getting married, raising children, supporting the elderly, and necessary personal expenses.
Seeing the huge gap between the real needs and the current economic situation, I was anxious in my heart and blurted out a voice: “I want to make money!” I’m going to make more money! This voice has been echoing in people’s hearts throughout history, “The world is bustling, all for profit; The world is crowded, all for the good. “The Chronicle”Up to now, when we go to university, study for a Ph.D., enter a large company and become civil servants, we have a clear goal, that is, to make more money, and we must get ahead. The moral integrity that the former scholar still adhered to has long been gone. Professor Qian said: “Some of our universities, including Peking University, are training some refined egoists. They are highly intelligent, worldly, sophisticated, good at acting, know how to cooperate, and are better at using the system to achieve their own goals. Although this statement is harsh, is it not true?Because of the penetration of secular culture and the brainwashing of utilitarianism, young people in the church value money too much and are busy with careers, which we can understand, but do not approve of. For it is clearly said, “Do not be anxious and say: What to eat? What to drink? What to wear? This is what the Gentiles want. Your heavenly Father knows all these things you need. Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and these things will be given to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has its own worries about tomorrow; One day of difficulty is enough. Matthew 6:31-34The meaning of the text is very clear, and to demand God’s kingdom and righteousness, you need to make the necessary choices. Either heaven or earth or on oneself or in God.Man’s natural choice is to rely on himself. In a way, this is true, because people need to do their part. The apostle also said, “When we were with you, we commanded you that if anyone refuses to work, he shall not eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10. But do we really need to know in whose hands lives are? Who decides the path of life? Are we seeking to have equivalent exchange goods or create ourselves (e.g. food, water, air, tall buildings, electronics, etc.)? If you really think carefully and have considerable life experience (that is, you have experienced suffering, faced the threat of death, been betrayed and hurt, etc.), I am afraid that life is really a void.So, at the end of the day, we still have to trust God Almighty, and Christians certainly believe that. The apostles tell us, “God created all nations from one (bloodline) and dwelled on all earth, and predetermined their years and the boundaries of their dwelling, so that they might seek God, or they might figure it out, but he is not far from each of us, and we care about him in our lives, actions, and existence.” Acts 17:26-28aOne game, one dream:If we only see our own needs and unknown fears (such as serious illness, accidents, etc.), it is not easy to see the God who provides for our needs; If Christians lose a heart of gratitude and praise, their spiritual condition is even more pitiful. It’s like falling into quicksand, the harder you struggle, the deeper you fall; Drinking to quench thirst, the disaster is not far away. When our main focus is on making more money, mammon (money) actually becomes our inner idol.The Lord said, “One man cannot serve two Lords. It’s either evil and love that, or it’s heavy on that and over that. You cannot serve God and Mammon at the same time. Matthew 6:24. What if you become Asia’s richest man? Isn’t it dead? “What good is it for a man to earn the whole world and lose his life? What else can people take in exchange for life? “Matthew 16:26. Life and death are big things, and we need to make the right choices.Of course, our young body will say, “I don’t want to be Li Ka-Shing or Bill Gates, I just want to start a family.” For basic needs, you have to work hard. Trust that Jesus will be considerate of me! ”This may seem reasonable, but there are three problems:1. Whether our current demands are what we really need. For example, do you have to buy an expensive house in Beishangguang? Do I have to send my child to a bilingual kindergarten? Is it that the status of not driving a luxury car is reduced?2. If we do our part, won’t God provide for all our needs? You know, there is a social law: the busy lose themselves, and the greedy eat themselves. Those who fear God are truly wise, and those who follow the Lord lack nothing. Wouldn’t it be a great loss if we succeed in our business but turn away from God? King David said, “Those who replace the Lord with other gods will increase their sorrows.” Psalm 16:4a, Aren’t blessings and curses all from the Lord? Deuteronomy 28. There are only a few ways for people to help others, but God can help us in countless ways. In fact, unbelief in God’s grace and power is a sin. “Since God has not spared his Son and laid down for all of us, has not he also given us all things freely with him?” Romans 8:323. What is effort? Does it count as not having the energy to read the Bible due to frequent overtime work, and traveling frequently so that you cannot attend meetings on Sundays? Are we considerate of the Lord’s heart in this matter? Is there a heart in the heart of Christ Jesus? In terms of merit, Nebuchadnezzar and Alexander the Great surpassed us mortals, but their efforts were worthless in God’s eyes. Yes, what else can a man do when he leaves the Lord? John 15:5b. If everything is done for the glory of God, it is truly worthwhile, otherwise, it is a waste of time.What if you don’t have much income? If we go to a prestigious school and get a master’s degree, but we don’t make a lot of money, will it be fatal? The answer, of course, is no. Is the fear of God necessarily impossible to make money? Again, the answer is no. Is a poor income necessarily unhappy? Common sense tells us, of course, not necessarily. Therefore, many times we are worried and troubled. Unwillingness to accept God’s leading, not believing in God’s blessings, and relying on oneself to grasp it often result in a void.Less money has many benefits:1. Avoid many temptations. Let us not underestimate the magic of money, for the rich young man thinks he keeps the law well. But one of the Lord’s commands revealed that there was greed in him. The Scripture says, “When he heard this, he was very troubled, for he was rich. Luke 18:23. So there is a famous prayer that says: “I ask you to do two things, before I die, do not fail to give me: keep falsehoods and lies away from me; So that I am neither poor nor rich, and give me the bread I need. I am afraid that I am full of confession to you, who is the Lord? I am afraid that I will steal when I am poor, and I will blaspheme the name of God. Prov. 30:7-92. It can help reduce the desire for your own flesh. Because human nature tends to be considerate of the flesh, we tend to spend too much energy and too much money on satisfying all kinds of luxuries. The city is called: or fashion or petty bourgeois or gold-collar life. If the family does not have a lot of savings and income, it can help us with fewer expenses. In that way, the joy of life increases a lot. Regal House is tired of the food, and the taste buds have been numb for a long time; One banana in the preacher’s house can bring a lot of warmth and gratitude to two people (the above is the real reference). Occasionally roasted braised pork is like the old rural New Year.3. Help us dig and discover higher-level enjoyment that doesn’t cost more money (the highest level of enjoyment is the opposite of what we originally thought, but it doesn’t cost more): such as running a library card to read good books, listen to good music, spend more time communicating with limbs, talk more with relatives, and accompany children to play games. Even if you buy something, you can have extra waiting time (saving), and the fun in it can be understood by non-rich people.4. You can concentrate your time and energy on worshiping and serving the Lord. In general, more income comes with greater responsibility and effort. Vice versa. If we do our part and don’t earn much, then what’s the harm? Wouldn’t it be more beautiful to spend more time reading the Bible and praying for meetings? The apostle said, “But what I thought was good for me before is now detrimental because of Christ.” Not only that, but I also treat all things as detrimental, for I am precious in knowing Christ Jesus of our Lord. I have cast away all things for him as dung, in order to receive Christ. Philippians 3:7-85. Can’t afford a house and car? It doesn’t matter, living like renting a house, walking is more healthy. The Bible says, “Be content if you have food and clothing,” not if you have food and clothing, a house, or a car. Am A. 6:8. Fancy that you have a house, a car, and money to marry you, most of them are a wrong choice. Brothers who do not have a house or a car, but who truly fear God and are willing to do their duty on earth, should be cherished by sisters. Modern people rush to achieve results, which often backfired. In marriage and family, the best choice is for the two to work together, slowly buy a house, experience life, and walk with the Lord.How to calm your heart?This is never an external problem, but a problem within ourselves. Abraham lived in a tent and Paul served God in the dungeon, but now we can’t serve the Lord without living in a big house? Conscience tells us otherwise.We recommend a few ways to have a “godly and contented heart”:1. Read the Bible more and let the Word renew our hearts and minds. It is to adjust our brainwashed worldview, values, and outlook on life. Romans 12:2. God’s Word has the power to revive dry bones and restore our strength. Ezekiel 37:1-142. Commit to the church and participate in more services. This can effectively help us reduce our natural desires.3. Actively donate. It is a willing donation beyond one-tenth of it. The apostle said, “It is true that he who sows less reaps less, and he who reaps more from many.” Everyone should do as his heart decides, and do not embarrass or force it, for those who give willingly are God’s favor. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. This is a very rewarding spiritual challenge that helps us deal with the greed within. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35b, this is true.4. Ask Christian friends and church pastors around us who pray with pure hearts to pray for their hearts, and ask the Lord to give us a contented and thankful heart.5. Cultivate beneficial and noble hobbies, such as reading good books, exercising, practicing words, learning musical instruments, cooking vegetables, learning more foreign languages, and telling stories to children. It can help us to increase our knowledge and do our part on Earth. And by walking for the Lord, one will be doubly blessed, that is, blessed on earth and rewarded when he sees the Lord.Having money is not a bad thing if it is entrusted by the Lord. But also imitate Christ, be generous to others, and gladly give alms; Be restrained and willing to live a simple life. If God doesn’t make us stewards of the church’s money, our hearts should be obedient. No matter how much money you have, you need to be grateful. Understand what is really important and choose the heavenly path.For the sake of the Lord, let us not be ashamed of poverty, but of unholiness. The Lord Jesus is calling us to lead us down the narrow path of the cross, and we need not align ourselves with the standards of the world.
“Therefore, if you are truly raised with Christ, ask for things above where Christ sits at the right hand of God. Mind the things above, not the things of the earth. Because you are dead, your lives are hidden in God with Christ. Col. 3:1-3
见证篇174.为什…
为什么要赚更多钱？
经文：“然而，敬虔加上知足的心便是大利了，因为我们没有带什么到世上来，也不能带什么去，只要有衣有食，就当知足。”提摩太前书6:6-8一个现象，一份焦虑：城市教会的牧者普遍存在一个焦虑，就是年轻的弟兄姊妹忙于事业，没时间没精力像以前世代的基督徒那样在属灵上渴慕追求。并非他们不愿意亲近神服事主，而确实是存在着巨大的挑战。就是需要面对大城市高昂的生活费，以及买房子，结婚，抚养小孩，赡养老人，必要的人情开支等。看到现实需要与自己经济现状之间的巨大差距，所以心中焦急，脱口而出一个声音：“我要赚钱！我要赚更多的钱！”这个声音历史上一直在回响人们的心头，“天下熙熙，皆为利来；天下攘攘，皆为利往。”《史记》到如今，我们考大学、考研读博、进大公司、当公务员，更是目标明确，就是赚更多的钱，一定要出人头地。以前士大夫尚持守的气节操守，早已荡然无存。钱理群教授说：“我们的一些大学，包括北京大学，正在培养一些精致的利己主义者。他们高智商，世俗，老到，善于表演，懂得配合，更善于利用体制达到自己的目的。”此话虽然刺耳，难道不是事实吗？因为深受世俗文化的渗透与功利主义的洗脑，教会里的年轻人过于看重金钱、忙于事业，我们可以理解，但并不赞成。因为经上明说：“不要忧虑说：吃什么？喝什么？穿什么？这都是外邦人所求的。你们需用的这一切东西，你们的天父是知道的。你们要先求他的国和他的义，这些东西都要加给你们了。所以，不要为明天忧虑，因为明天自有明天的忧虑；一天的难处一天当就够了。”太6:31-34经文的意思非常清楚，若要求神的国与义，就需要做出必要的选择。或属天或属地，或靠自己或倚靠神。人天然的选择是靠自己。从某种角度来说这是对的，因为人需要尽自己的本分。使徒也说：“我们在你们那里的时候，曾吩咐你们说，若有人不肯作工，就不可吃饭。”帖后3:10。但我们真的需要知道生命在谁手中？人生的道路是谁来决定的？我们追求拥有的究竟是等价交换物还是自己创造的（比如粮食、水、空气、高楼、电子产品等）？如果真的仔细思想过，并有相当的人生阅历（即经历过苦难、面对过死亡的威胁、受到过背叛与伤害等），恐怕就会说人生真是一场虚空。所以，说到底，我们还是要信靠万军之上帝，基督徒当然相信这一点。使徒告诉我们：“神从一本（血脉）造出万族的人，住在全地上，并且预先定准他们的年限和所住的疆界， 要叫他们寻求神，或者可以揣摩而得，其实他离我们各人不远，我们生活、动作、存留都在乎他。”徒17:26-28a一场游戏一场梦：我们如果只看到自己的需要及未知的恐惧（如生重病、遭遇意外等），就不容易看到供应我们需要的神；如果基督徒失去一颗感恩与赞美的心，属灵光景就更堪怜了。就好比陷入流沙，越拼命挣扎陷得越深；饮鸩止渴，其祸不远。当我们主要的心思集中于赚更多的钱时，玛门（金钱）事实上就成为了我们内心的偶像。主说：“一个人不能侍奉两个主。不是恶这个爱那个，就是重这个轻那个。你们不能又侍奉神，又侍奉玛门。”太6:24。就算成为亚洲首富又怎么样呢？难道就不死了吗？“人若赚得全世界，赔上自己的生命，有什么益处呢？人还能拿什么换生命呢？”太16:26。生死事大，我们需要做出正确的抉择。当然，我们的年轻肢体会说：“我根本没想成为李嘉诚、比尔盖兹，只想能成家立业而已。为了基本的需要，也得好好努力啊。相信主耶稣会体谅我！”此话貌似合乎情理，但其中包含的问题有三：1、我们现在的诉求是否我们真正的需要。比如，是否非要在北上广买昂贵无比的房子？是否非要送孩子上双语幼儿园？是不是不开豪车身份就降低了？2、如果我们尽自己的本分，神难道不会供应我们一切的需要吗？要知道，存在一个社会规律：穷忙者迷失自我，贪财者反噬自身。敬畏神者真有智慧，跟随主者一无缺乏。如果我们事业成功了，却远离了神，岂不是极大的损失吗？大卫王说：“以别神代替耶和华的，他们的愁苦必加增。”诗16:4a，祝福、咒诅岂不都是从上主而来吗？申28章。人帮人只有几种办法，神却能用无数种方法来帮助我们。事实上，对神恩典与能力的不信是一种犯罪。“神既不爱惜自己的儿子为我们众人舍了，岂不也把万物和他一同白白的赐给我们吗？”罗8:323、什么叫努力？经常加班导致没精力读经，时常出差致使主日不能参加聚会算不算呢？在此事上，我们有没有体贴主的心肠？有没有以基督耶稣的心为心？要论功勋，尼布甲尼撒、亚历山大大帝都超过我们凡人，但他们的努力在上帝眼中毫无价值。是的，人离开了主，还能做什么呢？约15:5b。若凡事为了神的荣耀而行，才有真价值，否则就是南辕北辙，浪费光阴。收入不多又如何？如果我们读了名校，拿到硕士学位，却没赚很多钱，会不会要命呢？答案当然是否定的。敬畏上帝，是否一定就赚不到钱呢？答案同样是否定的。收入不丰厚是否一定就不幸福呢？常识告诉我们，当然不见得。所以说，很多时候我们是杞人忧天，自取烦恼。不愿接受神的带领，不相信神的祝福，靠自己去抓，结果往往是一场虚空。钱少点益处良多：1、避免许多试探。我们不要小觑金钱的魔力，少年财主认为自己遵守律法遵守得很好。但主的一条命令就暴露出他的里面还有贪心。经上说：“他听见这话就甚忧愁，因为他很富足。”路18:23。所以有一个著名的祷告说：“我求你两件事，在我未死之先，不要不赐给我：求你使虚假和谎言远离我；使我也不贫穷也不富足，赐给我需用的饮食。恐怕我饱足不认你说，耶和华是谁呢？又恐怕我贫穷就偷窃，以致亵渎我神的名。”箴30:7-92、可以帮助降低自己肉体的欲望。因为人性的倾向是体贴肉体，所以我们往往会花太多的精力与过多的金钱用来满足各种奢华的需要。都市谓之：或时尚或小资或金领生活。如果家里存款不多，收入不多，就能帮助我们开销也不多。那样，生活的乐趣反而增加许多。富豪之家厌于美食，味蕾麻木已久；传道人家里一根香蕉就能给两个人带来许多温馨与感恩（以上是实指）。偶尔烧顿红烧肉好似以前农村过大年。3、帮助我们挖掘发现不用多花钱的、更高层次的享受（最高层次的享受与我们原来想象的相反，反而是不用多花钱的）：比如办张图书馆的借书卡读好书，听好的音乐，多花时间与肢体们沟通交流，多与亲人谈心，陪孩子做游戏。就算买样东西，也可以多一个等待的时间（储蓄），其中乐趣，就非富翁可以明白的了。4、可以集中时间与精力来敬拜与侍奉主。通常来说收入越多，责任也越重大，所耗费的精力也越多。反之亦然。我们如果尽了自己本分，收入不算多，那又有何妨？多一些时间可以用来读经祷告参加聚会，那不是更美的事吗？使徒说：“只是我先前以为与我有益的，我现在因基督都当作有损的。不但如此，我也将万事当作有损的，因我以认识我主基督耶稣为至宝。我为他已经丢弃万事，看作粪土，为要得着基督。”腓3:7-85、买不起房与车？没关系，租房一样生活，步行更有益健康。圣经说：“只要有衣有食，就当知足”，而不是有衣有食有房有车，就当知足。提前6:8。看中你有房有车有钱才愿与你结婚的，多半是个错误的选择。没房没车但真敬畏神、愿意尽自己在地上本分的弟兄，姊妹们要珍惜。现代人急于求成，往往适得其反。在婚姻家庭上，最佳的选择是两人一起努力、慢慢置业，体会人生，与主同行。怎样让自己的心安静下来？这从来就不是外面的问题，而是我们自己内心的问题。亚伯拉罕住帐篷、保罗在地牢一样能侍奉神，如今我们不住大房子就没法服事主？良心告诉我们不是这样的。推荐几个方法，好使我们有“敬虔加上知足的心”：1、多读圣经，让圣道更新我们的心思意念。就是调整我们被洗脑过的世界观、价值观、人生观。罗12:2。神的话语带着能力，可以使枯骨复苏，也可以让我们重新得力。结37:1-142、委身教会，多参与服事。这能有效帮助我们降低自己的天然欲望。3、积极乐捐。就是在十分之一以外有甘心乐意的乐捐。使徒说：“少种的少收，多种的多收，这话是真的。各人要随本心所酌定的，不要作难，不要勉强，因为捐得乐意的人是 神所喜爱的。”林后9:6-7。这是非常有益的属灵挑战，能帮助我们对付里面的贪心。主说：“施比受更为有福。”徒20:35b，这话是真实的。4、请身边清心祷告的基督徒好友与教会牧者为自己的内心祷告，求主赐给我们一颗知足与感恩的心。5、培养有益而高尚的兴趣爱好，比如读好书、锻炼身体、练字、学门乐器、烧菜、多学门外语、给孩子讲故事之类。既能帮助我们增加见识，又尽自己在地上的本分。且为主而行，就能双重蒙福了，就是在地上蒙福，见主面时得奖赏。若是出于主的托付，有钱并不是坏事。但也要效法基督，对人大方、乐于施舍；对己要有节制，愿意过简朴的生活。如果神没有让我们当教会金钱方面的管家，内心就当顺服。不管钱多钱少，都需要感恩。明白什么是真正重要的，选择属天的道路。为了主的缘故，我们不要以贫穷为耻，而是要以不圣洁为耻。主耶稣呼召带领我们走的是十字架的窄路，我们就无须与世界的标准看齐。
“所以你们若真与基督一同复活，就当求在上面的事，那里有基督坐在 神的右边。你们要思念上面的事，不要思念地上的事。因为你们已经死了，你们的生命与基督一同藏在 神里面。”西3:1-3
见证篇173.当追…
当追求生命的深度而非长度2007年4月，我在广州大学城参与服事。主办方安排我们住在一家宾馆，早晨翻阅报纸，看到人称小甜甜的华懋公司老板龚如心女士因病去世，享年70岁。她丈夫被绑架失踪后，为了巨额财产她与公公交锋八年，于2005年12月总算打赢了官司。当时终审法官任懿君在宣判书中有一段话被报纸所登录，典出圣经：“你使我的年日窄如手掌。我一生的年数，在你面前如同无有。各人最稳妥的时候，真是全然虚幻。世人行动实系幻影。他们忙乱，真是枉然；积蓄财宝，不知将来有谁收取。”诗篇39:5-6报纸的意思是说人生苦短，何必争得你死我活？亿万财产并不能延长生命一刻。我很高兴内地报纸能刊登圣经经文，虽然他们未必知道这段话是出于圣经。龚如心女士的例子恰好证明了一个重要的道理：生命的质量在于厚度而非长度。在人看来，她的寿命不算短，“人生七十古来稀”么。事业更是发达，她是当时的亚洲女首富。但回头来看，遗憾多多，远谈不上幸福。长命百岁就是福气吗？
国人非常重视生命的长度，视长命百岁为一种极大的福气，甚至为此不惜付出丧失原则立场、泯灭良知的地步。同胞们的鄙陋、乡愿、虚伪、唯利是图、自私自利，可谓举世皆知。不信主的人如此，基督徒也受到程度不同的影响。大家都害怕英年早逝，潜意识中认为自己可以活到平均寿命以上很多。孰不知，任何东西都可以成为人内心的偶像，长寿也不例外。事实上，爱任何东西超过爱主，都会变成我们内心的偶像势力。其中就是追求长寿。如果退休后不久就瘫卧在床，靠医疗维持系统拖到百岁高龄，大家就会认为很不美妙。大概只有高官的子女才希望能拖多久就拖多久，因为人在人情方在，而且也不用花自家的钱。如果顺利退休，然后上老年大学，抱孙子，学习摄影艺术，健健康康活到百岁，就无疑是许多国人（包括基督徒）理想的晚年生活。年轻人恣肆放荡以为时尚，中年庸俗贪婪而不自知，不分先后都认为自己可以而且应该活到高龄，并认为这才是活在当下，享了大福。毫无疑问，这是属世的价值观。世人如此认为并不奇怪，基督徒予以默认就显得缺乏智慧。即便对有些不信主的人来说，如果事业能有特别的成就，那么英年早逝也算值得。比如：诗人王勃，兰波，霍去病，约翰.列侬，乔布斯，巨商王均瑶等。用俗话说就是“值了”，指比起单纯的长寿，还有更有意义的人生可以选择。死是众人的结局大卫认为人的寿命从永恒的与历史的角度来看非常短暂，更不要说意外、战争、疾病、凶杀等造成的早逝了。“耶和华啊，求你叫我晓得我身之终，我的寿数几何，叫我知道我的生命不长。”诗39:4既然死是众人的结局，死亡又可能随时降临，所以无视客观存在的死亡问题并不明智。因为这会导致我们误以为自己可以一直活下去而缺乏深入思考生命价值的问题，就是：我到底是谁？我为什么而活？我为什么要做此事等。还有就是一味追求生命的长度（长寿）而忽略深度的问题，所谓深度这里是指在永恒里是否有价值。这对世人而言是不可思议的，甚至是无稽之谈。他们这样认为也算正常，因为经上如此说：“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2:2-3。无神论者的追求也只能停留在此岸世界。问题出在三个层面：
1、不能从永恒的角度看问题。没有信仰，自然不会有饱含智慧的远见。先知大卫说：“永恒主啊，求你用手救我脱离世人，脱离那只在今生有福分的世人。你把你的财宝充满他们的肚腹；他们因有儿女就心满意足，将其余的财物留给他们的婴孩。至于我，我必在义中见你的面；我醒了的时候，得见你的形像就心满意足了。”诗17:14-152、不能从圣经的角度看问题。“所以你们若真与基督一同复活，就当求在上面的事，那里有基督坐在神的右边。你们要思念上面的事，不要思念地上的事。”西3:1-2。就是指不寻求真理，跟从环境，凭着感觉，靠自己的能力而行。本质就是以自我为中心，与神渐行渐远。3、不能从审判的角度看自己。主说：“弃绝我、不领受我话的人，有审判他的，就是我所讲的道在末日要审判他。”约12:48。既然不相信或忽略最终的审判，人就势必以自我为神。结果就是道德败坏，人性堕落。越是临近末时，社会上的丑恶现象越是层出不穷。不是社会出了问题，社会本来就是一个大染缸，而是人心出了大问题。导致的结果大家目共睹：
1、极度短视。人人为自家利益而不择手段。从毒奶粉到过期疫苗，警钟反复敲响，我们却以为只是别人良心出了问题。这是结构性的，整体性出了大问题。2、高举自我。民间从上到下都在以财富、文凭、地位夸口，更不要说权贵子弟了。于是，浮夸、狂傲、对别人麻木、对社会充满苦毒，就从一小群愤青蔓延到了整个国家。3、享乐狂欢。既然人们不再有理想有抱负，这点从青年学子身上看得最清楚。纵欲狂欢，享乐主义盛行就成了思想文化领域的主流，谁要敢提出异议就会被群起而攻之。娱乐至死的时代，每个人似乎都在强装欢笑，但内心都没有平安、也没有喜乐。不敬畏神，就不会有真智慧。眼光势必短浅，做事动机必然有掺杂。如此，生命长度的延长除了是家人的安慰外，意义荡然无存。就算立下盖世功勋，因为终将被历史遗忘，所以说仍然如云雾散去一般。神人摩西说：“你叫他们如水冲去，他们如睡一觉。早晨他们如生长的草， 早晨发芽生长，晚上割下枯干。”诗90:5-6。这也是如今物质条件优渥的人们感到痛苦的深层次根源所在。解决的办法在哪里呢？
大卫说：“主啊，如今我等什么呢？我的指望在乎你……求你宽容我，使我在去而不返之先可以力量复原。”诗39:7,13节仰望神，将自己全然交托在主手中。任由圣灵的带领，哪怕前面的道路陌生又看起来充满危险，坚定信心来跟随主。同时及时省察自己的内心，愿意靠主远离罪，在基督里过新的生活。那样，即便我们从事在人看来很卑微的工作，又只活很短的寿数，也是幸福与充满感恩的。使徒们基本都是殉道而回天家，连耶稣基督在地上也只活了33岁。我们要求的是每日与主同行，一生为主而活，而不是为自己活很久。
生命的价值由神来判定并赋予意义，重要的是深度而非长度。
“求你指教我们怎样数算自己的日子，好叫我们得着智慧的心。”诗90:12
Testimoni…
Listen for 7 min
When pursuing the depth of life, not the length, in April 2007, I participated in the ministry at Guangzhou University Town. The organizer arranged for us to stay in a hotel, read the newspaper in the morning, and saw that Ms. Gong Ruxin, the owner of Chinachem, known as Britney, died of illness at the age of 70. After her husband was kidnapped and disappeared, she fought the case for eight years with the public bus for a huge fortune and finally won the case in December 2005. At that time, the final judge Ren Yijun wrote a passage in the verdict that was published in the newspaper, and the Bible was published: “You have made my years as narrow as the palm of my hand. The years of my life are like nothing before you. When everyone is at their safest, it is completely illusory. The actions of the world are phantoms. They are busy, it is really in vain; Accumulate treasure and I don’t know who will collect it in the future. Psalm 39:5-6The newspaper means that life is short, why fight for your life and my life? Billions of assets do not extend a moment of life. I am glad that mainland newspapers can publish Bible verses, even though they may not know that this passage is from the Bible. Ms. Gong Ruxin’s example proves an important truth: the quality of life lies in thickness, not length. In the eyes of people, her life expectancy is not short, “life is seventy years old”. Her career was even more developed, and she was the richest woman in Asia at that time. But looking back, there are many regrets, far from happiness.Are a long life and a hundred years a blessing?
The Chinese people attach great importance to the length of life, regard a long life and 100 years as a great blessing, and even do not hesitate to pay for this to the point of losing their principled position and destroying their conscience. The contempt, homesickness, hypocrisy, mercenary, and selfishness of our compatriots are known to the whole world. This is true for non-believers, and Christians are affected to varying degrees. Everyone is afraid of dying young and subconsciously thinks that they can live a lot above the average life. Who knows, anything can become an idol in people’s hearts, and longevity is no exception. In fact, loving anything more than the Lord becomes an idol within us. One of them is the pursuit of longevity.If you collapse in bed shortly after retirement and rely on the medical maintenance system to drag it to the age of 100, everyone will think that it is very unpleasant. Probably only the children of high-ranking officials want to drag on as long as they want, because people are in favor of people, and they don’t have to spend their own money. If you retire smoothly, then go to the university for the elderly, hold your grandchildren, learn photography art, and live to be 100 years old, it is undoubtedly the ideal old age for many Chinese people (including Christians).Young people are unbridled and fashionable, middle-aged are vulgar and greedy without knowing it, and they think that they can and should live to an advanced age, and think that this is the only way to live in the moment and enjoy great blessings. There is no doubt that these are worldly values.It is not surprising that the world thinks so, and Christians lack the wisdom to acquiesce. Even for some non-believers, if there is a special achievement in the career, then the untimely death is worth it. For example poets Wang Bo, Rimbaud, Huo Qubing, and John. Lennon, Jobs, giant businessman Wang Junyao, etc. In the saying “worth it”, means that there is a more meaningful life choice than simply longevity.Death is the end of all
David believed that the human life span is very short from an eternal and historical point of view, not to mention early death caused by accidents, wars, diseases, homicides, etc. “O Lord, let me know the end of my life, the number of my life, and let me know that my life is not long.” Psalm 39:4Since death is the end of all, and death may come at any time, it is not wise to ignore the objective problem of death. Because this can lead us to mistakenly think that we can live forever and lack to think deeply about the value of life, that is: Who am I? What do I live for? Why am I doing this, etc? There is also the problem of blindly pursuing the length of life (longevity) and ignoring depth, which here refers to whether it has value in eternity.This is inconceivable, even nonsense, to the world. It is normal for them to think so, for the Scriptures say, “Then you walked in it as men, according to the customs of this world, and obeyed the rulers of the air, which are the evil spirits that now operate in the hearts of the sons of disobedience.” We used to be among them, indulging the lusts of the flesh, and doing what the flesh and the heart liked, and we were the sons of anger, just like others. Ephesians 2:2-3. The pursuit of atheists can only stay in this shore world.The problem lies on three levels:1. You can’t look at things from an eternal perspective. Without faith, there is no wisdom in nature. The prophet David said, “Eternal Lord, deliver me by your hand from the world, from the world that is blessed only in this life.” You fill their belly with your treasure; They were content with their children and left the rest of their possessions to their babies. As for me, I will meet your face in righteousness; When I woke up, I was satisfied to see your image. Psalm 17:14-152. You cannot see things from a biblical perspective. “Therefore, if you are truly raised with Christ, ask for things above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. Mind the things above, not the things of the earth. Col. 3:1-2. It means not seeking the truth, following the environment, relying on feelings, and relying on one’s own abilities. The essence is self-centeredness, drifting away from God.3. You can’t see yourself from the perspective of judgment. The Lord said, “Whoever rejects me and does not receive my word will judge him, and the word I preach will judge him in the last days.” John 12:48. By not believing or ignoring the ultimate judgment, man is bound to regard himself as God. The result is moral decay and human depravity. The closer we get to the end of the world, the more ugly phenomena in society emerge. It is not that there is a problem in society, society is originally a big dye vat, but that there is a big problem in the human heart.The results are obvious to all:
1. Extremely short-sighted. Everyone will do whatever it takes for their own benefit. From tainted milk powder to expired vaccines, alarm bells ring repeatedly, but we think it’s just someone else’s conscience that is wrong. This is structural, and there is a big problem with the wholeness.2. Exalt yourself. From top to bottom, the people boast of wealth, diplomas, and status, not to mention the children of the powerful. As a result, pompousness, arrogance, numbness to others, and bitterness toward society spread from a small group of angry young people to the entire country.3. Hedonic carnival. Since people no longer have ideals and ambitions, this can be seen most clearly in young students. Indulgence and hedonism have become the mainstream in the field of ideology and culture, and whoever dares to raise objections will be attacked by the masses. In the age of entertainment to death, everyone seems to be pretending to laugh, but there is no peace or joy in their hearts.Without the fear of God, there can be no true wisdom. The vision is bound to be short-sighted, and the motivation for doing things must be mixed. In this way, the extension of the length of life has no meaning other than the comfort of the family. Even if you make a great achievement, because it will eventually be forgotten by history, it will still be like a cloud dissipating. Moses the God said, “Let them go like water, and let them sleep.” In the morning they are like growing grass, in the morning they sprout and grow, in the evening they cut and dry. Psalm 90:5-6. This is also the deep-seated source of the suffering of today’s materially well-off people.Where is the solution?
David said, “Lord, what am I waiting for now? My hope is on you… Be forgiving to me so that I can recover my strength before I go and not return. Psalm 39:7, verse 13Look to God and commit yourself completely to the Lord’s hands. Let the Holy Spirit lead you, even if the road ahead is strange and dangerous, and follow the Lord with conviction. At the same time, examine your heart in time, and be willing to rely on the Lord to turn away from sin and live a new life in Christ. In that way, even if we do work that seems menial to others and lives only a short life, we are happy and full of gratitude.The apostles were basically martyred and returned home, and even Jesus Christ lived only 33 years on earth. What we ask for is to walk with the Lord daily and live for the Lord for the rest of our lives, not for ourselves for a long time.The value of life is determined and given meaning by God, and depth is more important rather than length.
“Teach us how to count our days, so that we may have a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
生命福音[138]…
音频 三分钟
「惟愿他们存这样的心敬畏我，常遵守我的一切诫命，使他们和他们的子孙永远得福。」【申5: 29】
真正归正之人必须遵守祂一切的诫命，使我们和下一代子子孫孫也永远得福。这是神的应许。这是敬畏神基本的本份，人必须完全接受神的律法。当虔诚归正的人，很在乎大罪和他最大的本份，但也同样在乎小罪的干扰。
人必须时时刻刻遵守神的律法，不论富有或是遭患难。真归正的人在他的道路上已经下决心了； 他会站稳在他的选择上，而不会随波逐流，接受他那个时代的信仰。诗人说：“我的心专向你的律例，永远遵行，一直到底；我以你的法度为永远的产业。我要时常看重你的律例”（诗119: 31）
人必须主动地遵守这律法，也要明白。悖逆的儿子说：“父啊！我去，”但他却没有去。犹太人很肯定地保证：“耶和华我们神所要说的一切话，我们就听从遵行！”但当他们遇到试探时，就证明他们并没有存那样的心，去遵守他们所保证的。
人要虔诚地接受并遵守基督的律法和指引，人必要研究这内容和它涵盖的范围。并要记住，神的律法是属灵的，包括思想和意念；神的律法很严谨，要人舍己，也和我们属肉体的倾向敌对。你必须进窄门，行走在小路上，并要决定制止肉体享受所要求的自由。换言之，神的律法包 罗万象；但“神的命令极其宽广”。
人的心态常会变煥；原则上顺服神。当神的诫命与他们自己的意图有冲突时，他们就拒绝顺服。看他们对十诫既卓越又详尽的解释，也决定遵守，决定靠基督的力量很认真地遵守每一条祂要求我们尽自己的本份，竭力治死祂所禁止的每一种罪。这就是在神的律例上完全遵守，好让我们不致蒙羞。
要注意人的心最厌烦的本份，和最想犯的罪。人没有下决心靠神的恩典认真地作战，这就是还没有归正，沒有敬畏的心，也不遵守神诫命的人。愿神保守 – 我们有正挚的心、清洁的灵、尊主为大。感谢神 ! 奉主蒙恩 ! 阿们 !
每日活灵(253)…
音频 三分钟
「使祂荣耀的恩典得着称赞；这恩典是祂在爱子里所赐给我们的。」【弗1: 6】
我们得蒙神拣选作祂的子民，完全是出于神的大爱；神的爱乃是我们得蒙神拣选的最重要因素。
我们对于福音有积极的响应；别人也藉此得知我们乃是蒙神拣选的。神的拣选，必须借着祂仆人们的传扬福音，和听福音者的接受来达成，所以人若不传福音和接受福音，便无从知道谁是蒙神拣选的。
神拣选我们有祂的旨意和目的，因此我们蒙恩之后，必须按照神拣选我们的旨意和目的而生活为人，这样才不会辜负神的救恩，我们的人生也才有意义。
神拣选并豫定我们，使我们得着儿子的名分。神注重祂的恩典和荣耀过于人的善行；人是想要怎样作好来得神的恩典，但神是要我们接受祂的恩典以显出祂的荣耀。
信徒是神『恩典』的对象，我们越多享受神自己，就越能彰显神而『荣耀』神；由此可见，恩典是因，荣耀是果。是神『恩典』了我们，使我们能享受祂；是我们『荣耀』了神，使祂能享受我们。神与人乃是这样的彼此享受。
若没有基督，我们和神之间就只有罪的间隔，彼此授受不亲；我们必须「在基督里」才能承受恩典，而神也必须「在基督里」才能赐给恩典。我们是在基督里，才成为神施恩的对象；基督是神施恩的目的和意义，若非为着基督，神无须向人施恩。
我们已经看见，神恩赐我们，乃是使我们成为祂喜悦的对象。这全然是神所喜欢的。在基督里，神用各样的福分祝福了我们。在那蒙爱者里面，我们已蒙神恩赐，成为神所恩宠并喜欢的对象。我们既是这样的对象，就在神的恩典里，在祂所喜悦的爱子里享受神，也给神享受。在祂的爱子里，我们也成了祂所喜悦的。
在那蒙爱者里面’这句话，说出父神在我们身上有完全的喜悦、满足和享受，因为我们已成为祂恩典和喜悦的对象。神喜悦我，所以我珍赏自己。我甚至重看自己，因为我已被摆在恩典的地位上，成为神恩典的对象。’我们对自己该有这样的眼光。神喜悦我们，不是因我们在自己里面，乃是因我们在祂的爱子里面。奉主蒙恩! 阿们!
生命福音[137]…
音频 三分钟
「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，我与他，他与我一同坐席。」【启3:20】
主的叩门虽是对着全体的信徒，但听见而响应的人却是个别的，所以我们将来的奖赏与惩罚也是个别的。顺服在于享福之前，没有顺服的心就没有享福。
在这个条件下，人才能拥有基督。只要人没有悖逆地拒绝现在奉神的名所提供人的，不管人有多少罪，罪有多大，或人犯罪多久，都必蒙赦免。主耶稣吩咐我们仰望祂，就必得救；来就祂，祂总不丢弃你。祂反而劝人与神和好，欢迎人接受祂，与祂同住。倘若人跌入灭亡，那是因为自己不肯到祂那里去得新生命。
如果现在人来接受基督，信靠祂，不至灭亡，反得永生。人能与神和好，全世界都无法阻止，人千万不要因为自己不配而拒绝。只有自己的叛逆才会使自己灭亡。人愿意接受基督一切的职份， 当自己的君王、自己的祭司、和自己的先知。人能得救最主要在於：人得以在主耶稣的恩约里面。如果人真爱自己，要确定自己在这事上有份，并对神和自己的灵魂忠心。
主所要的不是人的产物，而是人本身。所以人要将自己的身体和肢体献给神，将人的灵魂和一切的才能都献给神，好让祂在自己身体和灵魂上得荣耀。
一个真正接受基督的人会把所有的才干都献给祂。若他的理性已经除掉他败坏的理智和异议，并他对基督 和基督道路的成见；现今他不再犹豫，坚定地选择基督超过世上的一切。他决定他在这里真好，他看到这地里的宝贝，看到这是何等重价的珠子，甚至值得他所有的人生价值。
天国的价值如同宝贝，值得我们付上任何代价去取得与进入。是主先以我们为珍宝，为我们「变卖一切所有的」，我们才能以祂为至宝，并且为祂变卖一切所有的。
一个为自己真正的益处着想的人，就是一个肯为基督放弃一切的人；这样的人，乃是作了最上算的确定。
若果我们愿意撇下一切，把我们一切的主权交给主，任由主支配，投靠主，依靠祂的大能大力，无论魔鬼多厉害，我们必定得胜有余。说：『我为基督舍弃了一切，我得到甚么呢？我在基督里得着了一切。』
以自己对基督的爱相比，人必须离开父母，甚至放弃自己的性命。换言之，人必须毫无顾忌地把自己一切献给祂，让我们有份在基督里，一切荣耀赞美全归于神。感谢神 ! 奉主蒙恩 ! 阿们 !
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「又因爱我们，就按着自己意旨所喜悦的，豫定我们，借着耶稣基督得儿子的名分」【弗1: 5】
神的豫定既是出于神的爱，神的豫定不会半途而废，祂必使我们达到目标。神所给我们的一切福分，都是出于神圣无条件的爱而赐给我们。我们今日一切为主所作的，也当出于纯洁爱主的心，才有价值。
神豫定我们，不是因为我们可爱、完美，是爱我们这些甚不可爱的！神不是豫定我们作奴仆，乃是豫定我们得儿子的名分，承受神一切的丰富，这是神所赐最大的福气。
神豫定我们，不只使我们作神的儿子，得神的生命，更使我们「得儿子的名分」，可以拥有天上的基业。
圣灵的内住及运行，就是我们得属灵荣耀产业的保证，更使我们先尝将来要承受的产业。
我们也许不喜欢苦难，但我们需要苦难。要记得苦难是恩典的化身。我们不该因受苦而烦恼。我们若与祂一同受苦，我们就要与祂一同得荣耀。我们将来所要得的荣耀是有分别的。我们在主里受苦的程度如何，常跟我们得荣耀的程度相关连。我们经过的苦难越多，我们所要得的荣耀就越增多。
我们不仅有神儿子的灵和神儿子的生命，我们也在神儿子的地位上。事实上，儿子的名分特别是与地位有关，过于与生命有关。我们有神儿子的灵，神儿子的生命，我们也有神儿子的地位。这一切乃是为着让我们承受产业。人人都能看见，我们在地位上是神的儿子。所有的天使要说，‘你看那些人─他们是神的儿子。他们在新耶路撒冷里享受神，并承受神一切的所是。奉主蒙恩! 阿们!