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事奉类 › 启示的事奉 › 第五篇　事奉上该有的认识和注意㈢

第五篇　事奉上该有的认识和注意㈢

启示的事奉

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　　我们在事奉主的时候，必须抓牢一点，就是学习没有意见。在事奉主的事上，我们要只作事，不说话，只有劳苦，没有意见。人的意见乃是神的仇敌。在召会的事奉上，最可怕的事之一，就是有人有意见而没有劳苦、没有牺牲，有话语而没有行动、没有服事。
　　许多时候，在召会的事奉上，常有弟兄姊妹提出意见，建议作法，但他们自己却不见得在那些事上有牺牲，有劳苦。这是不对的。正常的情形，在我们中间，不该听见许多意见，许多建议，只该看见许多劳苦，许多服事。在我们的事奉上，空谈要越少越好。事奉的事不是理想的，每一件事到底该怎样作，必须实地作了，才能晓得。实地作而找出来的作法，才能适合现实的情形。
　　使徒行传给我们看见，在使徒们的事奉里，可说是没有意见，没有空谈，全是劳苦，全是牺牲。这是我们今天事奉主的人应该看见而效法的。你在一个召会里，看见许多弟兄姊妹殷勤事奉，劳苦牺牲，却听不见他们的意见，听不见他们的谈论；这样一个召会的事奉是何等美丽。若是你看见一个召会，里面满了意见、看法，满了话语、谈论，你必定感觉不舒服。因为意见、谈论常是叫人感觉死亡，劳苦、牺牲才会叫人碰着生命。
　　为着减少召会的难处，并带领圣徒学习在召会中多作事，少发表意见，我常作一件事，就是每遇到一位弟兄或姊妹，向我发表一个意见，或提议一件事，我总是请他先那样作。比方，有弟兄提议说，“会所的电灯应当每周擦一次。”我就对他说，“很好，头一周请你先来擦。”有姊妹对我说，“聚会时，姊妹们坐得太后面。”我就告诉她：“从下次起，你就坐在最前面一排。”我这样回答他们，就是提示他们，要作，要行，但不要发表意见。你看会所的电灯应当每周擦一次，你就来擦；你看聚会时，人不应该坐在后面，你就率先坐在前头。要作，不要说；要多作事，少发表意见。这虽然是个很小的点，却很深的关系到召会的事奉。所以在这点上，我们要仰望主的怜悯，寻求主的拯救。
　
　　我们在召会中事奉，乃是与众圣徒共同配搭，一同作事，所以不能照着自己的方法，必须照着召会所交通、定规的共同作法。有的召会有几百人，有的几千人，大家一同事奉，共同作事。若是你照你的作法，我照我的作法，每个人都照自己的作法，这会乱到什么地步。结果，不仅事情作不成，恐怕许多会作的人都不来了。所以我们在召会中事奉，都要照共同的作法，才能与众圣徒有和谐的配搭，使自己和弟兄姊妹的事奉长命。
　　各地召会负责的弟兄都应该花一点工夫，把你们召会中应当作的事找出来，把各项事奉的负责人请来，共同寻求一切事的作法。寻求作法，第一，要照着圣经的教训和原则，不可取一个与圣经不合的作法。所有的作法都必须合于圣经的教训和原则。第二，要照着现实的需要。一切作法都必须适合现实的情形，不可太理想而不切实际。找出之后，就订为共同作法，通知众圣徒照着召会所交通、定规的共同作法作，切不要独出心裁，照着自己的方法作。
　　比方，在召会执事办公室里，一切办事的方法都是经过慎重定规，而要所有办公室里的执事遵守的。任何人到里面作事，都不能将自己的作法带进去，里面一切的事，都有定规好的共同作法。比方，所有来函、来电该怎样处置；弟兄姊妹来报告难处，请求代祷，或是借书，或是找人，当怎样接应；这一切都必须照共同的办事细则办理，不能照任何一人的作法作。因为也许有多位执事，每人一周只来几个钟头，若各人都照自己的作法作，事情如何能衔接起来？大家共同事奉，就得有共同的作法。各地召会有责任的弟兄，在召会一切的事奉上，都要学习照共同的作法作，并带领众圣徒这样作。
　
　　每一个人作事，差不多都喜欢自己单独作，不喜欢和别人一同作，更不喜欢带着别人作，教着别人作。有的人家中用人作得不长久，就是因为他们觉得自己作得好，用人作得不好，又不肯教用人作，带用人作。他们觉得，要用人作，用人就得会作，作得周全；不然，他们干脆自己单独作。这是许多人的脾气，许多弟兄姊妹的天性都是如此。他们在任何事上都喜欢自己作，不喜欢同着别人，带着别人作。要知道，在事奉主的事上，这样的脾气，这样的天性，都必须破碎，必须改掉。在事奉主时，必须同着别人，带着别人，并教着别人作；这样，我们才能和众弟兄姊妹配搭事奉，才能把人带到事奉里。
　　比方，光是你自己会看望圣徒还不够，你必须找一两位弟兄或姊妹，和他们交通，把你会作的交通给他们，带着他们一同为圣徒祷告，一同看望圣徒。你把他们带会了，再找一两位弟兄或姊妹，也同样和他们交通，给他们带领。这样，过了一段时间，不光你自己喜欢看望弟兄姊妹，会这样作，也有好些弟兄或姊妹被你带领得愿意这样作，会这样作。不仅在看望圣徒的事上该如此，即使在传福音，或是在别的事奉主的事上，也都该如此。
　　在一切事奉主的事上，一面，我们每一位事奉主的人都得自己作；另一面，也都得同着并带着别人作，与别人配搭着作；或是带领别人，或是受别人带领都可以，但绝不能单独的作。当你带领别人作，或是受别人带领而作时，你才能有属灵的学习，才能受到必须的破碎。你自己单独作，可以很随便，很放肆，自己要怎么作就怎么作，一点不受约束；等你和弟兄姊妹一同作的时候，就不能随便，乃必须受约束。这一点，在我们的事奉里要很注意。
　
　　末了，我要特别说到作长老的人，应该注意的两点。
　
　　第一，作长老的人必须有一个性格，就是不怕麻烦。昨天有弟兄来找，今天有姊妹来问，天天都有人来啰嗦，你不感苦，不厌烦，你才能作长老。请记得，有人来找你，向你啰嗦，就证明你有作长老的资格。在一个地方召会中，若没有弟兄姊妹常来找长老，那里的长老定规作得不好。若作得好，定规有许多弟兄姊妹常把难处和问题带到他们跟前，寻求解决和引导，要他们指教并代祷。一个地方召会中有这种情形乃是好的，并且是必须的。
　　地方召会中的长老必须关心弟兄姊妹，不怕弟兄姊妹来麻烦，反而喜欢弟兄姊妹把他们的难处和问题带来解决，寻求指导。然而，有些作长老的并不是这样。他们怕麻烦，怕事情多，怕担子重，遇到弟兄姊妹来找，就表示冷淡，不愿理睬，想尽力规避，或委婉推卸。这样一来，弟兄姊妹自然就不再来找他们，麻烦他们，而他们也就清闲、轻松，无担可担，无事可作了。虽然他们是清闲、轻松了，但他们无形中也失去了作长老的资格。在召会中，他们如果真的要作长老，就得从心里爱弟兄姊妹，关心弟兄姊妹的事，学习向弟兄姊妹敞开，顾到他们的难处，背负他们的重担，随时安慰，多方照料，好像父兄一样。这样的长老乃是各地召会所需要的。
　　任何一个地方召会中，都有弟兄姊妹在属灵的事上需要带领，就如怎样追求主，怎样奉献，怎样对付罪，怎样祷告，怎样与主有交通，怎样受引导，怎样接受破碎，怎样有十字架的经历，怎样活在灵里，怎样跟从灵等，这些属灵的事不能光倚赖讲台的信息，乃要靠长老们平日的带领。
　　不仅如此，一个地方召会中，也有好些弟兄姊妹在事务方面有难处，需要长老们帮助解决。有的弟兄姊妹家庭有难处，有的职业有问题，有的住宿无着落，有的身体有病，有的生活缺乏，这些都需要长老们的帮助。尤其在今天，许多少年弟兄姊妹在婚姻的事上，极需长老们的照顾和开导。怎样带领他们在这些事上不偏于旧制，也不陷于新潮，能在正路上作得讨主喜悦，这实在需要长老们肯关心，肯费力。所以召会中作长老的人，必须肯向众圣徒敞开，让他们把各面的难处带到你们面前。你们要靠着主的恩典给他们适宜的带领、指导、帮助和解决。千万不要怕麻烦，怕重担。你一怕麻烦，怕重担，就不像长老了。
　　提前三2说，作长老的必须有一个资格，就是“乐意待客”。乐意待客，即乐意接待客旅。接待客旅的原则就是有爱心，不怕麻烦。我们都知道，接待客旅是最麻烦的事；怕麻烦的人不能作这事。所以，主以这事作试验，看谁有资格作长老。因为作长老的人必须不怕麻烦，心胸宽大，有同情的心肠，有够多的爱心，能任劳任怨，像父老一样。
　　作长老的不能像少年人，更不能像儿童。我在家里看见孩子们，有的一天生气数次，一下子好，一下子气；有时，两个孩子一下子不说话，一下子又谈得很开心。有的长老就像这样，可说是“儿童长老”，他们容易怪别人，又不能够担事情；一下子和这个人不通，一下子和那个人出事。他们虽身居长老的地位，但情形却像儿童。长老是心胸宽大、心肠广阔的人，对待弟兄姊妹像父兄对待子弟一样，能担当，能包容，不因弟兄姊妹的情形而改变心情和态度，总是由衷的爱护和照顾。这是一个在召会中作长老的人必须具备的资格。
　
　　第二，作长老的人在弟兄姊妹中间感觉要敏锐，对于弟兄姊妹在主面前的心情，属灵的愿望，以及召会中一切的事，都应该很快的感觉到。比方，弟兄姊妹在主面前的心情是要传福音，长老们就得感觉到，而决定召会有传福音的举动。不可弟兄姊妹们有一种属灵的情形，而长老们还没有感觉到。如果长老们在弟兄姊妹中间的感觉迟钝，他们在召会的行动上就不容易受引导。长老们对于召会的事奉该如何定规，如何受引导，有一个最重要的根据，就是他们在众弟兄姊妹身上所感觉到的。他们的感觉如果不灵敏，就难受引导，严格的说，就不会受引导。一个地方召会的长老如果不会受引导，那个召会所受的亏损难以估计。
　　经营买卖的人必须会生意，才有事作，有钱赚。在召会的事奉上，治理召会的长老也必须会生意，才能使召会的事奉展开，使弟兄姊妹在事奉主的事上有事可作，并且作得有果效。无论任何弟兄姊妹一接触作长老的，长老们就得感觉出弟兄姊妹有什么心情，有什么愿望，而根据自己所有的感觉来生意、启发、引导、安排弟兄姊妹照着心愿作事奉主的事。
　　比方，有弟兄来见长老，表示他已往荒废了年日，现在要起来事奉主，作长老的就得马上觉出他的心愿何在，而受引导来生意，安排召会事奉的事给他作。不仅在这样发热心的弟兄身上，要会生意，会安排他作一些事奉的事，即使在那些冷淡退后的弟兄姊妹身上，也得要会生意，使他们能起来事奉主。不爱主的，要使他们爱主；不传福音的，要使他们传福音。
　　好的长老不只会生意，并且生得好。他一生意，弟兄姊妹就得动，就得跑。并且他一生意，召会就得益处，有长进。一个地方召会可能有几千人、几百人，最少也有几十人，若是其中的长老感觉像木石，既不会生意，也不会受引导，请想想看，他们要误了多少事。所以，在各地召会作长老的人都要学习更爱主，多与主交通，多在主面前有对付，使自己新鲜活泼，感觉敏锐，会生灵意，会受引导。
　　一九五二年二月讲于台北
　　原刊于一九五二年八月“话语职事”第十四期
　
　　我们在事奉主的时候，必须抓牢一点，就是学习没有意见。在事奉主的事上，我们要只作事，不说话，只有劳苦，没有意见。人的意见乃是神的仇敌。在召会的事奉上，最可怕的事之一，就是有人有意见而没有劳苦、没有牺牲，有话语而没有行动、没有服事。　　许多时候，在召会的事奉上，常有弟兄姊妹提出意见，建议作法，但他们自己却不见得在那些事上有牺牲，有劳苦。这是不对的。正常的情形，在我们中间，不该听见许多意见，许多建议，只该看见许多劳苦，许多服事。在我们的事奉上，空谈要越少越好。事奉的事不是理想的，每一件事到底该怎样作，必须实地作了，才能晓得。实地作而找出来的作法，才能适合现实的情形。　　使徒行传给我们看见，在使徒们的事奉里，可说是没有意见，没有空谈，全是劳苦，全是牺牲。这是我们今天事奉主的人应该看见而效法的。你在一个召会里，看见许多弟兄姊妹殷勤事奉，劳苦牺牲，却听不见他们的意见，听不见他们的谈论；这样一个召会的事奉是何等美丽。若是你看见一个召会，里面满了意见、看法，满了话语、谈论，你必定感觉不舒服。因为意见、谈论常是叫人感觉死亡，劳苦、牺牲才会叫人碰着生命。　　为着减少召会的难处，并带领圣徒学习在召会中多作事，少发表意见，我常作一件事，就是每遇到一位弟兄或姊妹，向我发表一个意见，或提议一件事，我总是请他先那样作。比方，有弟兄提议说，“会所的电灯应当每周擦一次。”我就对他说，“很好，头一周请你先来擦。”有姊妹对我说，“聚会时，姊妹们坐得太后面。”我就告诉她：“从下次起，你就坐在最前面一排。”我这样回答他们，就是提示他们，要作，要行，但不要发表意见。你看会所的电灯应当每周擦一次，你就来擦；你看聚会时，人不应该坐在后面，你就率先坐在前头。要作，不要说；要多作事，少发表意见。这虽然是个很小的点，却很深的关系到召会的事奉。所以在这点上，我们要仰望主的怜悯，寻求主的拯救。
　
　　我们在召会中事奉，乃是与众圣徒共同配搭，一同作事，所以不能照着自己的方法，必须照着召会所交通、定规的共同作法。有的召会有几百人，有的几千人，大家一同事奉，共同作事。若是你照你的作法，我照我的作法，每个人都照自己的作法，这会乱到什么地步。结果，不仅事情作不成，恐怕许多会作的人都不来了。所以我们在召会中事奉，都要照共同的作法，才能与众圣徒有和谐的配搭，使自己和弟兄姊妹的事奉长命。　　各地召会负责的弟兄都应该花一点工夫，把你们召会中应当作的事找出来，把各项事奉的负责人请来，共同寻求一切事的作法。寻求作法，第一，要照着圣经的教训和原则，不可取一个与圣经不合的作法。所有的作法都必须合于圣经的教训和原则。第二，要照着现实的需要。一切作法都必须适合现实的情形，不可太理想而不切实际。找出之后，就订为共同作法，通知众圣徒照着召会所交通、定规的共同作法作，切不要独出心裁，照着自己的方法作。　　比方，在召会执事办公室里，一切办事的方法都是经过慎重定规，而要所有办公室里的执事遵守的。任何人到里面作事，都不能将自己的作法带进去，里面一切的事，都有定规好的共同作法。比方，所有来函、来电该怎样处置；弟兄姊妹来报告难处，请求代祷，或是借书，或是找人，当怎样接应；这一切都必须照共同的办事细则办理，不能照任何一人的作法作。因为也许有多位执事，每人一周只来几个钟头，若各人都照自己的作法作，事情如何能衔接起来？大家共同事奉，就得有共同的作法。各地召会有责任的弟兄，在召会一切的事奉上，都要学习照共同的作法作，并带领众圣徒这样作。
　
　　每一个人作事，差不多都喜欢自己单独作，不喜欢和别人一同作，更不喜欢带着别人作，教着别人作。有的人家中用人作得不长久，就是因为他们觉得自己作得好，用人作得不好，又不肯教用人作，带用人作。他们觉得，要用人作，用人就得会作，作得周全；不然，他们干脆自己单独作。这是许多人的脾气，许多弟兄姊妹的天性都是如此。他们在任何事上都喜欢自己作，不喜欢同着别人，带着别人作。要知道，在事奉主的事上，这样的脾气，这样的天性，都必须破碎，必须改掉。在事奉主时，必须同着别人，带着别人，并教着别人作；这样，我们才能和众弟兄姊妹配搭事奉，才能把人带到事奉里。　　比方，光是你自己会看望圣徒还不够，你必须找一两位弟兄或姊妹，和他们交通，把你会作的交通给他们，带着他们一同为圣徒祷告，一同看望圣徒。你把他们带会了，再找一两位弟兄或姊妹，也同样和他们交通，给他们带领。这样，过了一段时间，不光你自己喜欢看望弟兄姊妹，会这样作，也有好些弟兄或姊妹被你带领得愿意这样作，会这样作。不仅在看望圣徒的事上该如此，即使在传福音，或是在别的事奉主的事上，也都该如此。　　在一切事奉主的事上，一面，我们每一位事奉主的人都得自己作；另一面，也都得同着并带着别人作，与别人配搭着作；或是带领别人，或是受别人带领都可以，但绝不能单独的作。当你带领别人作，或是受别人带领而作时，你才能有属灵的学习，才能受到必须的破碎。你自己单独作，可以很随便，很放肆，自己要怎么作就怎么作，一点不受约束；等你和弟兄姊妹一同作的时候，就不能随便，乃必须受约束。这一点，在我们的事奉里要很注意。
　
　　末了，我要特别说到作长老的人，应该注意的两点。
　
　　第一，作长老的人必须有一个性格，就是不怕麻烦。昨天有弟兄来找，今天有姊妹来问，天天都有人来啰嗦，你不感苦，不厌烦，你才能作长老。请记得，有人来找你，向你啰嗦，就证明你有作长老的资格。在一个地方召会中，若没有弟兄姊妹常来找长老，那里的长老定规作得不好。若作得好，定规有许多弟兄姊妹常把难处和问题带到他们跟前，寻求解决和引导，要他们指教并代祷。一个地方召会中有这种情形乃是好的，并且是必须的。　　地方召会中的长老必须关心弟兄姊妹，不怕弟兄姊妹来麻烦，反而喜欢弟兄姊妹把他们的难处和问题带来解决，寻求指导。然而，有些作长老的并不是这样。他们怕麻烦，怕事情多，怕担子重，遇到弟兄姊妹来找，就表示冷淡，不愿理睬，想尽力规避，或委婉推卸。这样一来，弟兄姊妹自然就不再来找他们，麻烦他们，而他们也就清闲、轻松，无担可担，无事可作了。虽然他们是清闲、轻松了，但他们无形中也失去了作长老的资格。在召会中，他们如果真的要作长老，就得从心里爱弟兄姊妹，关心弟兄姊妹的事，学习向弟兄姊妹敞开，顾到他们的难处，背负他们的重担，随时安慰，多方照料，好像父兄一样。这样的长老乃是各地召会所需要的。　　任何一个地方召会中，都有弟兄姊妹在属灵的事上需要带领，就如怎样追求主，怎样奉献，怎样对付罪，怎样祷告，怎样与主有交通，怎样受引导，怎样接受破碎，怎样有十字架的经历，怎样活在灵里，怎样跟从灵等，这些属灵的事不能光倚赖讲台的信息，乃要靠长老们平日的带领。　　不仅如此，一个地方召会中，也有好些弟兄姊妹在事务方面有难处，需要长老们帮助解决。有的弟兄姊妹家庭有难处，有的职业有问题，有的住宿无着落，有的身体有病，有的生活缺乏，这些都需要长老们的帮助。尤其在今天，许多少年弟兄姊妹在婚姻的事上，极需长老们的照顾和开导。怎样带领他们在这些事上不偏于旧制，也不陷于新潮，能在正路上作得讨主喜悦，这实在需要长老们肯关心，肯费力。所以召会中作长老的人，必须肯向众圣徒敞开，让他们把各面的难处带到你们面前。你们要靠着主的恩典给他们适宜的带领、指导、帮助和解决。千万不要怕麻烦，怕重担。你一怕麻烦，怕重担，就不像长老了。　　提前三章二节说，作长老的必须有一个资格，就是“乐意待客”。乐意待客，即乐意接待客旅。接待客旅的原则就是有爱心，不怕麻烦。我们都知道，接待客旅是最麻烦的事；怕麻烦的人不能作这事。所以，主以这事作试验，看谁有资格作长老。因为作长老的人必须不怕麻烦，心胸宽大，有同情的心肠，有够多的爱心，能任劳任怨，像父老一样。
--------本段经节汇集--------
提前3:2  
所以作监督的必须无可指责，只作一个妻子的丈夫，节制适度，清明自守，端正规矩，乐意待客，善于教导；
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　　作长老的不能像少年人，更不能像儿童。我在家里看见孩子们，有的一天生气数次，一下子好，一下子气；有时，两个孩子一下子不说话，一下子又谈得很开心。有的长老就像这样，可说是“儿童长老”，他们容易怪别人，又不能够担事情；一下子和这个人不通，一下子和那个人出事。他们虽身居长老的地位，但情形却像儿童。长老是心胸宽大、心肠广阔的人，对待弟兄姊妹像父兄对待子弟一样，能担当，能包容，不因弟兄姊妹的情形而改变心情和态度，总是由衷的爱护和照顾。这是一个在召会中作长老的人必须具备的资格。
　
　　第二，作长老的人在弟兄姊妹中间感觉要敏锐，对于弟兄姊妹在主面前的心情，属灵的愿望，以及召会中一切的事，都应该很快的感觉到。比方，弟兄姊妹在主面前的心情是要传福音，长老们就得感觉到，而决定召会有传福音的举动。不可弟兄姊妹们有一种属灵的情形，而长老们还没有感觉到。如果长老们在弟兄姊妹中间的感觉迟钝，他们在召会的行动上就不容易受引导。长老们对于召会的事奉该如何定规，如何受引导，有一个最重要的根据，就是他们在众弟兄姊妹身上所感觉到的。他们的感觉如果不灵敏，就难受引导，严格的说，就不会受引导。一个地方召会的长老如果不会受引导，那个召会所受的亏损难以估计。　　经营买卖的人必须会生意，才有事作，有钱赚。在召会的事奉上，治理召会的长老也必须会生意，才能使召会的事奉展开，使弟兄姊妹在事奉主的事上有事可作，并且作得有果效。无论任何弟兄姊妹一接触作长老的，长老们就得感觉出弟兄姊妹有什么心情，有什么愿望，而根据自己所有的感觉来生意、启发、引导、安排弟兄姊妹照着心愿作事奉主的事。　　比方，有弟兄来见长老，表示他已往荒废了年日，现在要起来事奉主，作长老的就得马上觉出他的心愿何在，而受引导来生意，安排召会事奉的事给他作。不仅在这样发热心的弟兄身上，要会生意，会安排他作一些事奉的事，即使在那些冷淡退后的弟兄姊妹身上，也得要会生意，使他们能起来事奉主。不爱主的，要使他们爱主；不传福音的，要使他们传福音。　　好的长老不只会生意，并且生得好。他一生意，弟兄姊妹就得动，就得跑。并且他一生意，召会就得益处，有长进。一个地方召会可能有几千人、几百人，最少也有几十人，若是其中的长老感觉像木石，既不会生意，也不会受引导，请想想看，他们要误了多少事。所以，在各地召会作长老的人都要学习更爱主，多与主交通，多在主面前有对付，使自己新鲜活泼，感觉敏锐，会生灵意，会受引导。　　一九五二年二月讲于台北　　原刊于一九五二年八月“话语职事”第十四期
　
NOT HAVING OPINIONS
　Those who serve the Lord must learn to not have opinions. In serving the Lord, we should work and not talk, laboring without opinions. Human opinions are God’s enemy. It is dreadful when those who are involved in the service of the church only have opinions and words but cannot labor, sacrifice, and serve.
　Serving ones who have never sacrificed often give opinions. Similarly, serving ones who have never labored often suggest methods for doing things. This is not right. In a normal situation there should be labor and service rather than opinions and suggestions. The fewer empty words in our service, the better. Service is not a theoretical matter; it is practical, and we must know how to practically carry out every aspect of the service in order to serve. Only methods that have been tried will be practical.
　According to the book of Acts, the service of the apostles was not based on opinions but on labor and sacrifice. As the Lord’s serving ones, we need to imitate this. The service of a church is beautiful when many saints labor and sacrifice without expressing opinions. It is disturbing to see a church that is full of opinions and loose talk. Opinions and loose talk issue in death, but labor and sacrifice cause people to touch life.
　I often ask saints who offer their opinions or suggestions to practice them. This reduces the problems in the church and helps the saints to learn to labor instead of expressing opinions. For example, when a brother suggested that we dust the lamps in the meeting hall, I responded that it would be good if he could come to the meeting hall once a week to dust. When a sister told me that the saints were sitting too far back in the meeting hall, I said that she should come and sit on the front row. I say such things to help the saints realize that they need to set an example instead of giving opinions. If we see that the lamps in the meeting hall need to be dusted once a week, we should dust them, and if we see that the saints are sitting in the back of the meeting hall, we should take the lead to sit in the front. We should practice, not talk. We should do more and offer fewer opinions. This may seem to be a small point, but it deeply affects the service of the church. We must look to the Lord for His mercy and seek His deliverance from our opinions.
　
SERVING ACCORDING TO A COMMON WAY
　Our service in the church involves coordination with the saints according to a common way. Our personal way of doing things is useless. We must serve according to a common way that is the result of fellowship. In some churches there are hundreds of saints who serve together. If everyone serves according to his own way, our service will be chaotic, nothing will be accomplished, and many saints will stop serving. The services in the church must be carried out according to a common way. This will result in the harmonious coordination of the saints, and the saints will be preserved in the service.
　In every church the responsible brothers should spend time to determine the needs related to service. Then the brothers should meet with the saints who are responsible for each service to find a way to carry out that service. The way must be according to the teachings and principles in the Bible. We should never adopt a way that is not according to the Bible. Furthermore, the way to carry out a service must be according to the actual need. It should not involve something idealistic or impractical. After determining a way to carry out different services, we should inform the saints so that their service can be according to the common way that has been fellowshipped by the church, not according to any personal way.
　For example, when the methods to handle the affairs related to the church business office have been carefully considered, the deacons must not bring in their own way. There should be a common way to process incoming mail and telephone calls. There should be a common way to respond to reports concerning problems and to requests for prayer. There should be a common way to respond to requests to borrow books and to inquiries concerning the saints. All the affairs of the business office must be handled according to a common, detailed way, not according to anyone’s personal way. If every saint has a different way, how can the affairs of the business office be taken care of properly? We must have a common way when many saints serve together. The brothers bearing responsibility in the churches should learn to serve according to a common way and lead the saints to serve in the same way.
　
NOT DOING THINGS BY OURSELVES
　Most people prefer to do things by themselves; they do not like to work with others or to teach others how to do something. They feel that they can do things better and that others will do a less than perfect job. This is the natural disposition of most saints. They prefer to do things by themselves and do not want to be burdened with serving together with others. This natural disposition must be broken when we serve the Lord. When we serve the Lord, we must serve with others, bring others into the service, and teach others how to serve. Bringing others into the service is the way for us to serve in coordination with the saints.
　For example, it is not good for a brother to visit the saints by himself. He should fellowship with one or two saints, share his feelings with them, pray with them, and visit the saints with them. When the saints with whom he is fellowshipping have a similar desire to serve by visiting the saints, he should bring more saints into this service through fellowship. After a period of time a considerable number of brothers and sisters will be willing to serve in visitation through his leading. This principle applies not only to visitation but also to preaching the gospel and to other church services.
　In our service to the Lord we must bear personal responsibility, but we must also bring others into serving in coordination with us. We can lead others, or we can be led by others, but we should never do anything by ourselves. When we lead others or are led by others, we can learn spiritual lessons and receive the necessary breaking. A sister may be loose and unrestrained when she serves by herself, doing whatever she wants without restrictions. However, she cannot be loose when she serves with other saints; she must be restricted. We must pay attention to this point in our service.
　
TWO POINTS RELATED TO ELDERS
　I would like to consider two points related to elders.
　
Not Shying Away from Bothersome Saints
　The elders must have a disposition that is open to being bothered. Elders must not grow weary when saints bring their problems to them, nor should they be bothered by incessant questions. If the saints feel free to bother an elder, he is qualified to be an elder. If the saints in a local church do not visit an elder very often, he must not be a good elder. If he is good, the saints will bring their difficulties and problems to him for guidance, advice, and intercession. This is needed in every local church.
　The elders must be concerned about the saints and should not fear being bothered by the saints. An elder should encourage the saints to fellowship about their difficulties and problems. Some elders, however, do not like to be bothered. They do not like to work or to bear heavy burdens. They ignore, avoid, or politely decline the saints who come to them. As a result, the saints stop coming to them, and the elders are at ease and relaxed, bearing no burden and having nothing to do. In a sense, they have lost their qualification to be an elder. An elder must love the saints from the heart and be concerned about their affairs. He must learn to open to the saints, to care for their problems, to bear their heavy burdens, to comfort them at any time, and to care for them as a father and an older brother. Such elders are needed in all the churches.
　In every church there are saints who need help in spiritual matters, including pursuing the Lord, consecration, dealing with sin, praying, fellowshipping with the Lord, being led by the Lord, being broken, experiencing the cross, living in the spirit, and following the Spirit. No speaking from the podium can meet all the needs related to these spiritual matters. For this there is a need for daily leading.
　There are also many saints who need help to solve practical problems. Some saints have family problems, some have work problems, some do not have a place to live, some are sick, and some are needy. The saints need the help of the elders. Many young brothers and sisters are in desperate need of care and guidance concerning marriage. The elders must consider the proper way to lead the young saints in this matter. The elders should find a way that pleases the Lord and does not take the way of the world. Hence, the elders in the churches must be open to the problems of the saints. By the Lord’s grace, the elders must give the saints suitable leading, guidance, and help. An elder should never be afraid of trouble or burden.
　One of the qualifications of an elder is to be hospitable (1 Tim. 3:2). To be hospitable is to be willing to receive guests. The principle for receiving guests is to be loving and to be willing to be bothered. It is very troublesome to receive guests. Those who are not willing to be bothered cannot give hospitality. The Lord uses hospitality as a test to show who is qualified to be an elder, because elders must be willing to be bothered, to bear burdens, and to have a broad heart with empathizing compassions like elderly fathers.
　An elder should not be a young man or a “child.” It is easy for a child to be happy one moment and angry the next. Two children may be unwilling to speak to each other one moment but be happily speaking to each other after a short period of time. This is the disposition of “childish” elders. They readily blame others but cannot bear burdens. They are not on good terms with Brother A today and have problems with Brother B tomorrow. They are like children. An elder should have a broad heart. He should be a father or elderly brother to the saints. He should be forbearing, and his mood and attitude should not depend on the condition of the saints. Instead, he should love and care for the saints wholeheartedly. Every elder should have these qualifications.
　
Having a Keen Sense
　Elders also need to have a keen sense concerning the saints. They should be able to sense the heart and spiritual desire of the saints. For example, if the elders sense a desire in the saints to preach the gospel, they can lead the church to move in the preaching of the gospel. It is a regrettable situation if the elders do not have a spiritual sense related to the saints. If the elders are dull, it will not be easy for them to lead the church. Decisions related to the service of the church and the leading of the saints should come from the elders’ sense concerning the saints. If the sense of the elders is not keen, it will be difficult for the Lord to lead them. If the elders of a local church are not led, the church will suffer immeasurable loss.
　A successful businessman knows how to generate business, to work, and to make profit. In the service of the church, the elders administrating the church must know how to generate spiritual “business” in order to expand the service of the church so that the saints can serve the Lord effectively. When a brother contacts the elders, they should sense his heart and consider how to guide him to serve the Lord. If this brother tells the elders that he has been wasting his time and would like to rise up to serve the Lord, the elders must have a sense concerning his heart and be led in making arrangements for him to serve. The elders must know how to help zealous saints serve the Lord, and they must know how to help cold and backslidden saints rise up to serve the Lord. The elders need to encourage those who do not love the Lord to love Him. The elders should also encourage those who do not preach the gospel to preach the gospel.
　Good elders know how to lead the saints, profit the church, and cause the church to grow. If the elders have a dull sense and do not know how to generate spiritual “business,” they will delay the Lord and damage the church. Hence, elders must learn to love the Lord more, fellowship with the Lord more, and deal with the Lord more so that they may be fresh and living, have a keen sense, and be capable of generating spiritual “business.”
 
　　我们在事奉主的时候，必须抓牢一点，就是学习没有意见。在事奉主的事上，我们要只作事，不说话，只有劳苦，没有意见。人的意见乃是神的仇敌。在召会的事奉上，最可怕的事之一，就是有人有意见而没有劳苦、没有牺牲，有话语而没有行动、没有服事。

　　许多时候，在召会的事奉上，常有弟兄姊妹提出意见，建议作法，但他们自己却不见得在那些事上有牺牲，有劳苦。这是不对的。正常的情形，在我们中间，不该听见许多意见，许多建议，只该看见许多劳苦，许多服事。在我们的事奉上，空谈要越少越好。事奉的事不是理想的，每一件事到底该怎样作，必须实地作了，才能晓得。实地作而找出来的作法，才能适合现实的情形。

　　使徒行传给我们看见，在使徒们的事奉里，可说是没有意见，没有空谈，全是劳苦，全是牺牲。这是我们今天事奉主的人应该看见而效法的。你在一个召会里，看见许多弟兄姊妹殷勤事奉，劳苦牺牲，却听不见他们的意见，听不见他们的谈论；这样一个召会的事奉是何等美丽。若是你看见一个召会，里面满了意见、看法，满了话语、谈论，你必定感觉不舒服。因为意见、谈论常是叫人感觉死亡，劳苦、牺牲才会叫人碰着生命。

　　为着减少召会的难处，并带领圣徒学习在召会中多作事，少发表意见，我常作一件事，就是每遇到一位弟兄或姊妹，向我发表一个意见，或提议一件事，我总是请他先那样作。比方，有弟兄提议说，“会所的电灯应当每周擦一次。”我就对他说，“很好，头一周请你先来擦。”有姊妹对我说，“聚会时，姊妹们坐得太后面。”我就告诉她：“从下次起，你就坐在最前面一排。”我这样回答他们，就是提示他们，要作，要行，但不要发表意见。你看会所的电灯应当每周擦一次，你就来擦；你看聚会时，人不应该坐在后面，你就率先坐在前头。要作，不要说；要多作事，少发表意见。这虽然是个很小的点，却很深的关系到召会的事奉。所以在这点上，我们要仰望主的怜悯，寻求主的拯救。
 
　Those who serve the Lord must learn to not have opinions. In serving the Lord, we should work and not talk, laboring without opinions. Human opinions are God’s enemy. It is dreadful when those who are involved in the service of the church only have opinions and words but cannot labor, sacrifice, and serve.

　Serving ones who have never sacrificed often give opinions. Similarly, serving ones who have never labored often suggest methods for doing things. This is not right. In a normal situation there should be labor and service rather than opinions and suggestions. The fewer empty words in our service, the better. Service is not a theoretical matter; it is practical, and we must know how to practically carry out every aspect of the service in order to serve. Only methods that have been tried will be practical.

　According to the book of Acts, the service of the apostles was not based on opinions but on labor and sacrifice. As the Lord’s serving ones, we need to imitate this. The service of a church is beautiful when many saints labor and sacrifice without expressing opinions. It is disturbing to see a church that is full of opinions and loose talk. Opinions and loose talk issue in death, but labor and sacrifice cause people to touch life.

　I often ask saints who offer their opinions or suggestions to practice them. This reduces the problems in the church and helps the saints to learn to labor instead of expressing opinions. For example, when a brother suggested that we dust the lamps in the meeting hall, I responded that it would be good if he could come to the meeting hall once a week to dust. When a sister told me that the saints were sitting too far back in the meeting hall, I said that she should come and sit on the front row. I say such things to help the saints realize that they need to set an example instead of giving opinions. If we see that the lamps in the meeting hall need to be dusted once a week, we should dust them, and if we see that the saints are sitting in the back of the meeting hall, we should take the lead to sit in the front. We should practice, not talk. We should do more and offer fewer opinions. This may seem to be a small point, but it deeply affects the service of the church. We must look to the Lord for His mercy and seek His deliverance from our opinions.
　　我们在召会中事奉，乃是与众圣徒共同配搭，一同作事，所以不能照着自己的方法，必须照着召会所交通、定规的共同作法。有的召会有几百人，有的几千人，大家一同事奉，共同作事。若是你照你的作法，我照我的作法，每个人都照自己的作法，这会乱到什么地步。结果，不仅事情作不成，恐怕许多会作的人都不来了。所以我们在召会中事奉，都要照共同的作法，才能与众圣徒有和谐的配搭，使自己和弟兄姊妹的事奉长命。

　　各地召会负责的弟兄都应该花一点工夫，把你们召会中应当作的事找出来，把各项事奉的负责人请来，共同寻求一切事的作法。寻求作法，第一，要照着圣经的教训和原则，不可取一个与圣经不合的作法。所有的作法都必须合于圣经的教训和原则。第二，要照着现实的需要。一切作法都必须适合现实的情形，不可太理想而不切实际。找出之后，就订为共同作法，通知众圣徒照着召会所交通、定规的共同作法作，切不要独出心裁，照着自己的方法作。

　　比方，在召会执事办公室里，一切办事的方法都是经过慎重定规，而要所有办公室里的执事遵守的。任何人到里面作事，都不能将自己的作法带进去，里面一切的事，都有定规好的共同作法。比方，所有来函、来电该怎样处置；弟兄姊妹来报告难处，请求代祷，或是借书，或是找人，当怎样接应；这一切都必须照共同的办事细则办理，不能照任何一人的作法作。因为也许有多位执事，每人一周只来几个钟头，若各人都照自己的作法作，事情如何能衔接起来？大家共同事奉，就得有共同的作法。各地召会有责任的弟兄，在召会一切的事奉上，都要学习照共同的作法作，并带领众圣徒这样作。
 
　Our service in the church involves coordination with the saints according to a common way. Our personal way of doing things is useless. We must serve according to a common way that is the result of fellowship. In some churches there are hundreds of saints who serve together. If everyone serves according to his own way, our service will be chaotic, nothing will be accomplished, and many saints will stop serving. The services in the church must be carried out according to a common way. This will result in the harmonious coordination of the saints, and the saints will be preserved in the service.

　In every church the responsible brothers should spend time to determine the needs related to service. Then the brothers should meet with the saints who are responsible for each service to find a way to carry out that service. The way must be according to the teachings and principles in the Bible. We should never adopt a way that is not according to the Bible. Furthermore, the way to carry out a service must be according to the actual need. It should not involve something idealistic or impractical. After determining a way to carry out different services, we should inform the saints so that their service can be according to the common way that has been fellowshipped by the church, not according to any personal way.

　For example, when the methods to handle the affairs related to the church business office have been carefully considered, the deacons must not bring in their own way. There should be a common way to process incoming mail and telephone calls. There should be a common way to respond to reports concerning problems and to requests for prayer. There should be a common way to respond to requests to borrow books and to inquiries concerning the saints. All the affairs of the business office must be handled according to a common, detailed way, not according to anyone’s personal way. If every saint has a different way, how can the affairs of the business office be taken care of properly? We must have a common way when many saints serve together. The brothers bearing responsibility in the churches should learn to serve according to a common way and lead the saints to serve in the same way.
　　每一个人作事，差不多都喜欢自己单独作，不喜欢和别人一同作，更不喜欢带着别人作，教着别人作。有的人家中用人作得不长久，就是因为他们觉得自己作得好，用人作得不好，又不肯教用人作，带用人作。他们觉得，要用人作，用人就得会作，作得周全；不然，他们干脆自己单独作。这是许多人的脾气，许多弟兄姊妹的天性都是如此。他们在任何事上都喜欢自己作，不喜欢同着别人，带着别人作。要知道，在事奉主的事上，这样的脾气，这样的天性，都必须破碎，必须改掉。在事奉主时，必须同着别人，带着别人，并教着别人作；这样，我们才能和众弟兄姊妹配搭事奉，才能把人带到事奉里。

　　比方，光是你自己会看望圣徒还不够，你必须找一两位弟兄或姊妹，和他们交通，把你会作的交通给他们，带着他们一同为圣徒祷告，一同看望圣徒。你把他们带会了，再找一两位弟兄或姊妹，也同样和他们交通，给他们带领。这样，过了一段时间，不光你自己喜欢看望弟兄姊妹，会这样作，也有好些弟兄或姊妹被你带领得愿意这样作，会这样作。不仅在看望圣徒的事上该如此，即使在传福音，或是在别的事奉主的事上，也都该如此。

　　在一切事奉主的事上，一面，我们每一位事奉主的人都得自己作；另一面，也都得同着并带着别人作，与别人配搭着作；或是带领别人，或是受别人带领都可以，但绝不能单独的作。当你带领别人作，或是受别人带领而作时，你才能有属灵的学习，才能受到必须的破碎。你自己单独作，可以很随便，很放肆，自己要怎么作就怎么作，一点不受约束；等你和弟兄姊妹一同作的时候，就不能随便，乃必须受约束。这一点，在我们的事奉里要很注意。
 
　Most people prefer to do things by themselves; they do not like to work with others or to teach others how to do something. They feel that they can do things better and that others will do a less than perfect job. This is the natural disposition of most saints. They prefer to do things by themselves and do not want to be burdened with serving together with others. This natural disposition must be broken when we serve the Lord. When we serve the Lord, we must serve with others, bring others into the service, and teach others how to serve. Bringing others into the service is the way for us to serve in coordination with the saints.

　For example, it is not good for a brother to visit the saints by himself. He should fellowship with one or two saints, share his feelings with them, pray with them, and visit the saints with them. When the saints with whom he is fellowshipping have a similar desire to serve by visiting the saints, he should bring more saints into this service through fellowship. After a period of time a considerable number of brothers and sisters will be willing to serve in visitation through his leading. This principle applies not only to visitation but also to preaching the gospel and to other church services.

　In our service to the Lord we must bear personal responsibility, but we must also bring others into serving in coordination with us. We can lead others, or we can be led by others, but we should never do anything by ourselves. When we lead others or are led by others, we can learn spiritual lessons and receive the necessary breaking. A sister may be loose and unrestrained when she serves by herself, doing whatever she wants without restrictions. However, she cannot be loose when she serves with other saints; she must be restricted. We must pay attention to this point in our service.
　　末了，我要特别说到作长老的人，应该注意的两点。
 
　I would like to consider two points related to elders.
　　第一，作长老的人必须有一个性格，就是不怕麻烦。昨天有弟兄来找，今天有姊妹来问，天天都有人来啰嗦，你不感苦，不厌烦，你才能作长老。请记得，有人来找你，向你啰嗦，就证明你有作长老的资格。在一个地方召会中，若没有弟兄姊妹常来找长老，那里的长老定规作得不好。若作得好，定规有许多弟兄姊妹常把难处和问题带到他们跟前，寻求解决和引导，要他们指教并代祷。一个地方召会中有这种情形乃是好的，并且是必须的。

　　地方召会中的长老必须关心弟兄姊妹，不怕弟兄姊妹来麻烦，反而喜欢弟兄姊妹把他们的难处和问题带来解决，寻求指导。然而，有些作长老的并不是这样。他们怕麻烦，怕事情多，怕担子重，遇到弟兄姊妹来找，就表示冷淡，不愿理睬，想尽力规避，或委婉推卸。这样一来，弟兄姊妹自然就不再来找他们，麻烦他们，而他们也就清闲、轻松，无担可担，无事可作了。虽然他们是清闲、轻松了，但他们无形中也失去了作长老的资格。在召会中，他们如果真的要作长老，就得从心里爱弟兄姊妹，关心弟兄姊妹的事，学习向弟兄姊妹敞开，顾到他们的难处，背负他们的重担，随时安慰，多方照料，好像父兄一样。这样的长老乃是各地召会所需要的。

　　任何一个地方召会中，都有弟兄姊妹在属灵的事上需要带领，就如怎样追求主，怎样奉献，怎样对付罪，怎样祷告，怎样与主有交通，怎样受引导，怎样接受破碎，怎样有十字架的经历，怎样活在灵里，怎样跟从灵等，这些属灵的事不能光倚赖讲台的信息，乃要靠长老们平日的带领。

　　不仅如此，一个地方召会中，也有好些弟兄姊妹在事务方面有难处，需要长老们帮助解决。有的弟兄姊妹家庭有难处，有的职业有问题，有的住宿无着落，有的身体有病，有的生活缺乏，这些都需要长老们的帮助。尤其在今天，许多少年弟兄姊妹在婚姻的事上，极需长老们的照顾和开导。怎样带领他们在这些事上不偏于旧制，也不陷于新潮，能在正路上作得讨主喜悦，这实在需要长老们肯关心，肯费力。所以召会中作长老的人，必须肯向众圣徒敞开，让他们把各面的难处带到你们面前。你们要靠着主的恩典给他们适宜的带领、指导、帮助和解决。千万不要怕麻烦，怕重担。你一怕麻烦，怕重担，就不像长老了。

　　提前三章二节说，作长老的必须有一个资格，就是“乐意待客”。乐意待客，即乐意接待客旅。接待客旅的原则就是有爱心，不怕麻烦。我们都知道，接待客旅是最麻烦的事；怕麻烦的人不能作这事。所以，主以这事作试验，看谁有资格作长老。因为作长老的人必须不怕麻烦，心胸宽大，有同情的心肠，有够多的爱心，能任劳任怨，像父老一样。

　　作长老的不能像少年人，更不能像儿童。我在家里看见孩子们，有的一天生气数次，一下子好，一下子气；有时，两个孩子一下子不说话，一下子又谈得很开心。有的长老就像这样，可说是“儿童长老”，他们容易怪别人，又不能够担事情；一下子和这个人不通，一下子和那个人出事。他们虽身居长老的地位，但情形却像儿童。长老是心胸宽大、心肠广阔的人，对待弟兄姊妹像父兄对待子弟一样，能担当，能包容，不因弟兄姊妹的情形而改变心情和态度，总是由衷的爱护和照顾。这是一个在召会中作长老的人必须具备的资格。
 
　The elders must have a disposition that is open to being bothered. Elders must not grow weary when saints bring their problems to them, nor should they be bothered by incessant questions. If the saints feel free to bother an elder, he is qualified to be an elder. If the saints in a local church do not visit an elder very often, he must not be a good elder. If he is good, the saints will bring their difficulties and problems to him for guidance, advice, and intercession. This is needed in every local church.

　The elders must be concerned about the saints and should not fear being bothered by the saints. An elder should encourage the saints to fellowship about their difficulties and problems. Some elders, however, do not like to be bothered. They do not like to work or to bear heavy burdens. They ignore, avoid, or politely decline the saints who come to them. As a result, the saints stop coming to them, and the elders are at ease and relaxed, bearing no burden and having nothing to do. In a sense, they have lost their qualification to be an elder. An elder must love the saints from the heart and be concerned about their affairs. He must learn to open to the saints, to care for their problems, to bear their heavy burdens, to comfort them at any time, and to care for them as a father and an older brother. Such elders are needed in all the churches.

　In every church there are saints who need help in spiritual matters, including pursuing the Lord, consecration, dealing with sin, praying, fellowshipping with the Lord, being led by the Lord, being broken, experiencing the cross, living in the spirit, and following the Spirit. No speaking from the podium can meet all the needs related to these spiritual matters. For this there is a need for daily leading.

　There are also many saints who need help to solve practical problems. Some saints have family problems, some have work problems, some do not have a place to live, some are sick, and some are needy. The saints need the help of the elders. Many young brothers and sisters are in desperate need of care and guidance concerning marriage. The elders must consider the proper way to lead the young saints in this matter. The elders should find a way that pleases the Lord and does not take the way of the world. Hence, the elders in the churches must be open to the problems of the saints. By the Lord’s grace, the elders must give the saints suitable leading, guidance, and help. An elder should never be afraid of trouble or burden.

　One of the qualifications of an elder is to be hospitable (1 Tim. 3:2). To be hospitable is to be willing to receive guests. The principle for receiving guests is to be loving and to be willing to be bothered. It is very troublesome to receive guests. Those who are not willing to be bothered cannot give hospitality. The Lord uses hospitality as a test to show who is qualified to be an elder, because elders must be willing to be bothered, to bear burdens, and to have a broad heart with empathizing compassions like elderly fathers.

　An elder should not be a young man or a “child.” It is easy for a child to be happy one moment and angry the next. Two children may be unwilling to speak to each other one moment but be happily speaking to each other after a short period of time. This is the disposition of “childish” elders. They readily blame others but cannot bear burdens. They are not on good terms with Brother A today and have problems with Brother B tomorrow. They are like children. An elder should have a broad heart. He should be a father or elderly brother to the saints. He should be forbearing, and his mood and attitude should not depend on the condition of the saints. Instead, he should love and care for the saints wholeheartedly. Every elder should have these qualifications.
　　第二，作长老的人在弟兄姊妹中间感觉要敏锐，对于弟兄姊妹在主面前的心情，属灵的愿望，以及召会中一切的事，都应该很快的感觉到。比方，弟兄姊妹在主面前的心情是要传福音，长老们就得感觉到，而决定召会有传福音的举动。不可弟兄姊妹们有一种属灵的情形，而长老们还没有感觉到。如果长老们在弟兄姊妹中间的感觉迟钝，他们在召会的行动上就不容易受引导。长老们对于召会的事奉该如何定规，如何受引导，有一个最重要的根据，就是他们在众弟兄姊妹身上所感觉到的。他们的感觉如果不灵敏，就难受引导，严格的说，就不会受引导。一个地方召会的长老如果不会受引导，那个召会所受的亏损难以估计。

　　经营买卖的人必须会生意，才有事作，有钱赚。在召会的事奉上，治理召会的长老也必须会生意，才能使召会的事奉展开，使弟兄姊妹在事奉主的事上有事可作，并且作得有果效。无论任何弟兄姊妹一接触作长老的，长老们就得感觉出弟兄姊妹有什么心情，有什么愿望，而根据自己所有的感觉来生意、启发、引导、安排弟兄姊妹照着心愿作事奉主的事。

　　比方，有弟兄来见长老，表示他已往荒废了年日，现在要起来事奉主，作长老的就得马上觉出他的心愿何在，而受引导来生意，安排召会事奉的事给他作。不仅在这样发热心的弟兄身上，要会生意，会安排他作一些事奉的事，即使在那些冷淡退后的弟兄姊妹身上，也得要会生意，使他们能起来事奉主。不爱主的，要使他们爱主；不传福音的，要使他们传福音。

　　好的长老不只会生意，并且生得好。他一生意，弟兄姊妹就得动，就得跑。并且他一生意，召会就得益处，有长进。一个地方召会可能有几千人、几百人，最少也有几十人，若是其中的长老感觉像木石，既不会生意，也不会受引导，请想想看，他们要误了多少事。所以，在各地召会作长老的人都要学习更爱主，多与主交通，多在主面前有对付，使自己新鲜活泼，感觉敏锐，会生灵意，会受引导。

　　一九五二年二月讲于台北

　　原刊于一九五二年八月“话语职事”第十四期
 
　Elders also need to have a keen sense concerning the saints. They should be able to sense the heart and spiritual desire of the saints. For example, if the elders sense a desire in the saints to preach the gospel, they can lead the church to move in the preaching of the gospel. It is a regrettable situation if the elders do not have a spiritual sense related to the saints. If the elders are dull, it will not be easy for them to lead the church. Decisions related to the service of the church and the leading of the saints should come from the elders’ sense concerning the saints. If the sense of the elders is not keen, it will be difficult for the Lord to lead them. If the elders of a local church are not led, the church will suffer immeasurable loss.

　A successful businessman knows how to generate business, to work, and to make profit. In the service of the church, the elders administrating the church must know how to generate spiritual “business” in order to expand the service of the church so that the saints can serve the Lord effectively. When a brother contacts the elders, they should sense his heart and consider how to guide him to serve the Lord. If this brother tells the elders that he has been wasting his time and would like to rise up to serve the Lord, the elders must have a sense concerning his heart and be led in making arrangements for him to serve. The elders must know how to help zealous saints serve the Lord, and they must know how to help cold and backslidden saints rise up to serve the Lord. The elders need to encourage those who do not love the Lord to love Him. The elders should also encourage those who do not preach the gospel to preach the gospel.

　Good elders know how to lead the saints, profit the church, and cause the church to grow. If the elders have a dull sense and do not know how to generate spiritual “business,” they will delay the Lord and damage the church. Hence, elders must learn to love the Lord more, fellowship with the Lord more, and deal with the Lord more so that they may be fresh and living, have a keen sense, and be capable of generating spiritual “business.”

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