Home昔日真理報2016年 真理報文章2016 年 8 月【事事關心】兩難之間的決擇

【事事關心】兩難之間的決擇

 

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基督徒通常不熱衷於參與選舉,有些人素來不去投票支持任何人當選,因為認為政客都是奸詐、卑鄙無恥的權力野心家,選來選去都是一樣,全部都是「爛蘋果」,美國總統選舉今年似乎就是這樣的情況。

對於那些願意盡公民責任的美國基督徒,今年 11 月總統選舉的確需要他們大傷腦筋,因為民主黨和共和黨的候選人都距離基督徒選民的理想十分遠。代表民主黨的希拉莉‧克林頓,其家庭背景絕對不是值得推薦的模範,她的政策肯定不會在道德議題上令基督徒滿意,她的經濟政策也會如此。另一方面的共和黨候選人特朗普 (Donald Trump) 則曾經是行為不羈的花花公子、商業手法不甚光明的地產商人,更差的是他完全沒有從政經驗。於是乎,很多基督徒以為不參與這次總統選舉便是最佳辦法。

不過,從過往4年奧巴馬的政績來看,上次( 4 年前)沒有投票選舉總統的基督徒不可不知 : 選一個信仰摩門教的 Mitt Romney(羅慕尼) 作為總統,總好過 讓一個自稱是基督徒卻在行政上造就伊斯蘭(回教)的奧巴馬,因為後者在過往 8 年之總統職權下,推行了很多容讓伊斯蘭教在美國壯大的政策,使一些穆斯林(伊斯蘭教徒)社會行動組織 (例如 Council on American-Islamic Relations, CAIR) 更加如魚得水,不斷衝擊美國的法律底線,挑戰政府的職權 (例如不提供資料幫助CIA中央情報局和FBI聯邦調查局對一些嫌疑恐怖份子的調查任務)。

基督徒 8 年前不會想到奧巴馬居然對同性戀組織作大幅度之財政上資助,以表示他支持同性婚姻的合法化,以致推翻過往的婚姻法律。他還向三軍首領不斷施壓力,成功使軍方不可忽視對同性戀、跨性別人士的種種要求。這8年的確對美國的同性戀、性觀念「解放」 運動肯定是一個「大躍進」,在他的總統任期內,黑白兩個種族的關係不單沒有改善,反而激烈惡化, 這是大多數美國人意料不到的發展。

政治方法永遠不會完美,我們只能在不完美之中選擇一個「比較小的惡者」(the lesser of 2 evils),這是許多在世上活了幾十年的人都有的同感。社會若沒有積極面對問題的政府,它就不會進步,這可以從過往的人類部落/部族群體中清楚看到。一個不完美的政府總好過完全沒有政府的局面, 所以,基督徒也應該有這樣的觀念,即使在國家政府選舉中,沒有一個比較合心意的候選人,也要在其中選擇一個「比較小的惡者」作為一種折衷辦法。

前些時候,美國一些基督徒組織的領袖們曾經與特朗普 (Donald Trump)接觸,私下裡與他達成一些協議,在提供他一些政策上支持之同時,也提醒他在行為和言論上需要如何改進,並且鼓勵他信靠基督去幫助他面對非常困難的執政議題,希望他能夠「痛改前非、悔改」而成為合神心意的總統。筆者認為 (也可算是我的推測)﹐他們都本著「樂觀的嘗試心態」,希望這種樂觀能夠促進一個「稍為合意」的政治局面,不致讓以上提及的社會問題繼續在急劇惡化而已 !

固然,若特朗普只是「應付」這些基督徒領袖而已,這種樂觀將會化為泡影 ! 不過,在這事前、選舉前的樂觀,也許是迫不得已之中唯一的正面途徑﹐否則,只有完全從選舉制度中脫離。這就是每一位基督徒在同樣的兩難之中所要做出的決擇。

基督徒若在這樣的決擇中採取比較激烈的選擇爭取其權利,往往受到其他人 (包括基督徒)的批評,認為是不對的做法。然而,筆者從未聽過基督徒會批評使徒保羅在腓立比監獄裡向裁判官抗議沒有尊重他的法律權益 (徒16:37-39)、打官司打到羅馬政府最高權位之地去爭取他的公民權利 。所以,盼望基督徒都懂得求神賜予智慧,重視自己的投票權利,藉著選舉去得到信徒認為合情合理的要求,不應該太過顧慮世俗人士的不合情理的抨擊。

讓耶穌基督的教導,使我們作選民的和那些從政的都同樣得到提醒 :「靈巧如蛇,純良如鴿子」,更需要聖經箴言幫助我們身為基督徒的作明智決擇 : 「愚妄人所行的,在自己眼中看為正直,只有智慧人肯聽勸告。」(新譯本, 箴12:15),這句話使我們不致墨守成規而固執不變地處理現實的難題。

 

      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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