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青少年类 › 用话与灵带领少年人 › 第六篇　服事者需要操练灵以及为主说话的技术

第六篇　服事者需要操练灵以及为主说话的技术

用话与灵带领少年人

📖 研读 📊 汇集 🇬🇧 English 📋 对照
　
　　我们带领青年聚会时，灵应当活而释放。因为聚会中的空气很重要，能叫人活，也能杀死人。如果你是个操练灵的人，一到聚会中就动灵，运用你的灵，那么你无论到什么聚会，都能把叫人活的空气带去。已过，弟兄姊妹因着背景的关系，到擘饼聚会或祷告聚会中，都是很被动，自己不动灵，也不用灵，只等圣灵感动。这种情形是不合宜的。若是我们在聚会中，只是拿着圣经、诗歌坐在椅子上，却一点也不肯动我们的灵，运用我们的灵，我们就很难经历圣灵的感动。
　　你若是不动你的灵，圣灵就无法感动你。正如车子要点了火才能发动，不然车子是无法动的。你自己不点火，要等别人点火，这是很难的。在这件事上，我们已过吃了很大的亏，所以我们必须打破这种光景。你有没有动灵是骗不了人的，你若是在聚会中不动你的灵，你的灵就处于停顿状态，是观望的。认真说，这样的灵不是事奉的灵。
　
　　比方，一个篮球队，球员到球场上，必定会有一个打球的样子。若是这些球员没有穿运动服，却穿着长袍马褂，大摇大摆的来到球场，这肯定不合情理。同样的，若是你们在聚会中，懒洋洋的，既不祷告，也不唱诗，只是坐在那里动也不动，这也没有一个样子。然而，若是你们来到聚会，就操练灵、释放灵，众人不分彼此，一同背负聚会的担子，一起祷告，这样的祷告就会满有力量。若是有负担，甚至应该早五分钟或十分钟到聚会中，无论遇着谁，就和谁一起祷告，两三个人就祷告起来了。
　　我们来在一起聚会，就是一种事奉，我们要有事奉的态度。好比我们是一同打篮球的，一到篮球场，就要预备打球，而不是在那里观望。所以，我们来到聚会中，不能自己不动，只等别人；也不能只等带领的弟兄祷告、带诗歌，而自己什么也不作。尤其是青年人的聚会，若是青年人都不祷告，就如同篮球队员到了球场不打球一样。
　
　　你们不能平常在聚会中，作一个旁观者，等到去服事青年聚会时，才运用灵。这样的服事无法得着太多的祝福，因为我们无法欺瞒神。神赐福有一个律，就是我们必须操练灵；不论是在那一个场合，都要操练运用灵，这样才能蒙神祝福。我们的灵是操练一次就强一次，若是我们这个场合不操练灵，那个场合也不操练，等到要服事青年聚会时才操练，就来不及了。召会直到今日没有多少翻转，就是因为大家一直在等待圣灵的感动，但自己的灵却动也不动；这样等待圣灵，乃是个错误的观念。
　　服事青年的人应该常常来在一起，为着青年聚会祷告。若是青年聚会前一天有预备聚会，事奉的人就该早早来在一起祷告。不能有的人已经在会中唱诗了，有的人才悠悠哉哉、大摇大摆的走进会场。这样的态度不是事奉的灵。一个人若有事奉的灵，自然会早些来到，这不是存心约好的，而是因为里面有负担。若是众人的灵都是事奉的灵，就必早早来在一起祷告。这样，你们一到青年聚会，那个聚会必定是活的，并且空气也绝对不同。
　　服事者不能自己平常不操练灵，只是预备一点材料和重点，等到去带青年聚会时，才开始用灵。这不是正确的态度，这是演戏，因为你不是经常操练你的灵。有的人在初期学习服事时，还有点负担，还会祷告；等服事久了，习以为常，就连祷告也没有了。这是因为负担失去了，只觉得是接了一项责任，为了那项责任，就勉强自己。这不是一种正当地情形。一个事奉的人，不管接不接受那项责任，都应该是个祷告的人。就如中国长江的水一直流，你需要水的时候，它在流，你不需要水的时候，它也流。一个人要站讲台讲信息，他当然需要祷告；但即使他不讲信息，他也应该与主有交通。他不能特别为了站讲台，才有特别的祷告。他与主的交通和祷告，应该是一个习惯，就好像长江的水是一直涌流不停。
　
　　然而，不仅一般弟兄姊妹没有经常操练灵，甚至带头的负责弟兄也没有这样操练。这种情形的确需要迫切的祷告，因为这与青年工作很有关系。曾有一位弟兄问说，一个人怎样能常常保持新鲜、不陈旧？这问题的唯一答案，就是你要用灵。你不用灵，就一定是陈旧的；但你若学习时时用灵，你就必定新鲜、活泼。你可以试试看，无论在什么场合都学习用灵，没有意识要显扬自己，也没有刻意要谦卑自己；完全不理会什么谦虚、骄傲、隐藏或显扬，只管运用灵。你这样试试看，看你会不会活起来、新鲜起来。你若这样操练，虽然是读同一节圣经，别人读是死的、陈旧的，但你读起来就是活的、新鲜的。因为你用灵，就是在基督里。在基督里，旧事已过，一切都变成新的了（林后五17）。
　　举例而言，大家都读太一2：“亚伯拉罕生以撒，以撒生雅各，雅各生犹大和他的弟兄们。”有的人读，你就觉得他是活的；有的人读，你却觉得他是死的。这绝不是人的腔调问题，因为你若是故意学一个腔调，那可能就会像死尸的味道。问题是在于你有没有运用灵，操练灵，一直用灵。人是否能新鲜、活泼，关键就在这里。召会要有这种彻底的转变，在年长的人身上不太容易，因为他们已经习惯了，习惯不用灵。所以，盼望从这时起，在少年人身上，慢慢能养成用灵的风气。少年弟兄姊妹应该有一种态度，来到聚会中，不等圣灵感动，不等待灵感，就主动用灵。
　
　　等待圣灵的感动，并不是出于圣经的根据。林前十四26说，“每逢你们聚在一起的时候，各人或有诗歌，或有教训，或有启示，或有方言，或有翻出来的话，凡事都当为建造。”这里所说的，我们聚在一起时，有人会受感有诗歌，有教训，或有启示等等。倪弟兄下过很大的功夫，查读这节圣经的希腊文，发现“各人或有”的“有”，并不是到聚会才有的，乃是在来聚会前就有的。所以，这不是一种临时的感动。我们聚会乃是像打篮球一样，当你上场打球时，不是根据你有没有受感动。当球从空中飞来时，你就要从空中接，从底下来时，你就要从底下接。你不能说，我何时有感动，就何时接球。有些人就是这种态度，不管别人如何，只管自己有没有受感。众人在唱诗歌，唱得津津有味，他却没有感觉。我们聚会要像打篮球，球传来了，大家都要跟着动；高处来高处接，低处来低处接。有人点了一首诗歌，我马上跟上去，这就像打球一样，配搭起来。你一个祷告过了，我马上补一首诗歌，或者加上一首诗歌。诗歌一唱完，再有一个人补上一个祷告。大家配搭一起，真如同打篮球一样。配合是主动的，不是在那里等待受感动。这样主动运用灵，和被动等候圣灵分别很大；主动运用灵，才是合乎圣经的聚会方式。
　　另一面，以我们的经历而言，我们在聚会中开口，没有多少次是受了圣灵感动才说，几乎都是我们主动说的。我们大多是因着有责任，必须在聚会里主动说话；然而，我们一说，圣灵的感动就来了。很明显的是，有的弟兄不站讲台传信息时，他就不会特别去祷告；但因着要站讲台，他就去祷告，一祷告，圣灵的感动就来了。有的家负责因着要带领聚会，就在聚会中带头祷告，一祷告，圣灵的感动就来了。这是很奇妙的事，你不负责就没有圣灵的感动，你一负责圣灵就来感动。所以，这到底是感动呢，还是主动？从我们事奉的经历来看，多数是我们主动发起，不是被动的等圣灵感动。然而，只要我们一主动，圣灵就来感动。相信这个窍我们都懂得，但我们却不肯多多运用。
　
　　再者，我们的青年聚会要聚得好，有两面需要加强；一面是我们要操练灵，一面是为主说话的技术要操练。对于这两个问题，别人是没有办法代替的，必须我们自己操练，其中的讲究是大的。现在我们服事青少年不是没有材料，也不是没有作法，并且我们还有召会的扶持，样样都是齐备的。然而，我们直接去作的人，技术不够，灵也不够，这两件事实在是关键。有了这两面，我们就能作出来；没有，就作不出来。所以这两方面，我们都需要操练，灵要操练，为主说话的技术也要操练。
　　带领青年聚会，重要的不在于材料；因为材料别人可以提供，但是灵和技术，非得自己操练不可。虽然用的材料可能都是同样的，但有的人作出来是一个味道，有的人作出来是另一个味道。重要的是我们要在灵和技术上有讲究，这两方面都需要自己下功夫操练，这是没有人能代替的。作父母的总是想尽办法，要帮助并教育自己的孩子，但是孩子要学会读书写字，还得要他自己下苦功练习，别人是没有办法代替的。这不是光看别人作，自己就会作的，乃要自己去操练才行。
　　所以，盼望众人都清楚，带领青年聚会，不是只预备一点材料就可以了。为主说话的技术和灵的操练，都需要下功夫苦练，这没有便宜的路可走。不是你预备一下教材，去讲一讲就能作起来。每一位去作的人，都要善用灵，并操练技术。这两点不操练，就作不起来，即使能作起来，也没有什么果效。
　　总之，一切都有配合，关键在于大家在技术和灵上的操练。若是众人肯在技术和灵上多有操练，一年之后的青年聚会，人数就可能达到一千。青年人繁盛起来是很容易的，要一个人一年带一个人得救，并不是太难的事。然而，要青年人自己带领人并不容易，但是若有一个聚会带领他们，就很容易。带领到一个地步，许多人就得救了；所以，二年翻一倍并不是难事。这个关键在于我们所下的功夫。比方，同样是打篮球，有人打篮球，没有人看；有人打篮球，要去看竟然一票难求。这个讲究在于有没有下功夫；下的功夫不同，结果自然不同。所以，不要轻看青年聚会，要扎实着重的去作，一定要越作越进步。然而，若是真作得好，也不要骄傲，这才是走在对的路上。
　　一九六一年三月三十一日讲于台北
　
　　我们带领青年聚会时，灵应当活而释放。因为聚会中的空气很重要，能叫人活，也能杀死人。如果你是个操练灵的人，一到聚会中就动灵，运用你的灵，那么你无论到什么聚会，都能把叫人活的空气带去。已过，弟兄姊妹因着背景的关系，到擘饼聚会或祷告聚会中，都是很被动，自己不动灵，也不用灵，只等圣灵感动。这种情形是不合宜的。若是我们在聚会中，只是拿着圣经、诗歌坐在椅子上，却一点也不肯动我们的灵，运用我们的灵，我们就很难经历圣灵的感动。　　你若是不动你的灵，圣灵就无法感动你。正如车子要点了火才能发动，不然车子是无法动的。你自己不点火，要等别人点火，这是很难的。在这件事上，我们已过吃了很大的亏，所以我们必须打破这种光景。你有没有动灵是骗不了人的，你若是在聚会中不动你的灵，你的灵就处于停顿状态，是观望的。认真说，这样的灵不是事奉的灵。
　
　　比方，一个篮球队，球员到球场上，必定会有一个打球的样子。若是这些球员没有穿运动服，却穿着长袍马褂，大摇大摆的来到球场，这肯定不合情理。同样的，若是你们在聚会中，懒洋洋的，既不祷告，也不唱诗，只是坐在那里动也不动，这也没有一个样子。然而，若是你们来到聚会，就操练灵、释放灵，众人不分彼此，一同背负聚会的担子，一起祷告，这样的祷告就会满有力量。若是有负担，甚至应该早五分钟或十分钟到聚会中，无论遇着谁，就和谁一起祷告，两三个人就祷告起来了。　　我们来在一起聚会，就是一种事奉，我们要有事奉的态度。好比我们是一同打篮球的，一到篮球场，就要预备打球，而不是在那里观望。所以，我们来到聚会中，不能自己不动，只等别人；也不能只等带领的弟兄祷告、带诗歌，而自己什么也不作。尤其是青年人的聚会，若是青年人都不祷告，就如同篮球队员到了球场不打球一样。
　
　　你们不能平常在聚会中，作一个旁观者，等到去服事青年聚会时，才运用灵。这样的服事无法得着太多的祝福，因为我们无法欺瞒神。神赐福有一个律，就是我们必须操练灵；不论是在那一个场合，都要操练运用灵，这样才能蒙神祝福。我们的灵是操练一次就强一次，若是我们这个场合不操练灵，那个场合也不操练，等到要服事青年聚会时才操练，就来不及了。召会直到今日没有多少翻转，就是因为大家一直在等待圣灵的感动，但自己的灵却动也不动；这样等待圣灵，乃是个错误的观念。　　服事青年的人应该常常来在一起，为着青年聚会祷告。若是青年聚会前一天有预备聚会，事奉的人就该早早来在一起祷告。不能有的人已经在会中唱诗了，有的人才悠悠哉哉、大摇大摆的走进会场。这样的态度不是事奉的灵。一个人若有事奉的灵，自然会早些来到，这不是存心约好的，而是因为里面有负担。若是众人的灵都是事奉的灵，就必早早来在一起祷告。这样，你们一到青年聚会，那个聚会必定是活的，并且空气也绝对不同。　　服事者不能自己平常不操练灵，只是预备一点材料和重点，等到去带青年聚会时，才开始用灵。这不是正确的态度，这是演戏，因为你不是经常操练你的灵。有的人在初期学习服事时，还有点负担，还会祷告；等服事久了，习以为常，就连祷告也没有了。这是因为负担失去了，只觉得是接了一项责任，为了那项责任，就勉强自己。这不是一种正当地情形。一个事奉的人，不管接不接受那项责任，都应该是个祷告的人。就如中国长江的水一直流，你需要水的时候，它在流，你不需要水的时候，它也流。一个人要站讲台讲信息，他当然需要祷告；但即使他不讲信息，他也应该与主有交通。他不能特别为了站讲台，才有特别的祷告。他与主的交通和祷告，应该是一个习惯，就好像长江的水是一直涌流不停。
　
　　然而，不仅一般弟兄姊妹没有经常操练灵，甚至带头的负责弟兄也没有这样操练。这种情形的确需要迫切的祷告，因为这与青年工作很有关系。曾有一位弟兄问说，一个人怎样能常常保持新鲜、不陈旧？这问题的唯一答案，就是你要用灵。你不用灵，就一定是陈旧的；但你若学习时时用灵，你就必定新鲜、活泼。你可以试试看，无论在什么场合都学习用灵，没有意识要显扬自己，也没有刻意要谦卑自己；完全不理会什么谦虚、骄傲、隐藏或显扬，只管运用灵。你这样试试看，看你会不会活起来、新鲜起来。你若这样操练，虽然是读同一节圣经，别人读是死的、陈旧的，但你读起来就是活的、新鲜的。因为你用灵，就是在基督里。在基督里，旧事已过，一切都变成新的了（林后五17）。
--------本段经节汇集--------
林后5:17  
因此，若有人在基督里，他就是新造；旧事已过，看哪，都变成新的了。
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　　举例而言，大家都读马太一章二节：“亚伯拉罕生以撒，以撒生雅各，雅各生犹大和他的弟兄们。”有的人读，你就觉得他是活的；有的人读，你却觉得他是死的。这绝不是人的腔调问题，因为你若是故意学一个腔调，那可能就会像死尸的味道。问题是在于你有没有运用灵，操练灵，一直用灵。人是否能新鲜、活泼，关键就在这里。召会要有这种彻底的转变，在年长的人身上不太容易，因为他们已经习惯了，习惯不用灵。所以，盼望从这时起，在少年人身上，慢慢能养成用灵的风气。少年弟兄姊妹应该有一种态度，来到聚会中，不等圣灵感动，不等待灵感，就主动用灵。
--------本段经节汇集--------
太1:2  
亚伯拉罕生以撒，以撒生雅各，雅各生犹大和他的弟兄们，
马太福音一章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）
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　　等待圣灵的感动，并不是出于圣经的根据。林前十四章二十六节说，“每逢你们聚在一起的时候，各人或有诗歌，或有教训，或有启示，或有方言，或有翻出来的话，凡事都当为建造。”这里所说的，我们聚在一起时，有人会受感有诗歌，有教训，或有启示等等。倪弟兄下过很大的功夫，查读这节圣经的希腊文，发现“各人或有”的“有”，并不是到聚会才有的，乃是在来聚会前就有的。所以，这不是一种临时的感动。我们聚会乃是像打篮球一样，当你上场打球时，不是根据你有没有受感动。当球从空中飞来时，你就要从空中接，从底下来时，你就要从底下接。你不能说，我何时有感动，就何时接球。有些人就是这种态度，不管别人如何，只管自己有没有受感。众人在唱诗歌，唱得津津有味，他却没有感觉。我们聚会要像打篮球，球传来了，大家都要跟着动；高处来高处接，低处来低处接。有人点了一首诗歌，我马上跟上去，这就像打球一样，配搭起来。你一个祷告过了，我马上补一首诗歌，或者加上一首诗歌。诗歌一唱完，再有一个人补上一个祷告。大家配搭一起，真如同打篮球一样。配合是主动的，不是在那里等待受感动。这样主动运用灵，和被动等候圣灵分别很大；主动运用灵，才是合乎圣经的聚会方式。
--------本段经节汇集--------
林前14:26  
弟兄们，这却怎么样？每逢你们聚在一起的时候，各人或有诗歌，或有教训，或有启示，或有方言，或有翻出来的话，凡事都当为建造。
哥林多前书一章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）
哥林多前书一章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）
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　　另一面，以我们的经历而言，我们在聚会中开口，没有多少次是受了圣灵感动才说，几乎都是我们主动说的。我们大多是因着有责任，必须在聚会里主动说话；然而，我们一说，圣灵的感动就来了。很明显的是，有的弟兄不站讲台传信息时，他就不会特别去祷告；但因着要站讲台，他就去祷告，一祷告，圣灵的感动就来了。有的家负责因着要带领聚会，就在聚会中带头祷告，一祷告，圣灵的感动就来了。这是很奇妙的事，你不负责就没有圣灵的感动，你一负责圣灵就来感动。所以，这到底是感动呢，还是主动？从我们事奉的经历来看，多数是我们主动发起，不是被动的等圣灵感动。然而，只要我们一主动，圣灵就来感动。相信这个窍我们都懂得，但我们却不肯多多运用。
　
　　再者，我们的青年聚会要聚得好，有两面需要加强；一面是我们要操练灵，一面是为主说话的技术要操练。对于这两个问题，别人是没有办法代替的，必须我们自己操练，其中的讲究是大的。现在我们服事青少年不是没有材料，也不是没有作法，并且我们还有召会的扶持，样样都是齐备的。然而，我们直接去作的人，技术不够，灵也不够，这两件事实在是关键。有了这两面，我们就能作出来；没有，就作不出来。所以这两方面，我们都需要操练，灵要操练，为主说话的技术也要操练。　　带领青年聚会，重要的不在于材料；因为材料别人可以提供，但是灵和技术，非得自己操练不可。虽然用的材料可能都是同样的，但有的人作出来是一个味道，有的人作出来是另一个味道。重要的是我们要在灵和技术上有讲究，这两方面都需要自己下功夫操练，这是没有人能代替的。作父母的总是想尽办法，要帮助并教育自己的孩子，但是孩子要学会读书写字，还得要他自己下苦功练习，别人是没有办法代替的。这不是光看别人作，自己就会作的，乃要自己去操练才行。　　所以，盼望众人都清楚，带领青年聚会，不是只预备一点材料就可以了。为主说话的技术和灵的操练，都需要下功夫苦练，这没有便宜的路可走。不是你预备一下教材，去讲一讲就能作起来。每一位去作的人，都要善用灵，并操练技术。这两点不操练，就作不起来，即使能作起来，也没有什么果效。　　总之，一切都有配合，关键在于大家在技术和灵上的操练。若是众人肯在技术和灵上多有操练，一年之后的青年聚会，人数就可能达到一千。青年人繁盛起来是很容易的，要一个人一年带一个人得救，并不是太难的事。然而，要青年人自己带领人并不容易，但是若有一个聚会带领他们，就很容易。带领到一个地步，许多人就得救了；所以，二年翻一倍并不是难事。这个关键在于我们所下的功夫。比方，同样是打篮球，有人打篮球，没有人看；有人打篮球，要去看竟然一票难求。这个讲究在于有没有下功夫；下的功夫不同，结果自然不同。所以，不要轻看青年聚会，要扎实着重的去作，一定要越作越进步。然而，若是真作得好，也不要骄傲，这才是走在对的路上。　　一九六一年三月三十一日讲于台北
　
OUR SPIRIT BEING LIVING AND RELEASED AND NOT WAITING FOR INSPIRATION
　When we lead the young people’s meeting, our spirit should be living and released. The atmosphere in a meeting is crucial because it can either enliven or kill the saints. If we activate and exercise our spirit when we arrive at a meeting, the saints will be enlivened by the atmosphere of the meeting. Due to our background, however, many brothers and sisters are passive when they attend the bread-breaking meeting or the prayer meeting. Instead of exercising their spirit, they wait to be inspired by the Spirit. This is not a good situation. If we merely sit on chairs with Bibles and hymnals in our hands but do not exercise our spirit, it will be difficult to experience the flow of the Spirit.
　If we do not stir up our spirit, the Spirit will not be able to move us. A car moves only when its engine has been ignited. If we do not “ignite” our spirit and, instead, wait for others to “ignite” it, the atmosphere of the meeting will not be living. Our meetings have suffered greatly in the past because this has been our practice. We need to break this pattern. Others always know when our spirit is not exercised. Without an exercised spirit, our spirit will be lethargic, and we will have an attitude of waiting for the Spirit’s inspiration in the meeting. Furthermore, a lethargic spirit is not a serving spirit.
　
BEARING THE MEETING WITH OTHERS IN A SERVING SPIRIT
　We can illustrate this situation by considering a basketball game. When basketball players arrive at a game, they must be ready to play. If they come onto the court wearing long gowns instead of uniforms, they will not be prepared to play. Similarly, the meeting will be affected if we sit quietly and our spirit is not exercised through either praying or singing. However, if we exercise and release our spirit as soon as we arrive at a meeting and if all the saints bear the burden of the meeting by praying together in a blended way, the meeting will be full of power. If we are burdened, we will even arrive at a meeting five or ten minutes early, and we will begin to pray with whomever is there. Consequently, the prayer will begin spontaneously with just two or three.
　Coming together to meet is a service, so we must have a serving attitude. Just like a basketball player who is prepared to play, we must be prepared to “play ball” when we arrive at a meeting. We cannot merely be spectators. When we arrive at a meeting, we should not wait for others to function. Neither should we wait for the leading brothers to pray or call a hymn. Young saints who do not pray in a young people’s meeting are like basketball players who do not play ball when they arrive at a game.
　
EXERCISING THE SPIRIT AND FELLOWSHIPPING WITH THE LORD CONTINUALLY
　We cannot be spectators in the regular meetings of the church and then exercise our spirit when we are serving in the young people’s meeting. This kind of service cannot receive much blessing, because we cannot fool God. The law of God’s blessing is that we must exercise our spirit. We must exercise our spirit at all times in order to receive His blessing. Our spirit is strengthened whenever it is exercised. If we do not exercise our spirit during the regular meetings of the church, it will be difficult to exercise our spirit when we are serving in the young people’s meeting. The church has not advanced much because the saints are waiting to be inspired by the Spirit and thus are not exercised in their spirit. The thought of waiting for the Spirit’s inspiration is an erroneous concept.
　Those who serve the young people should come together to pray for the young people’s meeting. If there is a preparation time before the young people’s meeting, the serving ones should come early and pray together. It is not good for serving ones to be singing during the preparation time while others arrive late and at a leisurely pace. Someone who comes late does not have an attitude that corresponds to a serving spirit. If a person has a serving spirit, he will arrive early because he is burdened inwardly, not because he is following a prearranged schedule. If the saints have a serving spirit, they will arrive early to pray and sing. Thus, when they go to the young people’s meeting, the meeting will be living, and the atmosphere will be absolutely different.
　If the serving ones prepare material related to some points and only begin to exercise their spirit when they arrive at the young people’s meeting, this is not a proper attitude. If they do not exercise their spirit regularly, their time in the young people’s meeting will only be a performance. When some saints begin to serve with the young people, they have a burden, and they pray. However, as they continue to serve, their service becomes routine, and they do not continue to pray. Then their service becomes a duty that they force themselves to fulfill. A serving one should be a man of prayer, even if he is serving only out of a sense of duty. The Yangtze River in China flows continuously; it flows whether people need water or not. Likewise, when a serving one is preparing to give a message, he needs to pray, but even if he is not giving a message, he still needs to fellowship with the Lord. It is not enough to pray only when he has to give a message. His fellowship and prayer with the Lord should be continual, just like the continual flowing of the Yangtze River.
　
EXERCISING OUR SPIRIT CONSISTENTLY TO KEEP OURSELVES FRESH AND LIVING
　Even the responsible brothers who are taking the lead do not have a consistent exercise of the spirit. We need to pray desperately for this situation because this affects our work with the young people. A brother once asked me what he needed to do in order to keep his spirit fresh and living. The only answer is that we must exercise our spirit. If we do not exercise our spirit, we will become old, but if we learn to exercise our spirit, we will be fresh and living.
　I would encourage you to try this: exercise your spirit in every situation, neither exhibiting nor humbling yourself in a conscious manner, forsaking both pride and humility and without any thought of being hidden or manifested in your exercise. Instead, simply exercise your spirit. Try this and see if you become fresh and living. If you exercise in this way, another person may read a verse in a dead and old way, but your reading will be fresh and living. It will be fresh and living because your reading will come out of the exercise of the spirit. When you exercise your spirit, you will be in Christ, and in Christ the old things have passed away and have become new (2 Cor. 5:17).
　For example, when we are in a meeting and read a verse, we can often sense that some saints are reading in a living way and others are not. This is not merely a matter of tone or emphasis, because even the mimicking of a certain tone cannot eliminate a sense of death. The only thing that matters is whether we are exercising our spirit continually. This is the key to whether or not we are fresh and living. The church is in need of this revolutionary change, but it will not be easy for those who are not accustomed to exercising their spirit. I hope that an atmosphere of exercising the spirit will be gradually cultivated among our young people. The young brothers and sisters should have such an attitude when they come to the meeting; they should not wait for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
　
EXERCISING OUR SPIRIT AND BEING MOVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
　The concept of waiting to be inspired by the Holy Spirit is not according to the Bible. First Corinthians 14:26 says, “What then, brothers? Whenever you come together, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.” Whenever we come together, some will have a song, a teaching, a revelation, and so forth. Brother Nee spent a great deal of time to study this verse in the original Greek language. He discovered that each one has does not mean that each one will have something after arriving at the meeting; rather, it means that each one already has something before coming to the meeting. Hence, having something is not a matter of sudden inspiration in a meeting. Our meeting can be likened to playing a basketball game. The players on the court do not play based on inspiration. They have to be ready to receive the ball whenever it is passed to them and from whatever direction it comes. They cannot say that they will catch the ball when they feel inspired to do so. This is not a proper attitude. However, some saints have this kind of attitude. They care only for the matter of their own inspiration, not for others. Consequently, when everyone is singing a hymn with full enjoyment, they are unmoved and inactive. We should meet in the same way that basketball is played. When the “ball” comes, we should respond. When a hymn is called, we should follow the movement of the “ball” and sing. After one offers a prayer, another can strengthen it with a hymn. After singing the hymn, still others can continue to pass the “ball” with additional prayer. In this way we will be coordinated together. Coordination requires initiative rather than inspiration. Actively exercising our spirit in this way is very different from passively waiting for the Spirit. Actively exercising our spirit is the scriptural way to meet.
　In our experience the opening of our mouth is rarely the result of inspiration from the Spirit; rather, it is the result of simply taking the initiative to speak. Often the real move of the Spirit comes only when we open our mouth to speak. Even though some brothers pray only when they are about to give a message, the Spirit still comes when they pray. Similarly, when others bear the responsibility to pray in a meeting, the Spirit comes as soon as they pray. This is an amazing thing. If we bear no responsibility and take no initiative, it seems as if the Spirit does not move, but once we bear some responsibility, the Spirit comes. Is such a result the issue of the movement of the Spirit or of the initiative of the brother? According to our experience, when we take the initiative to serve, rather than waiting passively for the inspiration of the Spirit, the Spirit moves. I believe that we understand this key, but we need to apply it consistently.
　
DEVOTING TIME AND ENERGY TO EXERCISE OUR SPIRIT AND LEARNING TO SPEAK FOR THE LORD
　In order to have proper meetings with the young people, we must improve in two areas. First, we must exercise our spirit, and second, we must learn and practice the skills that are needed in order to speak for the Lord. No one can do these two things for us. In regard to our service with the young people, we are not short of material. Furthermore, we have the support of the churches. However, those of us who work with the young people are short in the exercise of the spirit and in the skills needed to speak for the Lord. These two matters are crucial. If we address these two aspects in an adequate way, however, we will be able to achieve something. But if we fail to address these matters, we will not have any results. Hence, we must be trained to exercise our spirit and learn the skills that are needed in order to speak for the Lord.
　The important thing in leading the young people’s meeting is not the preparation of material, because much material is already available. However, the exercise of the spirit and the skills needed to speak cannot be provided by others. Although two people may use the same material, one may produce a certain kind of flavor, whereas another person will produce a different kind of flavor. The difference in the flavor is determined by the exercise of the spirit and the skills that have been learned. Both aspects require time and energy in order to exercise and learn; no one can do this for us. Even though parents try their best to educate their children, their children must learn to read and write for themselves by devoting time and energy to practice and learn. No one can learn for them. It is not possible to learn merely by watching others; we must practice for ourselves.
　I hope that all the saints are clear that leading the young people’s meeting requires much more than merely preparing material for them. Both the exercise of the spirit and the skills needed in order to speak for the Lord require time, energy, and practice. There is no shortcut or easy way. Everyone who serves must know how to use his spirit and practice speaking. If we do not practice and learn these two matters, our success will be minimal at best.
　In short, with other factors being in place, the key to our success lies in the exercise of the spirit and in the practice of our speaking. If we are willing to exercise our spirit and practice our speaking, the number in the young people’s meeting will reach one thousand within a year. It is easy to gain an increase among the young people because every one of them can bring another young person to salvation each year. However, it is not easy for the young ones to lead the ones whom they have gained. If there is a meeting for them, it will be very easy to progress, and many will be saved. It would not be difficult to have a twofold increase in a year, but everything depends upon the amount of time and energy we devote. There are many basketball teams, but when some teams play, no one wants to go to their games, but when other teams play, it is hard to get a ticket to the game. The difference lies in how much effort a team has devoted to advancing. Different efforts will reap different results. We should not overlook the young people’s meeting. Rather, we should do a solid and focused work and always make progress. If our work is progressing well, however, we should be wary of becoming proud.
 
　　我们带领青年聚会时，灵应当活而释放。因为聚会中的空气很重要，能叫人活，也能杀死人。如果你是个操练灵的人，一到聚会中就动灵，运用你的灵，那么你无论到什么聚会，都能把叫人活的空气带去。已过，弟兄姊妹因着背景的关系，到擘饼聚会或祷告聚会中，都是很被动，自己不动灵，也不用灵，只等圣灵感动。这种情形是不合宜的。若是我们在聚会中，只是拿着圣经、诗歌坐在椅子上，却一点也不肯动我们的灵，运用我们的灵，我们就很难经历圣灵的感动。

　　你若是不动你的灵，圣灵就无法感动你。正如车子要点了火才能发动，不然车子是无法动的。你自己不点火，要等别人点火，这是很难的。在这件事上，我们已过吃了很大的亏，所以我们必须打破这种光景。你有没有动灵是骗不了人的，你若是在聚会中不动你的灵，你的灵就处于停顿状态，是观望的。认真说，这样的灵不是事奉的灵。
 
　When we lead the young people’s meeting, our spirit should be living and released. The atmosphere in a meeting is crucial because it can either enliven or kill the saints. If we activate and exercise our spirit when we arrive at a meeting, the saints will be enlivened by the atmosphere of the meeting. Due to our background, however, many brothers and sisters are passive when they attend the bread-breaking meeting or the prayer meeting. Instead of exercising their spirit, they wait to be inspired by the Spirit. This is not a good situation. If we merely sit on chairs with Bibles and hymnals in our hands but do not exercise our spirit, it will be difficult to experience the flow of the Spirit.

　If we do not stir up our spirit, the Spirit will not be able to move us. A car moves only when its engine has been ignited. If we do not “ignite” our spirit and, instead, wait for others to “ignite” it, the atmosphere of the meeting will not be living. Our meetings have suffered greatly in the past because this has been our practice. We need to break this pattern. Others always know when our spirit is not exercised. Without an exercised spirit, our spirit will be lethargic, and we will have an attitude of waiting for the Spirit’s inspiration in the meeting. Furthermore, a lethargic spirit is not a serving spirit.
　　比方，一个篮球队，球员到球场上，必定会有一个打球的样子。若是这些球员没有穿运动服，却穿着长袍马褂，大摇大摆的来到球场，这肯定不合情理。同样的，若是你们在聚会中，懒洋洋的，既不祷告，也不唱诗，只是坐在那里动也不动，这也没有一个样子。然而，若是你们来到聚会，就操练灵、释放灵，众人不分彼此，一同背负聚会的担子，一起祷告，这样的祷告就会满有力量。若是有负担，甚至应该早五分钟或十分钟到聚会中，无论遇着谁，就和谁一起祷告，两三个人就祷告起来了。

　　我们来在一起聚会，就是一种事奉，我们要有事奉的态度。好比我们是一同打篮球的，一到篮球场，就要预备打球，而不是在那里观望。所以，我们来到聚会中，不能自己不动，只等别人；也不能只等带领的弟兄祷告、带诗歌，而自己什么也不作。尤其是青年人的聚会，若是青年人都不祷告，就如同篮球队员到了球场不打球一样。
 
　We can illustrate this situation by considering a basketball game. When basketball players arrive at a game, they must be ready to play. If they come onto the court wearing long gowns instead of uniforms, they will not be prepared to play. Similarly, the meeting will be affected if we sit quietly and our spirit is not exercised through either praying or singing. However, if we exercise and release our spirit as soon as we arrive at a meeting and if all the saints bear the burden of the meeting by praying together in a blended way, the meeting will be full of power. If we are burdened, we will even arrive at a meeting five or ten minutes early, and we will begin to pray with whomever is there. Consequently, the prayer will begin spontaneously with just two or three.

　Coming together to meet is a service, so we must have a serving attitude. Just like a basketball player who is prepared to play, we must be prepared to “play ball” when we arrive at a meeting. We cannot merely be spectators. When we arrive at a meeting, we should not wait for others to function. Neither should we wait for the leading brothers to pray or call a hymn. Young saints who do not pray in a young people’s meeting are like basketball players who do not play ball when they arrive at a game.
　　你们不能平常在聚会中，作一个旁观者，等到去服事青年聚会时，才运用灵。这样的服事无法得着太多的祝福，因为我们无法欺瞒神。神赐福有一个律，就是我们必须操练灵；不论是在那一个场合，都要操练运用灵，这样才能蒙神祝福。我们的灵是操练一次就强一次，若是我们这个场合不操练灵，那个场合也不操练，等到要服事青年聚会时才操练，就来不及了。召会直到今日没有多少翻转，就是因为大家一直在等待圣灵的感动，但自己的灵却动也不动；这样等待圣灵，乃是个错误的观念。

　　服事青年的人应该常常来在一起，为着青年聚会祷告。若是青年聚会前一天有预备聚会，事奉的人就该早早来在一起祷告。不能有的人已经在会中唱诗了，有的人才悠悠哉哉、大摇大摆的走进会场。这样的态度不是事奉的灵。一个人若有事奉的灵，自然会早些来到，这不是存心约好的，而是因为里面有负担。若是众人的灵都是事奉的灵，就必早早来在一起祷告。这样，你们一到青年聚会，那个聚会必定是活的，并且空气也绝对不同。

　　服事者不能自己平常不操练灵，只是预备一点材料和重点，等到去带青年聚会时，才开始用灵。这不是正确的态度，这是演戏，因为你不是经常操练你的灵。有的人在初期学习服事时，还有点负担，还会祷告；等服事久了，习以为常，就连祷告也没有了。这是因为负担失去了，只觉得是接了一项责任，为了那项责任，就勉强自己。这不是一种正当地情形。一个事奉的人，不管接不接受那项责任，都应该是个祷告的人。就如中国长江的水一直流，你需要水的时候，它在流，你不需要水的时候，它也流。一个人要站讲台讲信息，他当然需要祷告；但即使他不讲信息，他也应该与主有交通。他不能特别为了站讲台，才有特别的祷告。他与主的交通和祷告，应该是一个习惯，就好像长江的水是一直涌流不停。
 
　We cannot be spectators in the regular meetings of the church and then exercise our spirit when we are serving in the young people’s meeting. This kind of service cannot receive much blessing, because we cannot fool God. The law of God’s blessing is that we must exercise our spirit. We must exercise our spirit at all times in order to receive His blessing. Our spirit is strengthened whenever it is exercised. If we do not exercise our spirit during the regular meetings of the church, it will be difficult to exercise our spirit when we are serving in the young people’s meeting. The church has not advanced much because the saints are waiting to be inspired by the Spirit and thus are not exercised in their spirit. The thought of waiting for the Spirit’s inspiration is an erroneous concept.

　Those who serve the young people should come together to pray for the young people’s meeting. If there is a preparation time before the young people’s meeting, the serving ones should come early and pray together. It is not good for serving ones to be singing during the preparation time while others arrive late and at a leisurely pace. Someone who comes late does not have an attitude that corresponds to a serving spirit. If a person has a serving spirit, he will arrive early because he is burdened inwardly, not because he is following a prearranged schedule. If the saints have a serving spirit, they will arrive early to pray and sing. Thus, when they go to the young people’s meeting, the meeting will be living, and the atmosphere will be absolutely different.

　If the serving ones prepare material related to some points and only begin to exercise their spirit when they arrive at the young people’s meeting, this is not a proper attitude. If they do not exercise their spirit regularly, their time in the young people’s meeting will only be a performance. When some saints begin to serve with the young people, they have a burden, and they pray. However, as they continue to serve, their service becomes routine, and they do not continue to pray. Then their service becomes a duty that they force themselves to fulfill. A serving one should be a man of prayer, even if he is serving only out of a sense of duty. The Yangtze River in China flows continuously; it flows whether people need water or not. Likewise, when a serving one is preparing to give a message, he needs to pray, but even if he is not giving a message, he still needs to fellowship with the Lord. It is not enough to pray only when he has to give a message. His fellowship and prayer with the Lord should be continual, just like the continual flowing of the Yangtze River.
　　然而，不仅一般弟兄姊妹没有经常操练灵，甚至带头的负责弟兄也没有这样操练。这种情形的确需要迫切的祷告，因为这与青年工作很有关系。曾有一位弟兄问说，一个人怎样能常常保持新鲜、不陈旧？这问题的唯一答案，就是你要用灵。你不用灵，就一定是陈旧的；但你若学习时时用灵，你就必定新鲜、活泼。你可以试试看，无论在什么场合都学习用灵，没有意识要显扬自己，也没有刻意要谦卑自己；完全不理会什么谦虚、骄傲、隐藏或显扬，只管运用灵。你这样试试看，看你会不会活起来、新鲜起来。你若这样操练，虽然是读同一节圣经，别人读是死的、陈旧的，但你读起来就是活的、新鲜的。因为你用灵，就是在基督里。在基督里，旧事已过，一切都变成新的了（林后五17）。

　　举例而言，大家都读马太一章二节：“亚伯拉罕生以撒，以撒生雅各，雅各生犹大和他的弟兄们。”有的人读，你就觉得他是活的；有的人读，你却觉得他是死的。这绝不是人的腔调问题，因为你若是故意学一个腔调，那可能就会像死尸的味道。问题是在于你有没有运用灵，操练灵，一直用灵。人是否能新鲜、活泼，关键就在这里。召会要有这种彻底的转变，在年长的人身上不太容易，因为他们已经习惯了，习惯不用灵。所以，盼望从这时起，在少年人身上，慢慢能养成用灵的风气。少年弟兄姊妹应该有一种态度，来到聚会中，不等圣灵感动，不等待灵感，就主动用灵。
 
　Even the responsible brothers who are taking the lead do not have a consistent exercise of the spirit. We need to pray desperately for this situation because this affects our work with the young people. A brother once asked me what he needed to do in order to keep his spirit fresh and living. The only answer is that we must exercise our spirit. If we do not exercise our spirit, we will become old, but if we learn to exercise our spirit, we will be fresh and living.

　I would encourage you to try this: exercise your spirit in every situation, neither exhibiting nor humbling yourself in a conscious manner, forsaking both pride and humility and without any thought of being hidden or manifested in your exercise. Instead, simply exercise your spirit. Try this and see if you become fresh and living. If you exercise in this way, another person may read a verse in a dead and old way, but your reading will be fresh and living. It will be fresh and living because your reading will come out of the exercise of the spirit. When you exercise your spirit, you will be in Christ, and in Christ the old things have passed away and have become new (2 Cor. 5:17).

　For example, when we are in a meeting and read a verse, we can often sense that some saints are reading in a living way and others are not. This is not merely a matter of tone or emphasis, because even the mimicking of a certain tone cannot eliminate a sense of death. The only thing that matters is whether we are exercising our spirit continually. This is the key to whether or not we are fresh and living. The church is in need of this revolutionary change, but it will not be easy for those who are not accustomed to exercising their spirit. I hope that an atmosphere of exercising the spirit will be gradually cultivated among our young people. The young brothers and sisters should have such an attitude when they come to the meeting; they should not wait for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
　　等待圣灵的感动，并不是出于圣经的根据。林前十四章二十六节说，“每逢你们聚在一起的时候，各人或有诗歌，或有教训，或有启示，或有方言，或有翻出来的话，凡事都当为建造。”这里所说的，我们聚在一起时，有人会受感有诗歌，有教训，或有启示等等。倪弟兄下过很大的功夫，查读这节圣经的希腊文，发现“各人或有”的“有”，并不是到聚会才有的，乃是在来聚会前就有的。所以，这不是一种临时的感动。我们聚会乃是像打篮球一样，当你上场打球时，不是根据你有没有受感动。当球从空中飞来时，你就要从空中接，从底下来时，你就要从底下接。你不能说，我何时有感动，就何时接球。有些人就是这种态度，不管别人如何，只管自己有没有受感。众人在唱诗歌，唱得津津有味，他却没有感觉。我们聚会要像打篮球，球传来了，大家都要跟着动；高处来高处接，低处来低处接。有人点了一首诗歌，我马上跟上去，这就像打球一样，配搭起来。你一个祷告过了，我马上补一首诗歌，或者加上一首诗歌。诗歌一唱完，再有一个人补上一个祷告。大家配搭一起，真如同打篮球一样。配合是主动的，不是在那里等待受感动。这样主动运用灵，和被动等候圣灵分别很大；主动运用灵，才是合乎圣经的聚会方式。

　　另一面，以我们的经历而言，我们在聚会中开口，没有多少次是受了圣灵感动才说，几乎都是我们主动说的。我们大多是因着有责任，必须在聚会里主动说话；然而，我们一说，圣灵的感动就来了。很明显的是，有的弟兄不站讲台传信息时，他就不会特别去祷告；但因着要站讲台，他就去祷告，一祷告，圣灵的感动就来了。有的家负责因着要带领聚会，就在聚会中带头祷告，一祷告，圣灵的感动就来了。这是很奇妙的事，你不负责就没有圣灵的感动，你一负责圣灵就来感动。所以，这到底是感动呢，还是主动？从我们事奉的经历来看，多数是我们主动发起，不是被动的等圣灵感动。然而，只要我们一主动，圣灵就来感动。相信这个窍我们都懂得，但我们却不肯多多运用。
 
　The concept of waiting to be inspired by the Holy Spirit is not according to the Bible. First Corinthians 14:26 says, “What then, brothers? Whenever you come together, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.” Whenever we come together, some will have a song, a teaching, a revelation, and so forth. Brother Nee spent a great deal of time to study this verse in the original Greek language. He discovered that each one has does not mean that each one will have something after arriving at the meeting; rather, it means that each one already has something before coming to the meeting. Hence, having something is not a matter of sudden inspiration in a meeting. Our meeting can be likened to playing a basketball game. The players on the court do not play based on inspiration. They have to be ready to receive the ball whenever it is passed to them and from whatever direction it comes. They cannot say that they will catch the ball when they feel inspired to do so. This is not a proper attitude. However, some saints have this kind of attitude. They care only for the matter of their own inspiration, not for others. Consequently, when everyone is singing a hymn with full enjoyment, they are unmoved and inactive. We should meet in the same way that basketball is played. When the “ball” comes, we should respond. When a hymn is called, we should follow the movement of the “ball” and sing. After one offers a prayer, another can strengthen it with a hymn. After singing the hymn, still others can continue to pass the “ball” with additional prayer. In this way we will be coordinated together. Coordination requires initiative rather than inspiration. Actively exercising our spirit in this way is very different from passively waiting for the Spirit. Actively exercising our spirit is the scriptural way to meet.

　In our experience the opening of our mouth is rarely the result of inspiration from the Spirit; rather, it is the result of simply taking the initiative to speak. Often the real move of the Spirit comes only when we open our mouth to speak. Even though some brothers pray only when they are about to give a message, the Spirit still comes when they pray. Similarly, when others bear the responsibility to pray in a meeting, the Spirit comes as soon as they pray. This is an amazing thing. If we bear no responsibility and take no initiative, it seems as if the Spirit does not move, but once we bear some responsibility, the Spirit comes. Is such a result the issue of the movement of the Spirit or of the initiative of the brother? According to our experience, when we take the initiative to serve, rather than waiting passively for the inspiration of the Spirit, the Spirit moves. I believe that we understand this key, but we need to apply it consistently.
　　再者，我们的青年聚会要聚得好，有两面需要加强；一面是我们要操练灵，一面是为主说话的技术要操练。对于这两个问题，别人是没有办法代替的，必须我们自己操练，其中的讲究是大的。现在我们服事青少年不是没有材料，也不是没有作法，并且我们还有召会的扶持，样样都是齐备的。然而，我们直接去作的人，技术不够，灵也不够，这两件事实在是关键。有了这两面，我们就能作出来；没有，就作不出来。所以这两方面，我们都需要操练，灵要操练，为主说话的技术也要操练。

　　带领青年聚会，重要的不在于材料；因为材料别人可以提供，但是灵和技术，非得自己操练不可。虽然用的材料可能都是同样的，但有的人作出来是一个味道，有的人作出来是另一个味道。重要的是我们要在灵和技术上有讲究，这两方面都需要自己下功夫操练，这是没有人能代替的。作父母的总是想尽办法，要帮助并教育自己的孩子，但是孩子要学会读书写字，还得要他自己下苦功练习，别人是没有办法代替的。这不是光看别人作，自己就会作的，乃要自己去操练才行。

　　所以，盼望众人都清楚，带领青年聚会，不是只预备一点材料就可以了。为主说话的技术和灵的操练，都需要下功夫苦练，这没有便宜的路可走。不是你预备一下教材，去讲一讲就能作起来。每一位去作的人，都要善用灵，并操练技术。这两点不操练，就作不起来，即使能作起来，也没有什么果效。

　　总之，一切都有配合，关键在于大家在技术和灵上的操练。若是众人肯在技术和灵上多有操练，一年之后的青年聚会，人数就可能达到一千。青年人繁盛起来是很容易的，要一个人一年带一个人得救，并不是太难的事。然而，要青年人自己带领人并不容易，但是若有一个聚会带领他们，就很容易。带领到一个地步，许多人就得救了；所以，二年翻一倍并不是难事。这个关键在于我们所下的功夫。比方，同样是打篮球，有人打篮球，没有人看；有人打篮球，要去看竟然一票难求。这个讲究在于有没有下功夫；下的功夫不同，结果自然不同。所以，不要轻看青年聚会，要扎实着重的去作，一定要越作越进步。然而，若是真作得好，也不要骄傲，这才是走在对的路上。

　　一九六一年三月三十一日讲于台北
 
　In order to have proper meetings with the young people, we must improve in two areas. First, we must exercise our spirit, and second, we must learn and practice the skills that are needed in order to speak for the Lord. No one can do these two things for us. In regard to our service with the young people, we are not short of material. Furthermore, we have the support of the churches. However, those of us who work with the young people are short in the exercise of the spirit and in the skills needed to speak for the Lord. These two matters are crucial. If we address these two aspects in an adequate way, however, we will be able to achieve something. But if we fail to address these matters, we will not have any results. Hence, we must be trained to exercise our spirit and learn the skills that are needed in order to speak for the Lord.

　The important thing in leading the young people’s meeting is not the preparation of material, because much material is already available. However, the exercise of the spirit and the skills needed to speak cannot be provided by others. Although two people may use the same material, one may produce a certain kind of flavor, whereas another person will produce a different kind of flavor. The difference in the flavor is determined by the exercise of the spirit and the skills that have been learned. Both aspects require time and energy in order to exercise and learn; no one can do this for us. Even though parents try their best to educate their children, their children must learn to read and write for themselves by devoting time and energy to practice and learn. No one can learn for them. It is not possible to learn merely by watching others; we must practice for ourselves.

　I hope that all the saints are clear that leading the young people’s meeting requires much more than merely preparing material for them. Both the exercise of the spirit and the skills needed in order to speak for the Lord require time, energy, and practice. There is no shortcut or easy way. Everyone who serves must know how to use his spirit and practice speaking. If we do not practice and learn these two matters, our success will be minimal at best.

　In short, with other factors being in place, the key to our success lies in the exercise of the spirit and in the practice of our speaking. If we are willing to exercise our spirit and practice our speaking, the number in the young people’s meeting will reach one thousand within a year. It is easy to gain an increase among the young people because every one of them can bring another young person to salvation each year. However, it is not easy for the young ones to lead the ones whom they have gained. If there is a meeting for them, it will be very easy to progress, and many will be saved. It would not be difficult to have a twofold increase in a year, but everything depends upon the amount of time and energy we devote. There are many basketball teams, but when some teams play, no one wants to go to their games, but when other teams play, it is hard to get a ticket to the game. The difference lies in how much effort a team has devoted to advancing. Different efforts will reap different results. We should not overlook the young people’s meeting. Rather, we should do a solid and focused work and always make progress. If our work is progressing well, however, we should be wary of becoming proud.

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