Home昔日真理報2017年 真理報文章2017 年 2 月【事事關心】信徒論政的一點建議

【事事關心】信徒論政的一點建議

 

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美國第 45 任總統特朗普手按兩本聖經(一本是林肯總統宣誓就職時用過的﹐ 另一本是他自已母親留下的)宣誓就職

 

加拿大和美國從立國以來都是敬畏上帝、尊重聖經教導的國家,直至最近大約 40 年的光景。以往這兩國能夠敬畏上帝,因為普遍政府官員都尊重聖經,並且領導國民抱著同樣心態。

新一任美國總統剛剛於上個月宣誓就職,特朗普創造了近一百年來非常傳奇地當選的歷史,成為現今學術界研究社會發展的學者所追尋的熱門議題,正如當初反對他的眾議院領袖 Paul Ryan ( 瑞安) 最近也不得不這樣說:"只有特朗普聽到了這個國家的一個聲音,沒有其他人聽得到。"

林肯總統宣誓就職用的聖經

筆者在這專欄上一期曾提及副總統彭斯(Mike Pence),他不單大力促成新任總統的內閣,更因他本人是個敬虔的基督徒,於是選擇內閣時也不忘考慮成員是否有基督教信仰。所以,幕僚長 Reince Preibus 、司法部長 Jeff Sessions、房屋及城市發展部長 Ben Carson、教育部長 Betsy DeVos、中央情報局長 Mike Pompeo 、國務卿 Rex Tillerson、駐聯合國大使 Nikki Haley、環保局長 Scott Pruitt 等,全都是愛教會和敬重基督的信徒,在道德議題上,都是為人所知的保守派人士。這些人若能發揮 "世上光和鹽" 的基督徒身份,肯定是為人稱道的美好見證,使上帝(聖父) 和基督(聖子) 得到榮耀。

固然,這些人並不是毫無瑕疵的,也和常人一樣會判斷錯誤,也同樣會受到魔鬼的試探,甚至可能經不起權力和利益的考驗而產生醜聞,以致身敗名裂。所以,他們也需要基督徒在社會上透過大眾傳媒,或在他們身邊周圍作合適的提示、勸誡、甚至預先警告前面的試探。

說到這裡,我要引出以下這個命題 : 基督徒不一定自己參政,卻可以從旁作社會的守望者,扮演一種正面的角色,提醒政府官員,包括民選的參政人員,不可濫用權力﹐要警覺前面的「地雷」,從而避免社會發生不必要的動亂。否則,國民會失去對政府人員和制度的信任和尊重。這種參與是每一個國民都可嘗試的,因為這是任何一個民主制度都需要的一個環節,是真正發揮民主功用的一種方法﹔若沒有這種力量,加拿大和美國都不會是真正的民主國家。

美國這次此選舉的過程和結果十分值得加拿大國民借來參考。固然,現今加拿大教會的影響力遠遠不及美國的,而且加國的選舉制度和政府結構也有別於美國的。然而,有見識的加國基督徒應該以舊約先知的角色為鑒,至於那些清楚呼召的基督徒團體,則可有資格去論政,基於遵行聖經中「愛你的鄰舍如同自己」這個教導,去提出建議,履行良好公民的義務。

加拿大國歌有這兩句: "上帝保祐這光榮和自由的土地,加拿大啊,我們為你守衛!" (God keep our land glorious and free. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!)這兩句話道出民主制度的基礎一國民樂意作國家的捍衛者,這也是公民論政的權利兼義務 !換言之,基督徒願意論政和參政乃出於與上帝同工的觀念,這可從祭司兼士師的撒母耳怎樣挑選掃羅和大衛的過程中見到端倪。

最近 30 年的加國,學術界和主流傳媒基本上被所謂自由派人士所操控。同樣,聯邦、省和市政府大部份也是由那些漠視上帝和聖經的世俗人所控制的,他們推動一些道德議題的合法化:如墮胎、同性婚姻、娼妓經營、安樂死、大麻。在這些道德議題上,加拿大比美國走得更加遠離聖經的標準 !

特朗普能當選為美國總統,能夠在一面倒不利於他的主流民意調查中 "爆冷門" 勝出,其實他自己在投票之前也沒有多大的信心。然而,事實證明,只要有足夠的選民下定決心突破困局,只要有參選者真正了解國情民情,全民選舉可以帶來意想不到的轉機。固然,特朗普未必能夠完全履行競選時的所有諾言,未必令所有基督徒感到滿意,但 2016 年 11 月的美國大選清晰顯示:沉默的大多數只要肯積極參與選舉和投票,一定可以打破那些擺佈主流傳媒所刻意營造的 "定局"!

盼望當今在位有權柄的人都被聖經這兩句話語所警惕 :"現在你們君王應當省悟。你們世上的審判官該受管教。當存畏懼事奉耶和華﹐又當存戰兢而快樂。"(詩篇2:10-11)

 

      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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