【信徒本色】人生的抉擇

 

一個人如非生而失智,由孩童開始便要做出許多抉擇;小而由每天早晨起床後要吃甚麼食物、穿甚麼衣服,大而至進大學要讀甚麼科系,找誰作為婚姻對象,以及選擇職業等。更大的,應為是對一生中的宗教信仰與生死大事之決定;人在離世之前,都要不斷地、不停地做出種種抉擇。

但這種抉擇,都是在人還生存在世界上,以及享有選擇自由的時候,才能做出,如失去了自由(如身臨監牢中,或在某種禁制下)或已離開世界,這樣的抉擇便停止了。

當初始祖亞當與夏娃還生活在伊甸園中的時候,便開始了人類的第一個抉擇;神給了他們完全選擇的自由,要他們按自己的意願做出抉擇;「耶和華上帝吩咐他(亞當)說,園中各樣樹上的果子,你可以隨意吃,只是分別善惡樹上的果子,你不可吃,因為你吃的日子必定死。」(創世記二16),這是神給亞當的第一個命令,同時給亞當可以抉擇的自由;吃或不吃;並先告知吃的結果便是死。因此我們可以看出,神對他所創造的人所賦予的自由抉擇權,神要人自己心甘情願,選擇遵守祂的命令,不是讓亞當不能不遵守;分別善惡樹上的果子伸手可取,但神告訴亞當不可吃,並清楚告知,吃的後果是生死的大事。這是神對人特有的重視,已超越了一個受造者的地位,神的恩典十分明顯,連天使都沒有這樣的禮遇(天使只是服役的靈,沒有選擇的權利)但人並沒有重視自己所受的禮遇,卻觸犯了神的命令,陷入了死亡的境地。

在一切受造物中,人為萬物之靈,這是神給人最大的恩賜;神予人以抉擇的自由,是受造物中最崇高的地位,遠遠超越了天使。但可惜人由開始便沒有重視自己的地位,人隨意摘下吃掉的,是比天地都沉重的大罪,千秋萬代人類的原始罪果。神是無所不知的,祂當然知道人會有此後果,神的誡命卻不可廢棄,人當然要自負犯罪的責任;但神是慈愛的,祂的愛也僅施與人類(並不及天使,天使犯罪後並無救法,見以賽亞書四章12-14節),所以祂隨即為人預備了救贖,而救贖的方法就是神自己釘在十字架上,為人類贖罪,才可換取人的自由之身;這就是整本聖經所記載的重點,以及與人類未來的展望。

第一亞當的後裔繼承了這種生命的抉擇機制,人生下來有了抉擇意識與能力時,便會面臨種種的選擇,但最後的選擇是生、死、光、暗與善、惡的選擇,也就是保羅所說的神的律與犯罪的律間的選擇(羅馬書第七章);保羅雖選擇了內心願意守神的律,但卻沒有這種能力;當人陷入絕境時,基督的救恩便出現,人才可以脫離罪和死的律,並在基督裡得到釋放(羅馬書八章1、2節)。

保羅在羅馬書第七章中沉痛地、絕望地陳述了他的體驗,當人遇到試探的折磨時,他甚至用女人分娩時的痛苦來形容這種內心的撕裂與掙扎(羅馬書八章22節<簡明聖經譯本>),足見生、死抉擇的大事,何其艱難!

當人聽道受了感動舉手表示願意接受基督為救主,這種抉擇比較容易;當初神吩咐亞當不可吃分別善惡樹上的果子時,亞當也一定點頭稱是,但當真正遇到試探時的抉擇則比較艱難;所以人在作出願意信主接受基督之後,必須經歷試鍊,才能成為精金(約伯記廿章10節)。否則輕易的選擇便如同火燒的草木禾禾皆,而會灰飛煙滅(哥林多前書三章12-13節)。

連基督釘十字架的前夕,還要在客西馬尼園中,通過最後的試煉,經過肉體與心靈的交戰,大聲哀哭淚流滿面,汗流如同血滴的撕裂之痛,才能艱難地飲下十架的苦杯(希伯來書五:7)。

人一生中面臨的抉擇千千萬萬,難以計數,人到底有多少選擇?如何才能堅持做出正確的抉擇呢?第一亞當在做抉擇時輕易失敗了,第二亞當基督做出艱難正確的抉擇,卻不得不祈求神的力量;客西馬尼園的經驗告訴我們,人無法為自己作出最後服從神的抉擇;保羅在羅馬書中也清楚體驗了並告訴我們,人在做生命的抉擇時,不能靠自身的能力,人必須依靠神的大能與聖靈的引導,才可以作出正確的抉擇。如沒有聖靈賜下能力,沒有一個人能靠自身作出生命正確的選擇。保羅如此,基督如此,你我安能例外。「神說要有光,便有了光,神看光是好的,便把光暗分開了。」(創世記一章3、4節)。

「光照在黑暗裡,黑暗卻不接受光...那光是真光,照亮一切生在世上的人。」(約翰福音一章5、9節)。

「光在你們中間還有不多的時候,應當趁著有光,信從這光,使你們成為光明之子。」(約翰福音十二章35、36節)

人既信從選擇了真光,便要堅持在光中行走,黑暗才不會有機會將你吞噬,你如停下來,黑暗便會找到你,這樣你便要再重新作出抉擇。人若能在光中不停地行走,便能成為光明之子,可以避免重蹈覆轍,再陷入抉擇的痛苦。

      聖經金句 (Bible Verses)

喜樂 Joy

喜樂的心乃是良藥;憂傷的靈使骨枯乾。箴言 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

然而,我要因耶和華歡欣,因救我的 神喜樂。哈巴谷書 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18

要常常喜樂,不住的禱告,凡事謝恩。帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

饒恕 Forgiveness

主啊,你本為良善,樂意饒恕人,有豐盛的慈愛賜給凡求告你的人。詩篇 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

你不要說:“我要以惡報惡”;要等候耶和華,他必拯救你。箴言 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. Proverbs 6:14

你們饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必饒恕你們的過犯;馬太福音 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

你們不饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必不饒恕你們的過犯。馬太福音 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15

你們各人若不從心裡饒恕你的弟兄,我天父也要這樣待你們了。馬太福音 18:35
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. Matthew 18:35

謙卑 Humility

敬畏耶和華是智慧的訓誨;尊榮以前,必有謙卑。箴言 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33

敬畏耶和華心存謙卑,就得富有、尊榮、生命為賞賜。箴言 22:4
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

凡事不可結黨,不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀;只要存心謙卑,各人看別人比自己強。腓立比書 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

驕傲 Pride

驕傲來,羞恥也來;謙遜人卻有智慧。箴言 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

驕傲只啟爭競;聽勸言的,卻有智慧。箴言 13:10
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Proverbs 13:10

驕傲在敗壞以先;狂心在跌倒之前。箴言 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

忍耐 Patience

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

並且你們要為我的名,被眾人恨惡,惟有忍耐到底的,必然得救。馬可福音 13:13
Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

不但如此,就是在患難中也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Romans 5:3

我們行善,不可喪志;若不灰心,到了時候就要收成加拉太書 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

你們也當忍耐,堅固你們的心,因為主來的日子近了。雅各書 5:8
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8

溫柔 Meekness

回答柔和,使怒消退;言語暴戾,觸動怒氣。箴言 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

溫柔的人有福了,因為他們必承受地土。馬太福音 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人;或者 神給他們悔改的心,可以明白真道。提摩太後書 2:25
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:25

只要以裡面存著長久溫柔、安靜的心為妝飾;這在 神面前是極寶貴的。彼得前書 3:4
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

嫉妒 Envy

不要為作惡的心懷不平,也不要向那行不義的生出嫉妒。詩篇 37:1
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong. Psalm 37:1

心中安靜是肉體的生命;嫉妒是骨中的朽爛。箴言 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30

在何處有嫉妒、紛爭,就在何處有擾亂和各樣的壞事。雅各書 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16

生氣 Anger

當止住怒氣,離棄忿怒;不要心懷不平,以致作惡。詩篇 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8

好生氣的人,不可與他結交;暴怒的人,不可與他來往。箴言 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered. Proverbs 22:24

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

生氣卻不要犯罪.不可含怒到日落。以弗所書 4:26
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

我親愛的弟兄們,這是你們所知道的,但你們各人要快快的聽,慢慢的說,慢慢的動怒,因為人的怒氣並不成就 神的義。雅各書 1:19,20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19,20

災難 Calamity

謹守口與舌的、就保守自己免受災難。箴言 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

民要攻打民、國要攻打國、多處必有地震、饑荒.這都是災難的起頭。馬可福音 13:8
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:8

憂愁 Worry

你們不要憂愁、因靠耶和華而得的喜樂是你們的力量。尼希米記 8:10
Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

主雖使人憂愁, 還要照他諸般的慈愛發憐憫。耶利米哀歌 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. Lamentations 3:32

凡勞苦擔重擔的人,可以到我這裡來,我就使你們得安息。馬太福音 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

我留下平安給你們、我將我的平安賜給你們.我所賜的、不像世人所賜的.你們心裏不要憂愁、也不要膽怯。約翰福音 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

應當一無掛慮,只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝,將你們所要的告訴神。神所賜出人意外的平安,必在基督耶穌裡,保守你們的心懷意念。腓立比書 4:6,7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

因此, 你們是大有喜樂, 但如今, 在百般的試煉中暫時憂愁。彼得前書 1:6
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6

患難 Trouble, Suffering

義人多有苦難,但耶和華救他脫離這一切。詩篇 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

神是我們的避難所,是我們的力量,是我們在患難中隨時的幫助!詩篇 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

耶和華本為善,在患難的日子為人的保障,並且認得那些投靠他的人。那鴻書 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

為義受逼迫的人有福了,因為天國是他們的。馬太福音 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

不但如此,就是在患難中,也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Romans 5:3

我想現在的苦楚,若比將來要顯於我們的榮耀,就不足介意了。羅馬書 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

因為你們蒙恩,不但得以信服基督,並要為他受苦。腓立比書 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29

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