當我們研讀舊約箴言時，可能會注意到上帝對我們傲慢的人類有嚴厲的指責，同時也有幽默詼諧的勸勉。箴言讓我們透過人生經歷，並藉著聰明與愚昧的對比，體會到善與惡，真與偽，進而提升到屬靈的層面，因為一切的選擇均反映出我們在基督裡的行事為人和身份。其實，我們唯有承認和認識耶和華才有真智慧，否則我們只能深深陷於驕傲，以自我為中心的泥沼中不能自拔。
約翰福音 15:5 耶穌對門徒說：「我是葡萄樹，你們是枝子。常在我裡面的，我也常在祂裡面，這人就多結果子；因為離了我，你們就不能做什麼。」
我們可以想像到當十二個門徒聽到他們無法靠自己做任何事情時而感到灰心懊惱，同樣他們也聽到主耶穌說那常在主基督裡面與祂相交的人，這人就多結果子。使徒保羅提醒我們看自己要合乎中道，誠實地存謙卑的心，看別人比自己強，但也不要過份貶低自我。只要我們憑信心領受上帝所賜的恩賜，接受祂量給我們的使命，忠心地運用在祂的國度裡，馬太福音 19:26 節耶穌看著他們說：「在人這是不能的，在神凡事都能。」
另一方面，不僅「屬靈的野心」會使我們看自己過於所當看的，更會以事奉神的名義去實現自己的想法、抱負，實際上內心卻是在榮耀自己。弟兄姊妹們，我們必須常在主基督裡面，與祂相近，安歇在聖靈之中，祂就成為我們的智慧和能力。無論是長處或弱點，我們都可以在祂的國度裏結出果子，合乎主用。當你相信並倚靠上帝的能力而不是依靠自己的才能時，事實上你已經是順服和信靠全知全能的上帝了，同時也將一切榮耀頌讚都歸給三位一體的真神。求神憐憫我們，阿們！
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Translation:
Useful To The Master ~Pastor Bernie Chung
As we study Proverbs in the Old Testament, we may find God’s harsh rebukes against people who are arrogant. At times we may also notice some humorous and witty exhortations from God as well. Proverbs help us recognize good and evil, truth and falsehood in life. Our life experiences often require us to compare things that are either wise or folly, and the choice we’ve made reflects our behavior, and reveals whether we have truly identified with Christ. Only by knowing and accepting Jehovah can we be truly wise. Any image we try to project for ourselves that based on wealth, self-value, and pride are follies.
In John 15:5 Jesus says to his disciples: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” We can imagine how disheartened the twelve disciples would have been to hear from Jesus that they can do nothing on their own. However, they also heard that by abiding in Lord Jesus and having fellowship with Him are keys to bear much fruit. The Apostle Paul reminds us to be upright, honest, and humble. We should see others to be better than ourselves, but not to the extreme by belittling ourselves too much. With faith we receive God’s gifts and align our life purpose in His will. We should utilize our gifts fully and faithfully in His Kingdom. Jesus says in Matthew 19:26: “ With men it is impossible; All things are possible with God.”
Let’s beware that our “spiritual ambition” makes us think too highly of ourselves. When we use our own ideals and thinking in the name of serving God, we are actually glorifying ourselves instead. Brothers and Sisters, let’s abide in Christ our Lord and be close to Him, and let the Holy Spirit be our resting place where we can seek wisdom and power. Whether we are weak or strong, we still can expect to bear fruit in God’s Kingdom if we remain in Jesus. When we rely on the power of God instead of our own abilities, we are submitting to and trusting the Almighty God, thus giving all glory and praise to the Trinity God. May God have mercy on us. Amen!
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