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第七篇　我们该有的羡慕

启示的事奉

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　　读经：赛六8，士五15~16，林前十二31，十四1节，12节，39节，提前三1。
　　本篇信息要交通关于在事奉神的事上，我们该有的羡慕。
　
　　首先，我们要说到神的需要。凡认识神作工定律的人都知道，神所需要的，就是有人在地上与祂同工。圣经给我们看见一个定律，每当神在地上要向人施恩，对人作工，都必须先有人在地上与祂同工。若没有人在地上与神同工，与神配合，神就无法向人施恩，对人作工。神在天上向人所有的心愿，必须在地上找着人与祂同情，才能在地上作到人身上。神在天上定规要对人作的工，必须在地上得着人与祂同工，才能在地上作到人中间。
　　因此，在以赛亚的时代，当神要向以色列人说话、作工时，神就先问以赛亚，说，“我可以差遣谁呢？谁肯为我们去呢？”（赛六8。）神已经定规要向人说话，对人作工，但祂必须在地上找着人与祂同心，和祂同工。直到今天，神还是这样向人发声寻找。祂已经定规要将福音传到地极，使万民得蒙救恩（太二八19，徒一8，十三47），但祂必须在地上找着人，得着人与祂同情同心，与祂配合同工。无论何时何地，只要有人在地上与神同心，和神同工，神的工作定规要借着他或他们通到地上。神若在地上找不到人，神就只能在天上有工作的心愿和计划，不能在地上有工作的施行和成全。神能在地上找着人，才能把祂在天上所愿望、计划的成就到地上。
　　可以确定的说，神历世历代工作的原则，不是要人等候神来作，乃是神在等候人来作。我们若真认识神，就知道神的工作在神那一面早就预备好了，不是等到今天才预备。问题是出在人这一面没有预备好，所以不是我们等候神来作，乃是神等候我们来作。不是神没有意思要在地上拯救人，乃是祂在地上找不着人与祂配合，和祂同工。神早就准备好，一直在等候，要在地上找着人与祂配合同工，祂就能立刻将祂的工作通到地上。我们所有的经历，以及召会两千年的历史，都证明这事。
　　通常我们有一个错误的观念，以为是我们盼望神来地上作工，是我们祈求神来地上作工。其实神早就愿意在地上作工，早就等着我们在地上为祂作工。难道神不愿祂的福音传遍台湾么？难道祂不愿台湾每个城市都有召会么？难道还需要我们祈求，等祂愿意来作这些事么？绝不是这样。神早就愿意作了，祂早就愿意将祂的福音传到地极（徒一8），使万民作祂的门徒（太二八19）。“地极”和“万民”当然包括台湾所有的居民，所以神早就愿意将祂的福音传遍台湾。然而，在这里祂可以差遣谁呢？谁肯为祂去呢？这仍是神今天的问题。祂今天仍在渴望的询问：“我可以差遣谁呢？谁肯为我们去呢？”但愿有人听见神这渴望的声音，答应祂这急切的需要。
　　今天关于神在地上的工作，一切问题都不在祂，而是在我们。神什么都准备好了，只等我们与祂配合。我们给祂多少配合，祂就借着我们作出多少工作。我们给祂的配合有多厉害，祂借着我们作的工就有多厉害。我们给祂的配合如何，祂借着我们的彰显也如何。我们的配合是微弱的，祂的彰显就是微弱的。我们的配合是强大的，祂的彰显也是强大的。祂的工作绝对受到我们的限制。祂在天上的心愿能成全多少，是看我们在地上与祂同情有多少。祂在天上的心愿，是受我们在地上与祂同心的限制。但愿我们今天就与祂天上的心愿同心同情，应付祂的需要，在这时代里给祂够强、够大、够厉害的配合。但愿我们中间有许多人，今天就体贴祂的心肠，顾到祂的心愿；在台湾为着祂和祂的工作，定大志、设大谋，使祂在我们中间得到一条广阔的出路。
　
　　盼望从现在起，我们能积极的作几件事。第一，这一年最少要增加十个擘饼的地方，也就是增加十处召会。
　　第二，积极传福音，先从大城市传起，直传到小乡村。希望在五年内传遍台湾，使各方的人都听见主的福音。
　　第三，尽速在各地建立召会。希望在五年内，台湾各城市、各县镇都有召会兴起来事奉神，传扬主的福音，维持主的见证。
　　第四，多方带领本地圣徒进入召会的责任。无论在什么地方，一有本地的圣徒有心向着主，就给他们够多的机会在召会中学习事奉，使他们能在召会各项事奉上负起责任，同时使各地召会外来圣徒身上的责任，逐渐转移到本地圣徒身上。这样，一面可使主的召会有根有基的建立在本地圣徒身上；一旦外来圣徒离开台湾，本地圣徒还能刚强的继续维持主的见证。另一面可使外地的圣徒，因卸去这里召会的责任而能随时受主引导往各地去。盼望过了五年，台湾各地召会主体的责任都能由本地圣徒担负。所以，本地圣徒要努力追求属灵的长进，积极学习担负召会中的各种责任。
　　第五，加强训练召会事奉所需要的各种人。我们不只要带领多人得救、爱主、追求属灵，更要训练多人在召会事奉上作有用的人。盼望过了二、三年，最多五年内，能有许多圣徒在召会事奉上受过美好的训练，有厉害的学习，将来无论到那里都能兴起召会，治理或服事召会，以显出丰满而属灵的功用。
　　以上所说的，虽不能说是我们的计划，但可说是我们的希望。但愿这希望，是与主的心愿配合。愿主照着祂在天上的心意，成全我们这地上的希望。
　
　　为着应付神今天的需要，加强召会的事奉，并实现我们前面所说的希望，今后召会需要三种人大量的兴起。
　　第一，是有恩赐的人。如弗四11所说，主当作恩赐赐给召会的人，有使徒、申言者、传福音者、牧人和教师；或如林前十二9~10所说，有神奇恩赐的人，如医病、行异能、辨别诸灵等恩赐；或是像罗十二6~8所说，有平常恩赐的人，如服事的、教导的、劝勉的、带领的人等；这些有恩赐的人都是召会今天所需要的。尤其是能作申言者替神说话，作神的出口，使召会得着造就和供应的人，乃是召会今天所急切需要的。
　　今天各地召会太缺少作神出口的人，缺少话语的执事，使各地召会能得到神话语的供应；因此，各地召会生活不够丰富，事奉不够刚强，灯光不够明亮，见证不够分别。为使各地召会建立得稳固，增长得成熟，满有“基督的身量”，就必须有许多作神出口的人兴起来。
　　能牧养并教导圣徒的人，就是有牧人和教师恩赐的人，也是今天各地召会所急需的。许多地方，初得救的圣徒真像没有牧人的羊一般，缺少照顾和带领。因此他们不只不能在所在的召会中显出功用，反而使他们所在召会的见证因他们受亏损。要挽救这种情形，召会需要许多有牧人和教师恩赐的人兴起来，使幼稚的圣徒得到牧养和教导。
　　此外，今天各地召会也急需能作福音出口的人。我们在各地的召会，虽然都积极推广福音，但各地的弟兄们能站福音讲台的人实在太少。福音工作固然需要全体圣徒共同努力，但福音的活动不能缺少讲台信息。若要各地召会福音传得更强烈、更有效，就必须有许多人起来，作福音刚强有力地出口。
　　近来，我们感觉为使主的福音在台湾得以广传，有医病恩赐的人也是召会所需要的。若要使本地同胞，从他们所迷信的众多偶像归向独一的真神，必须有医病的恩赐，随着所传扬的福音。这个恩赐不难得着，只要有够多的祷告，凭信心接受，就可以得到。所以我们非常盼望，本地的圣徒中有人得着这个恩赐，往许多乡村去传扬福音，医治疾病，证明我们所传的救主就是创造万物的神，是满了爱和能力的。
　　召会所需要的第二种人是长老。召会今天缺少有恩赐的人，也缺少长老，或者说更缺少长老。长老需要多才多艺，能拼能作，生命丰富，年高庄重，心地宽宏，眼光远大，有节制，有忍耐，有爱心，有智慧，并且需要能管理，能教导，能生意，能开拓。
　　一个地方召会的事奉如何，几乎完全看那里的长老如何。在一个地方召会中，事奉该怎样带领、监督，人事该怎样管理、安排，器物该怎样设计、备办，财务该怎样运用、支配，这些都是长老的责任。所以，有长老职分的人是难能可贵、不可多得的；长老也是不容易作的。一个地方召会的强弱兴衰，关键全在于长老。一个地方召会可以一年、两年或几年，没有所谓的工人帮助，但是不可以一天没有长老带领。所以，强而有用的长老，真是召会今天所需要的。
　　召会所需要的第三种人是执事。执事是服事召会、服事圣徒的。这种人需要爱主、属灵、谦卑、殷勤，更需要听话、谨慎、端庄、寡言。一个地方召会，事奉能否进行得属灵、刚强，事务能否作得灵活、周详，也要看那里的执事如何，是否够多够用。执事的资格虽不必像长老那样高，但执事的数目却应当比长老多。以数目来说，召会是更需要执事的。
　　以上所说的三种人，是召会今天所需要的，也是今天现实情形所缺乏的。各地召会的事奉所以不够强，就是因为缺乏这三种人。若是各地召会有够多有恩赐的人，够多能作长老、执事的人，召会的事奉一定强。然而，现在这三种人都缺乏。比方，在台北成千上万的圣徒中，这三种人有多少呢？在高雄众多圣徒中，有多少人能作神话语的出口，有多少人能够作长老、作执事？在各地召会中，这三种人都很难找到。每一次我们去看望召会，都留心观察，有什么弟兄能替神作口，有谁有作长老或执事的样子。然而，这样的人在各地都没有多少。各地召会不只几乎没有有恩赐的人，连长老和执事也相当缺乏，所以各地召会不够刚强。或许外埠圣徒看台北召会真是好，但实际情况仍然差得远，原因就是这三种人不够多。
　　这三种人若不够多，仅仅靠热心，召会仍不会刚强；我们仅仅唱阿利路亚，福音也不会因此出得去。若要召会刚强，福音出得去，各地召会中有恩赐的人，和长老、执事，非加多不可，非够多不可。各地召会所以不够强，就是因各地召会的责任不够强。各地召会的责任不够强，就是因各地召会中这三种人不够多、不够强；这个问题在我们中间相当严重。所以，盼望各地圣徒都要为这事祷告，求主给我们各样有恩赐的人，并且有多才多艺能作长老的，和有爱心、肯服事能作执事的人。
　
　　以上所说的，不只是我们该有的祷告，更是我们该有的羡慕。各地召会该有许多人起来，为着神在今天的需要，为着千万灵魂的得救，为着前面所说的希望和目标，羡慕得着有用的恩赐，羡慕能作长老和执事。
　　已过，我们出外看望召会，看见并听到各地的情形和需要，我里面真觉得伤痛。第一，从没有一个时候，人对福音像今天这样需要。今天真是庄稼熟透了，需要人收割。第二，有许多得救的人，但没有合式的地方可以让他们得着属灵的照顾，生命的造就，和真实地帮助。看见这些情形，我们的心怎能不伤痛？我们本该在各地应付罪人和圣徒的需要，将许多罪人救来，并使许多圣徒得造就，成为神手中有用的人。然而，我们没能应付这个需要。我们说别人错，是我们愚昧；我们说自己对，是我们骄傲。我们该看见我们的不能，定罪我们的亏欠。
　　我们若是强一点，将我们的“池子”挖得够深，所有的水都要流到我们这里。然而，我们没有作到，没能应付神这个需要，以致任凭许多人如同水一样随便流淌。别人不行，我们也不行。我们所以不行，不是因为我们真理不够，道路不对，或立场有错，乃是因我们有用的人不够，缺少有恩赐的人，缺少长老，也缺少执事。所以，我们中间该有许多弟兄起来，或是羡慕得着恩赐，或是羡慕能作长老，最低限度也要羡慕能作执事。
　　或许有的圣徒要说，这些都是神的恩赐，都是神随己意赐给人的；神若不赐给，即使我们羡慕，也得不到；神若要赐给，即使我们拒绝，也不可能。这话好像很属灵，但圣经说，“你们…要切慕属灵的恩赐。”（林前十四1）这给我们看见，属灵的恩赐是人可以羡慕的，并且使徒还说，“要切慕那更大的恩赐。”（十二31）不仅如此，连监督的职分，就是作长老，也是人可以羡慕的。提前三1，使徒保罗说，“人若渴望得监督的职分，就是羡慕善工；这话是可信的。”作长老既是人可以羡慕的，作执事也必是人可以羡慕的。所以，无论是得恩赐，或是作长老，作执事，都是我们可以羡慕的。这点我们要清楚，也要把握住。
　　我们不该属灵到一个地步，只被动的等神赐恩典，听凭神作。我们要看见，恩赐是可以羡慕得来的，作长老、作执事是可以羡慕得到的。谁肯羡慕这些，谁就必定得到。慕迪（D. L. Moody）是十九世纪神所赐给召会一个很大的恩赐，他原是一个说话口吃，心灵昏昧的乡下孩子，没有学问，也没有口才。然而他得救后，就有心羡慕传福音，羡慕带人得救。结果，他就蒙神装备，成为一个满有口才，大有能力的传福音者。他的故事足以证明，恩赐是人可以羡慕得着的。
　　林前十四1说到“切慕”，意思比“羡慕”更深重。但就字义说，这字在希腊原文的意思，比“切慕”更深重得多。同样的字，在林前十三4翻作“嫉妒”。这给我们看见，使徒所说恩赐是我们要切慕的，意思是何等深重，深重到嫉妒的地步。这意思有点像中国话的“恨不得”，所以我们不只要羡慕恩赐，切慕恩赐，甚至要切慕到以至于嫉妒，恨不得能得着。若是我们中间有人是这样恨不得的切慕得着恩赐，神怎能不给他，他又怎能得不着？
　　然而，许多圣徒并不羡慕，这是因为他们根本不爱主。不爱主，不追求属灵的事，自然不会有这样的羡慕。有的圣徒虽然爱主，追求属灵的事，但怕吃苦，怕为难，所以也不羡慕。因此我们要问，一个爱主的人，活着是为自己，还是为着主？是为着自己的享受，还是为着别人的蒙恩？是体贴自己的心意，还是体贴主的心肠？是顾到今天的安逸，还是顾到那一天的荣耀？难道那一天的荣耀不够吸引我们？难道主成为肉体、舍命流血的爱不够激励我们？
　　若是我们真看见主的恩典要流到地上，需要我们作管道；千万的灵魂要蒙恩得救，需要我们有功用，我们就要何等不顾一切，羡慕得着属灵的恩赐或职分。一个人能有恩赐使许多人认识神，是何等喜乐的事；一个人能作长老，治理神的家，带领神的众儿女事奉、敬拜神，是何等尊贵又荣耀的事；一个人能在召会中作执事，服事神的儿女，又是何等甜美的事。我们若这样觉得，就必要切慕得着这些恩赐或职分。
　
　　我们要得着属灵的恩赐或职分，不只要切切地羡慕，也要有得着恩赐或职分的途径。
　
一
　
要寻求
　　第一，要寻求。林前十四12说，“你们…既渴慕灵，就要为着召会的建造，寻求得以超越。”这里的“寻求”，和太七7所说“寻找，就寻见”的“寻找”，在希腊原文里是同样的字。寻求当然包括祈求，向神要；但寻求不只是祈求，更是用举动去寻得。羡慕是里面的心愿，寻求是外面的举动。我们既在里面有心愿，羡慕得着属灵的恩赐，就当在外面有举动，花力气寻求，直到得着。
　　许多圣徒虽然羡慕属灵的恩赐或职分，但他们不肯花力气寻求。他们或是懒惰松懈，或是不肯出代价。他们虽然有羡慕的心，但不肯出寻求的力，所以至终他们得不着。我们若真是羡慕属灵的恩赐或职分，就必须花工夫，花力气，出代价，注意所该注意的，对付所该对付的。慕迪从羡慕传福音以后，花了相当的工夫和力气，才得着传福音的口才和能力。
　
二
　
要奉献
　　第二，要奉献。罗马十二章说到我们得了不同的恩赐，乃是在我们将身体献上，就是实际、具体的奉献之后（罗十二1，6）。所以，我们若要得着神所要赐给我们的恩赐或职分，就必须将自己彻底、无保留、具体的奉献给主。这是自然而且必须的。一个人若不献上自己给主用，怎能从主得到恩赐或职分？
　
三
　
要撇下
　　第三，要撇下。我们撇下属地的一切，和我们得着属天的恩赐和职分有绝对的关系。彼得、约翰撇下了他们的一切，才得着他们所得的恩赐和职分（太四18~22）。我们若真寻求属灵的恩赐或职分，就必看见属物质的事物乃是我们的阻挡，需要我们撇下。若是我们中间每一个人都撇下自己所感觉该撇下的事物，就不知会有多少人要得着属灵的恩赐或职分。我们若要得着属灵的恩赐或职分，叫主的道路得以亨通，我们就要照着我们里面所感觉的，撇下我们所该撇下的，舍弃我们所该舍弃的。除此之外，别无他路。
　
四
　
要破碎
　　第四，要破碎。撇下是对付我们外面的事物，破碎是对付我们里面的自己。我们外面的事物和我们里面的自己，都是我们得着属灵恩赐或职分的阻挡，并且我们里面的自己，比我们外面的事物阻挡得更厉害。所以，我们的脾气、血气、个性、习惯、肉体、自己，都得接受神的破碎，我们才能清楚得着属灵的恩赐或职分，才能明显的显出属灵的功用。
　　许多圣徒虽然爱主，羡慕属灵的恩赐或职分，愿意在召会中显出功用，但他们不肯接受破碎。他们的脾气、血气、个性、习惯、肉体、自己，依然如故，原封未动。他们身上这种种情形，把他们对主所有的心情，向主所有的心愿都抵销了。所以他们所羡慕的，他们不能得到。如果各地圣徒肯让主破碎他们的脾气、血气、个性、习惯、肉体、自己，不知有多少人要得着大有功用的恩赐，或名实相符的职分，使各地召会的事奉刚强属灵，以应付神在这时代里的需要。
　
　　第五，要注意并学习。我们羡慕得那种恩赐或职分，就得注意并学习与那种恩赐或职分有关的事。若羡慕得医病的恩赐，就得注意这个问题。要研究圣经对这个问题怎么说，该怎样为病人祷告，给人按手、抹油（雅五14~16）。不只要注意、研究，还要照着所知道的，凭信心操练。
　　若羡慕作申言者替神说话，就更得花工夫注意，花力气学习。这比得医病的恩赐还不容易。比方，你要替神说话，就得花工夫好好读圣经。没有圣经知识，怎能作神的出口？所以，必须好好读圣经，读到熟，读到透。此外，也需要读历代为主用的人所写的圣经注解、属灵书报。这类的书籍很多，没有任何一类书比这类书还要多。两千年来，所有爱主之人花过工夫写出的著作，为神说话的人虽不能尽读，却总得尽力读些比较重要的。同时，也得读些报章杂志，从中获取一些常识，和今天在人中间所通用的辞句和说法。
　　为神说话的人还得操练口才，操练说话的技术，操练喉咙、声音和声调。你要替神说话，你所说的话，起码要叫人听得见，听得清楚，听得明白。所以要学习说话，学习发声。说话要清楚，辞句要简洁。发声要正确的使用喉咙，用力要从丹田。这些都必须学会，才能用人所听得见的声量，听得懂的话，对人说出神的话，而不失去属灵的分量。不仅如此，还得花工夫学语言。你若不学别人能懂的语言，作神出口的恩赐在你身上很难显出来。你若能多学几种语言，你作神出口的恩赐就要显得更有功用。
　　如果你羡慕作长老，就得求神给你智慧聪明。治理神的家，管理召会，不是一件简单的事。圣徒该怎样带领，人事该怎样安排，事务该怎样处理，难处该怎样消解，这些都需要有智慧聪明。当初神设立所罗门作王，治理祂的百姓，所罗门求神赐他聪明的心，使他知道在神的百姓中，应当如何出入，怎样审断；结果神就赐给他智慧和明辨的心，使他能治理祂的百姓（王上三7~12）。
　　聪明是头脑的，智慧是灵感的；聪明是平凡的，智慧是超凡的。在召会中作长老，不只需要头脑平凡的聪明，也需要灵感超凡的智慧。许多别人无法看到，不能想到的事，他要能看到、能想到。许多别人无法清楚、不能分辨的事，他能清楚、能分辨。这样的智慧聪明，是需要向神求的。
　　我初初事奉主的时候，主把我摆在一个治理召会的地位上。那时我很年轻，阅历也少，就效法所罗门，求主赐我智慧聪明，叫我知道怎样治理祂的召会，怎样带领祂的儿女。主实在眷怜了我，在许多召会重大的事上，祂作了我的智慧和聪明。我能见证，这样的祈求，是主所喜悦并垂听的。
　　人要作长老，也得操练心怀开朗，心胸广大。要治理神的家，心必须广大。神为叫所罗门治理祂的百姓，不只赐给他智慧、聪明，也赐给他“宽广的心，如同海边的沙那样不可测量”（王上四29）。中国人说，“心要海涵。”但神赐给所罗门的心宽广如同海沙。海沙是把海都包括了；宽广如同海沙的心，是比海还广大的。这样宽广的心，是治理神百姓的人所需要的，对任何人都能包涵，对任何事都能忍让，能爱不可爱的人，能担不可担的事。
　　智慧和宽广的心，二者相联；这是我们在所罗门身上看见的。他向神求智慧，结果神赐给他智慧和宽广的心。智慧叫人的心宽广，愚昧叫人的心窄小。智慧人的心定规宽广，愚昧人的心定规窄小。可以说，心能宽广，就是智慧；心若窄小，就是愚昧。心窄小的人不能在召会中作长老，因为在召会里各式各样的人都有，需要能包容、心宽广的长老。有些圣徒虽然得救了，但许多时候，他们在召会中遇到事情，不管法理，不讲情爱，只顾自己。对于这样的人，真是需要长老们有宽广的心，能包容，能爱惜。
　　人要作长老，就得操练没有血气。有血气的人，不能治理神的家。有的弟兄虽然羡慕作长老，但他们不肯对付他们的血气。他们的确是爱主，也愿出代价，但他们若任凭他们的血气发作，就难以作长老。
　　血气和心地狭窄有关；血气叫人心地狭窄，心地狭窄也容易叫人满有血气。所以要对付血气，就得对付心地狭窄。一个弟兄作长老，只要在召会中有过一次血气发作，就会使他失去在圣徒中间的身分和分量。长老的身分和分量是在召会中托住属灵事物的，是不能失去的；一旦失去，召会就会受到莫大的亏损。所以要作长老的人必须对付血气，直到血气不发作才可以。一个人的血气受了对付，才能没有脾气，受主引导，该厉害就厉害，该温和就温和。这一种刚柔相济的性格，是作长老的人必须有的。
　　一个召会里最宝贵的点是圣徒同心；而圣徒的同心，系于长老们的同心。长老们若同心，圣徒定规同心。只有认识自己的血气，对付自己血气的人，才能和人同心。同心不在于大家对真理、对事情有同一的看法，乃在于大家对自己的血气有认识、有对付。只有血气受了对付的人，才不容易有意见，不容易出事情。所以，羡慕要作长老的人，必须学习对付自己的血气。
　　一个人若羡慕作执事，就得学习有爱心，学习谦卑，殷勤，会作事，才能服事召会，服事圣徒。此外，也要学习听话顺服，只听命作事，不出主意，不发表意见。没有一个意见多、主意多的圣徒，能在召会中作个好执事。你若要众圣徒从你的服事得到属灵的帮助和生命的供应，就必须学习对付你的意见和主意。
　　同时，你还得学习对付你的舌头，不作多话的人。一个作执事的人若是多话，他在圣徒中就必成为一个死亡的传布者。若要你的服事只供应生命，不传布死亡，你就必须学习对付舌头。关于这些，自然还有许多点、许多方面，都是应当注意并学习的，在此无法一一尽述，愿主引导你们好好注意并学习。
　
　　第六，要追求圣灵充满和浇灌。一切属灵的恩赐都是从圣灵来的。罗十二6~8所说平常的恩赐，是我们里面被圣灵充满而显出来的，是属于生命方面的。林前十二9~10所说神奇的恩赐，是我们外面被圣灵浇灌而得着的，是属于灵感方面的。所以，我们必须在里面被圣灵充满，才能显出那些出于生命的恩赐；也必须在外面被圣灵浇灌，才能得着那些来自灵感的恩赐。因此我们若羡慕得着属灵的恩赐，就必须追求圣灵在我们里面的充满，和圣灵在我们外面的浇灌。
　
　　但愿我们中间有许多人羡慕这些，追求这些。不是为着今世的名利或今天的报酬，乃是为着将来的荣耀，那一天的赏赐。然而，我们不必等到那一天，即使是在今天就能感觉，为着主的缘故服事人的灵魂，是何等荣耀、喜乐的事。今天我们中间岂不该有更多人羡慕这些，追求这些，叫主的工作从我们身上得以开广。
　　若是我们中间有许多人羡慕这些，追求这些，我们中间就要有许多圣徒被造就，成为有用的人。将来他们无论到那里，都能兴起刚强的召会，并且能带起更多的圣徒到各处传扬福音，兴起召会。只有这样，推广福音并建立召会的工作才能稳扎稳打，快速的普及到各地。愿神记念祂的工作，使我们所愿望的都成为事实。
　　一九五二年二月讲于台北
　　原刊于一九五二年三月“话语职事”第九期
　　读经：以赛亚书六章八节，士师记五章十五节下至十六节，哥林多前书十二章三十一节，十四章一节，十二节，三十九节，提摩太前书三章一节。
--------本段经节汇集--------
赛6:8  
我又听见主的声音，说，我可以差遣谁呢？谁肯为我们去呢？我说，我在这里，请差遣我。
士5:15  
以萨迦的首领与底波拉同来；以萨迦以忠诚待巴拉，众人都跟随巴拉冲下山谷。在流便的族系中，有心中定大志的。
士5:16  
你为何坐在羊圈之间，听召唤群羊的笛声呢？在流便的族系中，有心中设大谋的。
林前12:31  
但你们要切慕那更大的恩赐。我还要把极超越的路指示你们。
林前14:1  
你们要追求爱，更要切慕属灵的恩赐，尤其要切慕申言。
林前14:12  
你们也是如此，既渴慕灵，就要为着召会的建造，寻求得以超越。
林前14:39  
所以我弟兄们，你们要切慕申言，也不要禁止说方言。
提前3:1  
人若渴望得监督的职分，就是羡慕善工；这话是可信的。
------------------------
　　本篇信息要交通关于在事奉神的事上，我们该有的羡慕。
　
　　首先，我们要说到神的需要。凡认识神作工定律的人都知道，神所需要的，就是有人在地上与祂同工。圣经给我们看见一个定律，每当神在地上要向人施恩，对人作工，都必须先有人在地上与祂同工。若没有人在地上与神同工，与神配合，神就无法向人施恩，对人作工。神在天上向人所有的心愿，必须在地上找着人与祂同情，才能在地上作到人身上。神在天上定规要对人作的工，必须在地上得着人与祂同工，才能在地上作到人中间。　　因此，在以赛亚的时代，当神要向以色列人说话、作工时，神就先问以赛亚，说，“我可以差遣谁呢？谁肯为我们去呢？”（赛六8。）神已经定规要向人说话，对人作工，但祂必须在地上找着人与祂同心，和祂同工。直到今天，神还是这样向人发声寻找。祂已经定规要将福音传到地极，使万民得蒙救恩（太二八19，徒一8，十三47），但祂必须在地上找着人，得着人与祂同情同心，与祂配合同工。无论何时何地，只要有人在地上与神同心，和神同工，神的工作定规要借着他或他们通到地上。神若在地上找不到人，神就只能在天上有工作的心愿和计划，不能在地上有工作的施行和成全。神能在地上找着人，才能把祂在天上所愿望、计划的成就到地上。
--------本段经节汇集--------
赛6:8  
我又听见主的声音，说，我可以差遣谁呢？谁肯为我们去呢？我说，我在这里，请差遣我。
太28:19  
所以你们要去，使万民作我的门徒，将他们浸入父、子、圣灵的名里，
徒1:8  
但圣灵降临在你们身上，你们就必得着能力，并要在耶路撒冷、犹太全地、撒玛利亚，直到地极，作我的见证人。
徒13:47  
因为主曾这样吩咐我们说，“我已经立你作外邦人的光，叫你施行救恩直到地极。”
------------------------
　　可以确定的说，神历世历代工作的原则，不是要人等候神来作，乃是神在等候人来作。我们若真认识神，就知道神的工作在神那一面早就预备好了，不是等到今天才预备。问题是出在人这一面没有预备好，所以不是我们等候神来作，乃是神等候我们来作。不是神没有意思要在地上拯救人，乃是祂在地上找不着人与祂配合，和祂同工。神早就准备好，一直在等候，要在地上找着人与祂配合同工，祂就能立刻将祂的工作通到地上。我们所有的经历，以及召会两千年的历史，都证明这事。　　通常我们有一个错误的观念，以为是我们盼望神来地上作工，是我们祈求神来地上作工。其实神早就愿意在地上作工，早就等着我们在地上为祂作工。难道神不愿祂的福音传遍台湾么？难道祂不愿台湾每个城市都有召会么？难道还需要我们祈求，等祂愿意来作这些事么？绝不是这样。神早就愿意作了，祂早就愿意将祂的福音传到地极（徒一8），使万民作祂的门徒（太二八19）。“地极”和“万民”当然包括台湾所有的居民，所以神早就愿意将祂的福音传遍台湾。然而，在这里祂可以差遣谁呢？谁肯为祂去呢？这仍是神今天的问题。祂今天仍在渴望的询问：“我可以差遣谁呢？谁肯为我们去呢？”但愿有人听见神这渴望的声音，答应祂这急切的需要。
--------本段经节汇集--------
徒1:8  
但圣灵降临在你们身上，你们就必得着能力，并要在耶路撒冷、犹太全地、撒玛利亚，直到地极，作我的见证人。
太28:19  
所以你们要去，使万民作我的门徒，将他们浸入父、子、圣灵的名里，
------------------------
　　今天关于神在地上的工作，一切问题都不在祂，而是在我们。神什么都准备好了，只等我们与祂配合。我们给祂多少配合，祂就借着我们作出多少工作。我们给祂的配合有多厉害，祂借着我们作的工就有多厉害。我们给祂的配合如何，祂借着我们的彰显也如何。我们的配合是微弱的，祂的彰显就是微弱的。我们的配合是强大的，祂的彰显也是强大的。祂的工作绝对受到我们的限制。祂在天上的心愿能成全多少，是看我们在地上与祂同情有多少。祂在天上的心愿，是受我们在地上与祂同心的限制。但愿我们今天就与祂天上的心愿同心同情，应付祂的需要，在这时代里给祂够强、够大、够厉害的配合。但愿我们中间有许多人，今天就体贴祂的心肠，顾到祂的心愿；在台湾为着祂和祂的工作，定大志、设大谋，使祂在我们中间得到一条广阔的出路。
　
　　盼望从现在起，我们能积极的作几件事。第一，这一年最少要增加十个擘饼的地方，也就是增加十处召会。　　第二，积极传福音，先从大城市传起，直传到小乡村。希望在五年内传遍台湾，使各方的人都听见主的福音。　　第三，尽速在各地建立召会。希望在五年内，台湾各城市、各县镇都有召会兴起来事奉神，传扬主的福音，维持主的见证。　　第四，多方带领本地圣徒进入召会的责任。无论在什么地方，一有本地的圣徒有心向着主，就给他们够多的机会在召会中学习事奉，使他们能在召会各项事奉上负起责任，同时使各地召会外来圣徒身上的责任，逐渐转移到本地圣徒身上。这样，一面可使主的召会有根有基的建立在本地圣徒身上；一旦外来圣徒离开台湾，本地圣徒还能刚强的继续维持主的见证。另一面可使外地的圣徒，因卸去这里召会的责任而能随时受主引导往各地去。盼望过了五年，台湾各地召会主体的责任都能由本地圣徒担负。所以，本地圣徒要努力追求属灵的长进，积极学习担负召会中的各种责任。　　第五，加强训练召会事奉所需要的各种人。我们不只要带领多人得救、爱主、追求属灵，更要训练多人在召会事奉上作有用的人。盼望过了二、三年，最多五年内，能有许多圣徒在召会事奉上受过美好的训练，有厉害的学习，将来无论到那里都能兴起召会，治理或服事召会，以显出丰满而属灵的功用。　　以上所说的，虽不能说是我们的计划，但可说是我们的希望。但愿这希望，是与主的心愿配合。愿主照着祂在天上的心意，成全我们这地上的希望。
　
　　为着应付神今天的需要，加强召会的事奉，并实现我们前面所说的希望，今后召会需要三种人大量的兴起。　　第一，是有恩赐的人。如以弗所四章十一节所说，主当作恩赐赐给召会的人，有使徒、申言者、传福音者、牧人和教师；或如林前十二章九至十节所说，有神奇恩赐的人，如医病、行异能、辨别诸灵等恩赐；或是像罗马十二章六至八节所说，有平常恩赐的人，如服事的、教导的、劝勉的、带领的人等；这些有恩赐的人都是召会今天所需要的。尤其是能作申言者替神说话，作神的出口，使召会得着造就和供应的人，乃是召会今天所急切需要的。
--------本段经节汇集--------
弗4:11  
祂所赐的，有些是使徒，有些是申言者，有些是传福音者，有些是牧人和教师，
林前12:9  
另有别人在同一位灵里得了信心，还有一人在这一位灵里得了医病的恩赐，
林前12:10  
另有一人能行异能，另有一人能申言，另有一人能辨别诸灵，另有别人能说各种方言，另有一人能翻方言。
罗12:6  
照着所赐给我们的恩典，我们得了不同的恩赐：或申言，就当照着信心的程度申言；
罗12:7  
或服事，就当忠于服事；或作教导的，就当忠于教导；
罗12:8  
或作劝勉的，就当忠于劝勉；分授的，就当单纯；带领的，就当殷勤；怜悯人的，就当甘心乐意。
------------------------
　　今天各地召会太缺少作神出口的人，缺少话语的执事，使各地召会能得到神话语的供应；因此，各地召会生活不够丰富，事奉不够刚强，灯光不够明亮，见证不够分别。为使各地召会建立得稳固，增长得成熟，满有“基督的身量”，就必须有许多作神出口的人兴起来。　　能牧养并教导圣徒的人，就是有牧人和教师恩赐的人，也是今天各地召会所急需的。许多地方，初得救的圣徒真像没有牧人的羊一般，缺少照顾和带领。因此他们不只不能在所在的召会中显出功用，反而使他们所在召会的见证因他们受亏损。要挽救这种情形，召会需要许多有牧人和教师恩赐的人兴起来，使幼稚的圣徒得到牧养和教导。　　此外，今天各地召会也急需能作福音出口的人。我们在各地的召会，虽然都积极推广福音，但各地的弟兄们能站福音讲台的人实在太少。福音工作固然需要全体圣徒共同努力，但福音的活动不能缺少讲台信息。若要各地召会福音传得更强烈、更有效，就必须有许多人起来，作福音刚强有力地出口。　　近来，我们感觉为使主的福音在台湾得以广传，有医病恩赐的人也是召会所需要的。若要使本地同胞，从他们所迷信的众多偶像归向独一的真神，必须有医病的恩赐，随着所传扬的福音。这个恩赐不难得着，只要有够多的祷告，凭信心接受，就可以得到。所以我们非常盼望，本地的圣徒中有人得着这个恩赐，往许多乡村去传扬福音，医治疾病，证明我们所传的救主就是创造万物的神，是满了爱和能力的。　　召会所需要的第二种人是长老。召会今天缺少有恩赐的人，也缺少长老，或者说更缺少长老。长老需要多才多艺，能拼能作，生命丰富，年高庄重，心地宽宏，眼光远大，有节制，有忍耐，有爱心，有智慧，并且需要能管理，能教导，能生意，能开拓。　　一个地方召会的事奉如何，几乎完全看那里的长老如何。在一个地方召会中，事奉该怎样带领、监督，人事该怎样管理、安排，器物该怎样设计、备办，财务该怎样运用、支配，这些都是长老的责任。所以，有长老职分的人是难能可贵、不可多得的；长老也是不容易作的。一个地方召会的强弱兴衰，关键全在于长老。一个地方召会可以一年、两年或几年，没有所谓的工人帮助，但是不可以一天没有长老带领。所以，强而有用的长老，真是召会今天所需要的。　　召会所需要的第三种人是执事。执事是服事召会、服事圣徒的。这种人需要爱主、属灵、谦卑、殷勤，更需要听话、谨慎、端庄、寡言。一个地方召会，事奉能否进行得属灵、刚强，事务能否作得灵活、周详，也要看那里的执事如何，是否够多够用。执事的资格虽不必像长老那样高，但执事的数目却应当比长老多。以数目来说，召会是更需要执事的。　　以上所说的三种人，是召会今天所需要的，也是今天现实情形所缺乏的。各地召会的事奉所以不够强，就是因为缺乏这三种人。若是各地召会有够多有恩赐的人，够多能作长老、执事的人，召会的事奉一定强。然而，现在这三种人都缺乏。比方，在台北成千上万的圣徒中，这三种人有多少呢？在高雄众多圣徒中，有多少人能作神话语的出口，有多少人能够作长老、作执事？在各地召会中，这三种人都很难找到。每一次我们去看望召会，都留心观察，有什么弟兄能替神作口，有谁有作长老或执事的样子。然而，这样的人在各地都没有多少。各地召会不只几乎没有有恩赐的人，连长老和执事也相当缺乏，所以各地召会不够刚强。或许外埠圣徒看台北召会真是好，但实际情况仍然差得远，原因就是这三种人不够多。　　这三种人若不够多，仅仅靠热心，召会仍不会刚强；我们仅仅唱阿利路亚，福音也不会因此出得去。若要召会刚强，福音出得去，各地召会中有恩赐的人，和长老、执事，非加多不可，非够多不可。各地召会所以不够强，就是因各地召会的责任不够强。各地召会的责任不够强，就是因各地召会中这三种人不够多、不够强；这个问题在我们中间相当严重。所以，盼望各地圣徒都要为这事祷告，求主给我们各样有恩赐的人，并且有多才多艺能作长老的，和有爱心、肯服事能作执事的人。
　
　　以上所说的，不只是我们该有的祷告，更是我们该有的羡慕。各地召会该有许多人起来，为着神在今天的需要，为着千万灵魂的得救，为着前面所说的希望和目标，羡慕得着有用的恩赐，羡慕能作长老和执事。　　已过，我们出外看望召会，看见并听到各地的情形和需要，我里面真觉得伤痛。第一，从没有一个时候，人对福音像今天这样需要。今天真是庄稼熟透了，需要人收割。第二，有许多得救的人，但没有合式的地方可以让他们得着属灵的照顾，生命的造就，和真实地帮助。看见这些情形，我们的心怎能不伤痛？我们本该在各地应付罪人和圣徒的需要，将许多罪人救来，并使许多圣徒得造就，成为神手中有用的人。然而，我们没能应付这个需要。我们说别人错，是我们愚昧；我们说自己对，是我们骄傲。我们该看见我们的不能，定罪我们的亏欠。　　我们若是强一点，将我们的“池子”挖得够深，所有的水都要流到我们这里。然而，我们没有作到，没能应付神这个需要，以致任凭许多人如同水一样随便流淌。别人不行，我们也不行。我们所以不行，不是因为我们真理不够，道路不对，或立场有错，乃是因我们有用的人不够，缺少有恩赐的人，缺少长老，也缺少执事。所以，我们中间该有许多弟兄起来，或是羡慕得着恩赐，或是羡慕能作长老，最低限度也要羡慕能作执事。　　或许有的圣徒要说，这些都是神的恩赐，都是神随己意赐给人的；神若不赐给，即使我们羡慕，也得不到；神若要赐给，即使我们拒绝，也不可能。这话好像很属灵，但圣经说，“你们…要切慕属灵的恩赐。”（林前十四1）这给我们看见，属灵的恩赐是人可以羡慕的，并且使徒还说，“要切慕那更大的恩赐。”（十二31）不仅如此，连监督的职分，就是作长老，也是人可以羡慕的。提前三章一节，使徒保罗说，“人若渴望得监督的职分，就是羡慕善工；这话是可信的。”作长老既是人可以羡慕的，作执事也必是人可以羡慕的。所以，无论是得恩赐，或是作长老，作执事，都是我们可以羡慕的。这点我们要清楚，也要把握住。
--------本段经节汇集--------
林前14:1  
你们要追求爱，更要切慕属灵的恩赐，尤其要切慕申言。
林前12:31  
但你们要切慕那更大的恩赐。我还要把极超越的路指示你们。
提前3:1  
人若渴望得监督的职分，就是羡慕善工；这话是可信的。
------------------------
　　我们不该属灵到一个地步，只被动的等神赐恩典，听凭神作。我们要看见，恩赐是可以羡慕得来的，作长老、作执事是可以羡慕得到的。谁肯羡慕这些，谁就必定得到。慕迪（D. L. Moody）是十九世纪神所赐给召会一个很大的恩赐，他原是一个说话口吃，心灵昏昧的乡下孩子，没有学问，也没有口才。然而他得救后，就有心羡慕传福音，羡慕带人得救。结果，他就蒙神装备，成为一个满有口才，大有能力的传福音者。他的故事足以证明，恩赐是人可以羡慕得着的。　　林前十四章一节说到“切慕”，意思比“羡慕”更深重。但就字义说，这字在希腊原文的意思，比“切慕”更深重得多。同样的字，在林前十三章四节翻作“嫉妒”。这给我们看见，使徒所说恩赐是我们要切慕的，意思是何等深重，深重到嫉妒的地步。这意思有点像中国话的“恨不得”，所以我们不只要羡慕恩赐，切慕恩赐，甚至要切慕到以至于嫉妒，恨不得能得着。若是我们中间有人是这样恨不得的切慕得着恩赐，神怎能不给他，他又怎能得不着？
--------本段经节汇集--------
林前14:1  
你们要追求爱，更要切慕属灵的恩赐，尤其要切慕申言。
林前13:4  
爱是恒久忍耐，又有恩慈；爱是不嫉妒；爱是不自夸，不张狂，
------------------------
　　然而，许多圣徒并不羡慕，这是因为他们根本不爱主。不爱主，不追求属灵的事，自然不会有这样的羡慕。有的圣徒虽然爱主，追求属灵的事，但怕吃苦，怕为难，所以也不羡慕。因此我们要问，一个爱主的人，活着是为自己，还是为着主？是为着自己的享受，还是为着别人的蒙恩？是体贴自己的心意，还是体贴主的心肠？是顾到今天的安逸，还是顾到那一天的荣耀？难道那一天的荣耀不够吸引我们？难道主成为肉体、舍命流血的爱不够激励我们？　　若是我们真看见主的恩典要流到地上，需要我们作管道；千万的灵魂要蒙恩得救，需要我们有功用，我们就要何等不顾一切，羡慕得着属灵的恩赐或职分。一个人能有恩赐使许多人认识神，是何等喜乐的事；一个人能作长老，治理神的家，带领神的众儿女事奉、敬拜神，是何等尊贵又荣耀的事；一个人能在召会中作执事，服事神的儿女，又是何等甜美的事。我们若这样觉得，就必要切慕得着这些恩赐或职分。
　
　　我们要得着属灵的恩赐或职分，不只要切切地羡慕，也要有得着恩赐或职分的途径。
　
一
　
要寻求
　　第一，要寻求。林前十四章十二节说，“你们…既渴慕灵，就要为着召会的建造，寻求得以超越。”这里的“寻求”，和马太七章七节所说“寻找，就寻见”的“寻找”，在希腊原文里是同样的字。寻求当然包括祈求，向神要；但寻求不只是祈求，更是用举动去寻得。羡慕是里面的心愿，寻求是外面的举动。我们既在里面有心愿，羡慕得着属灵的恩赐，就当在外面有举动，花力气寻求，直到得着。
--------本段经节汇集--------
林前14:12  
你们也是如此，既渴慕灵，就要为着召会的建造，寻求得以超越。
太7:7  
求，就给你们；寻找，就寻见；叩门，就给你们开门。
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　　许多圣徒虽然羡慕属灵的恩赐或职分，但他们不肯花力气寻求。他们或是懒惰松懈，或是不肯出代价。他们虽然有羡慕的心，但不肯出寻求的力，所以至终他们得不着。我们若真是羡慕属灵的恩赐或职分，就必须花工夫，花力气，出代价，注意所该注意的，对付所该对付的。慕迪从羡慕传福音以后，花了相当的工夫和力气，才得着传福音的口才和能力。
　
二
　
要奉献
　　第二，要奉献。罗马十二章说到我们得了不同的恩赐，乃是在我们将身体献上，就是实际、具体的奉献之后（罗十二1，6）。所以，我们若要得着神所要赐给我们的恩赐或职分，就必须将自己彻底、无保留、具体的奉献给主。这是自然而且必须的。一个人若不献上自己给主用，怎能从主得到恩赐或职分？
--------本段经节汇集--------
罗马书十二章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）
罗12:1  
所以弟兄们，我借着神的怜恤劝你们，将身体献上，当作圣别并讨神喜悦的活祭，这是你们合理的事奉。
罗12:6  
照着所赐给我们的恩典，我们得了不同的恩赐：或申言，就当照着信心的程度申言；
罗马书一章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）
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三
　
要撇下
　　第三，要撇下。我们撇下属地的一切，和我们得着属天的恩赐和职分有绝对的关系。彼得、约翰撇下了他们的一切，才得着他们所得的恩赐和职分（太四18~22）。我们若真寻求属灵的恩赐或职分，就必看见属物质的事物乃是我们的阻挡，需要我们撇下。若是我们中间每一个人都撇下自己所感觉该撇下的事物，就不知会有多少人要得着属灵的恩赐或职分。我们若要得着属灵的恩赐或职分，叫主的道路得以亨通，我们就要照着我们里面所感觉的，撇下我们所该撇下的，舍弃我们所该舍弃的。除此之外，别无他路。
--------本段经节汇集--------
太4:18  
耶稣在加利利海边行走，看见两个兄弟，就是那称呼彼得的西门，和他的兄弟安得烈，向海里撒网；他们本是渔夫。
太4:19  
耶稣对他们说，来跟从我，我要使你们作得人的渔夫。
太4:20  
他们就立刻撇下网，跟从了祂。
太4:21  
祂从那里往前走，看见另外两个兄弟，就是西庇太的儿子雅各和他的兄弟约翰，正同他们的父亲西庇太在船上补网，祂就呼召他们。
太4:22  
他们立刻撇下船和他们的父亲，跟从了祂。
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四
　
要破碎
　　第四，要破碎。撇下是对付我们外面的事物，破碎是对付我们里面的自己。我们外面的事物和我们里面的自己，都是我们得着属灵恩赐或职分的阻挡，并且我们里面的自己，比我们外面的事物阻挡得更厉害。所以，我们的脾气、血气、个性、习惯、肉体、自己，都得接受神的破碎，我们才能清楚得着属灵的恩赐或职分，才能明显的显出属灵的功用。　　许多圣徒虽然爱主，羡慕属灵的恩赐或职分，愿意在召会中显出功用，但他们不肯接受破碎。他们的脾气、血气、个性、习惯、肉体、自己，依然如故，原封未动。他们身上这种种情形，把他们对主所有的心情，向主所有的心愿都抵销了。所以他们所羡慕的，他们不能得到。如果各地圣徒肯让主破碎他们的脾气、血气、个性、习惯、肉体、自己，不知有多少人要得着大有功用的恩赐，或名实相符的职分，使各地召会的事奉刚强属灵，以应付神在这时代里的需要。
　
　　第五，要注意并学习。我们羡慕得那种恩赐或职分，就得注意并学习与那种恩赐或职分有关的事。若羡慕得医病的恩赐，就得注意这个问题。要研究圣经对这个问题怎么说，该怎样为病人祷告，给人按手、抹油（雅五14~16）。不只要注意、研究，还要照着所知道的，凭信心操练。
--------本段经节汇集--------
雅5:14  
你们中间有病弱的么？他该请召会的长老来，在主的名里用油抹他，为他祷告。
雅5:15  
信心的祈祷要救那病人，主必叫他起来；他若犯了罪，也必蒙赦免。
雅5:16  
所以你们要彼此认罪，互相代祷，使你们可以得医治。义人的祈求发动起来，是大有能力的。
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　　若羡慕作申言者替神说话，就更得花工夫注意，花力气学习。这比得医病的恩赐还不容易。比方，你要替神说话，就得花工夫好好读圣经。没有圣经知识，怎能作神的出口？所以，必须好好读圣经，读到熟，读到透。此外，也需要读历代为主用的人所写的圣经注解、属灵书报。这类的书籍很多，没有任何一类书比这类书还要多。两千年来，所有爱主之人花过工夫写出的著作，为神说话的人虽不能尽读，却总得尽力读些比较重要的。同时，也得读些报章杂志，从中获取一些常识，和今天在人中间所通用的辞句和说法。　　为神说话的人还得操练口才，操练说话的技术，操练喉咙、声音和声调。你要替神说话，你所说的话，起码要叫人听得见，听得清楚，听得明白。所以要学习说话，学习发声。说话要清楚，辞句要简洁。发声要正确的使用喉咙，用力要从丹田。这些都必须学会，才能用人所听得见的声量，听得懂的话，对人说出神的话，而不失去属灵的分量。不仅如此，还得花工夫学语言。你若不学别人能懂的语言，作神出口的恩赐在你身上很难显出来。你若能多学几种语言，你作神出口的恩赐就要显得更有功用。　　如果你羡慕作长老，就得求神给你智慧聪明。治理神的家，管理召会，不是一件简单的事。圣徒该怎样带领，人事该怎样安排，事务该怎样处理，难处该怎样消解，这些都需要有智慧聪明。当初神设立所罗门作王，治理祂的百姓，所罗门求神赐他聪明的心，使他知道在神的百姓中，应当如何出入，怎样审断；结果神就赐给他智慧和明辨的心，使他能治理祂的百姓（王上三7~12）。
--------本段经节汇集--------
王上3:7  
耶和华我的神啊，如今你使仆人接续我父亲大卫作王；但我是幼童，不知道怎样出入。
王上3:8  
仆人住在你所拣选的民中，这民多得无法数点，无法计算。
王上3:9  
所以求你赐仆人聪明的心，可以审断你的民，能辨别善恶。不然，谁能审断你这众多的民呢？
王上3:10  
所罗门求这事，他的话在主眼中看为美。
王上3:11  
神对他说，你既然求这事，不为自己求长寿、求财富，也不求灭绝你仇敌的性命，单为自己求辨识可以听讼，
王上3:12  
我就照你的话而行。看哪，我赐你智慧和明辨的心，甚至在你以前没有像你的，在你以后也没有兴起来像你的。
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　　聪明是头脑的，智慧是灵感的；聪明是平凡的，智慧是超凡的。在召会中作长老，不只需要头脑平凡的聪明，也需要灵感超凡的智慧。许多别人无法看到，不能想到的事，他要能看到、能想到。许多别人无法清楚、不能分辨的事，他能清楚、能分辨。这样的智慧聪明，是需要向神求的。　　我初初事奉主的时候，主把我摆在一个治理召会的地位上。那时我很年轻，阅历也少，就效法所罗门，求主赐我智慧聪明，叫我知道怎样治理祂的召会，怎样带领祂的儿女。主实在眷怜了我，在许多召会重大的事上，祂作了我的智慧和聪明。我能见证，这样的祈求，是主所喜悦并垂听的。　　人要作长老，也得操练心怀开朗，心胸广大。要治理神的家，心必须广大。神为叫所罗门治理祂的百姓，不只赐给他智慧、聪明，也赐给他“宽广的心，如同海边的沙那样不可测量”（王上四29）。中国人说，“心要海涵。”但神赐给所罗门的心宽广如同海沙。海沙是把海都包括了；宽广如同海沙的心，是比海还广大的。这样宽广的心，是治理神百姓的人所需要的，对任何人都能包涵，对任何事都能忍让，能爱不可爱的人，能担不可担的事。
--------本段经节汇集--------
王上4:29  
神赐给所罗门智慧、极大的聪明和宽广的心，如同海边的沙那样不可测量。
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　　智慧和宽广的心，二者相联；这是我们在所罗门身上看见的。他向神求智慧，结果神赐给他智慧和宽广的心。智慧叫人的心宽广，愚昧叫人的心窄小。智慧人的心定规宽广，愚昧人的心定规窄小。可以说，心能宽广，就是智慧；心若窄小，就是愚昧。心窄小的人不能在召会中作长老，因为在召会里各式各样的人都有，需要能包容、心宽广的长老。有些圣徒虽然得救了，但许多时候，他们在召会中遇到事情，不管法理，不讲情爱，只顾自己。对于这样的人，真是需要长老们有宽广的心，能包容，能爱惜。　　人要作长老，就得操练没有血气。有血气的人，不能治理神的家。有的弟兄虽然羡慕作长老，但他们不肯对付他们的血气。他们的确是爱主，也愿出代价，但他们若任凭他们的血气发作，就难以作长老。　　血气和心地狭窄有关；血气叫人心地狭窄，心地狭窄也容易叫人满有血气。所以要对付血气，就得对付心地狭窄。一个弟兄作长老，只要在召会中有过一次血气发作，就会使他失去在圣徒中间的身分和分量。长老的身分和分量是在召会中托住属灵事物的，是不能失去的；一旦失去，召会就会受到莫大的亏损。所以要作长老的人必须对付血气，直到血气不发作才可以。一个人的血气受了对付，才能没有脾气，受主引导，该厉害就厉害，该温和就温和。这一种刚柔相济的性格，是作长老的人必须有的。　　一个召会里最宝贵的点是圣徒同心；而圣徒的同心，系于长老们的同心。长老们若同心，圣徒定规同心。只有认识自己的血气，对付自己血气的人，才能和人同心。同心不在于大家对真理、对事情有同一的看法，乃在于大家对自己的血气有认识、有对付。只有血气受了对付的人，才不容易有意见，不容易出事情。所以，羡慕要作长老的人，必须学习对付自己的血气。　　一个人若羡慕作执事，就得学习有爱心，学习谦卑，殷勤，会作事，才能服事召会，服事圣徒。此外，也要学习听话顺服，只听命作事，不出主意，不发表意见。没有一个意见多、主意多的圣徒，能在召会中作个好执事。你若要众圣徒从你的服事得到属灵的帮助和生命的供应，就必须学习对付你的意见和主意。　　同时，你还得学习对付你的舌头，不作多话的人。一个作执事的人若是多话，他在圣徒中就必成为一个死亡的传布者。若要你的服事只供应生命，不传布死亡，你就必须学习对付舌头。关于这些，自然还有许多点、许多方面，都是应当注意并学习的，在此无法一一尽述，愿主引导你们好好注意并学习。
　
　　第六，要追求圣灵充满和浇灌。一切属灵的恩赐都是从圣灵来的。罗马十二章六至八节所说平常的恩赐，是我们里面被圣灵充满而显出来的，是属于生命方面的。林前十二章九至十节所说神奇的恩赐，是我们外面被圣灵浇灌而得着的，是属于灵感方面的。所以，我们必须在里面被圣灵充满，才能显出那些出于生命的恩赐；也必须在外面被圣灵浇灌，才能得着那些来自灵感的恩赐。因此我们若羡慕得着属灵的恩赐，就必须追求圣灵在我们里面的充满，和圣灵在我们外面的浇灌。
--------本段经节汇集--------
罗12:6  
照着所赐给我们的恩典，我们得了不同的恩赐：或申言，就当照着信心的程度申言；
罗12:7  
或服事，就当忠于服事；或作教导的，就当忠于教导；
罗12:8  
或作劝勉的，就当忠于劝勉；分授的，就当单纯；带领的，就当殷勤；怜悯人的，就当甘心乐意。
林前12:9  
另有别人在同一位灵里得了信心，还有一人在这一位灵里得了医病的恩赐，
林前12:10  
另有一人能行异能，另有一人能申言，另有一人能辨别诸灵，另有别人能说各种方言，另有一人能翻方言。
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　　但愿我们中间有许多人羡慕这些，追求这些。不是为着今世的名利或今天的报酬，乃是为着将来的荣耀，那一天的赏赐。然而，我们不必等到那一天，即使是在今天就能感觉，为着主的缘故服事人的灵魂，是何等荣耀、喜乐的事。今天我们中间岂不该有更多人羡慕这些，追求这些，叫主的工作从我们身上得以开广。　　若是我们中间有许多人羡慕这些，追求这些，我们中间就要有许多圣徒被造就，成为有用的人。将来他们无论到那里，都能兴起刚强的召会，并且能带起更多的圣徒到各处传扬福音，兴起召会。只有这样，推广福音并建立召会的工作才能稳扎稳打，快速的普及到各地。愿神记念祂的工作，使我们所愿望的都成为事实。　　一九五二年二月讲于台北　　原刊于一九五二年三月“话语职事”第九期
　Scripture Reading: Isa. 6:8; Judg. 5:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:31; 14:1, 12, 39; 1 Tim. 3:1
　In this chapter we will fellowship concerning the desire we should have in serving God.
　
GOD’S NEED
　Those who know the principles in God’s work know that He needs people to work with Him. In order for God to give grace to man or work in man, there must be someone who works and cooperates with God. This is a principle revealed in the Bible. If no one works or cooperates with God, He will not have a way to give grace to man or to work in man. God’s desire for man can be carried out only if He finds someone on earth to cooperate with Him. God’s intention concerning His work in man can be carried out only if He finds someone on earth who will work with Him.
　When God wanted to speak to the children of Israel and to work among them, He first asked Isaiah, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” (Isa. 6:8). Although God had already decided to speak to the children of Israel and to work in their midst, He had to find someone on earth who would work with Him according to His mind. God is still calling and looking for people. He wants to preach the gospel unto the uttermost part of the earth so that all the nations could receive His salvation (Matt. 28:19; Acts 1:8; 13:47). However, He must first find and gain people on the earth who will cooperate with Him and work with Him according to His mind. As long as there are those who are of the same mind as God and who are willing to work with Him, God’s work will be carried out on the earth by them. If God cannot find such ones on the earth, His desire and plan will remain in heaven, but it will not be carried out or fulfilled on the earth. God can carry out on earth what He has planned in heaven only when He finds people who will cooperate with Him.
　God’s principle is not that man would wait for God to work but that He would wait for man to work. God has done everything that is necessary to carry out His work. The problem is that man is not ready. It seems as if we are waiting for God to work, but God is waiting for us to cooperate. God wants to save people on the earth, but He needs to find those who will cooperate and work with Him. God is always ready. As soon as He finds someone to cooperate and work with Him, He immediately begins to carry out His work on the earth. This is proved by our experience and by the past centuries of church history.
　We often hope that God would come and work on earth. We have the mistaken concept that we need to petition Him to work. God has a desire to work on the earth, but He has been waiting for us to work with Him on the earth. God wants to spread His gospel all over Taiwan. He wants to have a church in every city in Taiwan. There is no need for us to petition Him to be willing to do this. God is willing to spread the gospel unto the uttermost part of the earth and to disciple all the nations (Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19). “The uttermost part of the earth” and “all the nations” surely include the residents of Taiwan. God has been waiting for a long time to spread His gospel across Taiwan. But whom can He send? Who is willing to go for Him? God still has this question, and He is still eagerly inquiring, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” May we hear His voice and respond to His desperate need.
　The problem related to God’s work on the earth is entirely with us, not with Him. God has prepared everything. He is waiting for us to cooperate with Him. The amount of work that He can carry out depends on how much cooperation we render Him. The strength with which He will carry out His work depends on the degree of our cooperation with Him. Whether He will be expressed through us depends on how much we will cooperate with Him. If our cooperation is weak, His expression will be weak, but if our cooperation is strong, His expression will be strong. His work depends on us and is limited by us. The extent to which His desire can be fulfilled on earth depends on how much we cooperate with Him. His desire is limited by whether we are of one mind with Him. How we need to be of one mind with Him and have His desire in order to meet His need and render Him adequate cooperation! May many among us be one with Him in His inward parts to care for His desire. May many among us have great resolutions in heart and great searchings of heart for His work in Taiwan so that He would have a free way among us.
　
OUR HOPE
　I hope that we would be aggressive in several items. First, we need to be aggressive to establish bread-breaking meetings in ten localities this year.
　Second, we need to be aggressive to preach the gospel. We should begin with the big cities and continue until we reach the small villages. We hope to spread the gospel throughout Taiwan so that every person can hear the gospel of the Lord.
　Third, churches need to be established. I hope that in five years every city and town will have a church established with believers serving God, preaching the gospel of the Lord, and maintaining the Lord’s testimony.
　Fourth, the local saints need to be ushered into the responsibilities of the church. The local saints who have a heart for the Lord should be given ample opportunity to learn how to serve in the church so that they can bear the responsibility of the various services of the church. The responsibilities that are currently being borne by saints from other localities should gradually be transferred to the local saints. By so doing, the local saints will become the base of the churches and will continue to maintain the Lord’s testimony in a strong way when the nonlocal saints leave. This will free the nonlocal saints to follow the Lord’s leading and go to other places when they are discharged of their responsibilities in a church. I hope that in five years the primary responsibilities in the churches in Taiwan will be borne by the local saints. In order to achieve this, the local saints must endeavor to pursue spiritual growth, and they must be aggressive to learn how to bear the various responsibilities in the church.
　Fifth, we need to intensify the training of the saints in the church services. We need to lead many people to salvation, to love the Lord, and to pursue spirituality, and we also need to train them to be useful in the church services. I hope that within five years many saints will have been trained and will have learned the lessons in church service. Then in the future these saints will be able to raise up churches, administrate churches, and serve the churches; they will be able to manifest their spiritual function.
　The points mentioned above are our hope, not our plan. May this hope match the Lord’s desire, and may the Lord fulfill our hope on the earth according to His will in heaven.
　
THE PERSONS NEEDED IN THE CHURCH
　In order for us to meet God’s present need, to strengthen the church service, and to fulfill our hope, three kinds of persons should be raised up in the churches.
　The first kind of persons are the gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4:11, which speaks of the Lord giving some as apostles and some as prophets and some as evangelists and some as shepherds and teachers to the church as gifts. First Corinthians 12:9-10 speaks of persons with miraculous gifts, such as healing, works of power, and the discerning of spirits. Romans 12:6-8 speaks of persons with ordinary gifts, such as serving, teaching, exhorting, and leading. All of these persons are needed in the church. There is presently a desperate need in the church for those who can speak for God in order to edify and supply the church.
　There is a shortage in the local churches of those who can minister the word of God in order to supply the churches. As a result, the church life is not rich, our service is not strong, the light is not shining brightly, and our testimony is not sanctified. In order for the churches to be built solidly and to grow unto maturity, that is, in order for the churches to grow unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Eph. 4:13), many people must be raised up to speak for God.
　There is also an urgent need in the churches for those who can shepherd and teach. In many localities the new believers are like sheep without a shepherd; they lack care and leading. As a result, they do not function, and instead, they cause the testimony of the churches to suffer loss. In order to remedy this situation, many need to be raised up so that the childish saints can receive shepherding and teaching.
　In addition, there is a desperate need for those who can be outlets for the gospel. Although the churches are actively spreading the gospel, very few brothers can give a gospel message. The gospel work needs all the saints to strive together, but these activities cannot be complete without gospel messages. In order for the churches to be strong and effective in preaching the gospel, many people must be raised up as strong and powerful outlets for the gospel.
　In order for the gospel to spread in Taiwan, the church needs those who have the gift of healing so that the local Taiwanese people can turn from the many idols that they blindly worship to the true God. It is not hard to receive the gift of healing. It can be received through much prayer in faith. We hope that some local saints will receive this gift so that they can go to the countryside to preach the gospel and heal the sick. This will prove that the Savior whom we preach is the Creator of all things and is full of love and power.
　The second kind of persons that the church needs is elders. The church is short of gifts and also short of elders. Elders need to function in many aspects and to strive and carry things out. The elders should be rich in life, mature, grave, broad-minded, and farsighted. They should have self-control, patience, love, and wisdom. They should also be full of ideas and able to manage, teach, and take the lead.
　The service in a local church depends on the elders. The responsibilities of the elders include the leading and oversight of services, the management and arrangement of persons, the design and preparation of furniture, and the use and allocation of funds. Hence, those who serve in the eldership are precious and difficult to find. It is not easy to be an elder. Whether a local church is strong or weak, rises or falls, depends on the elders. A local church can advance for a few years without the help of co-workers, but it cannot advance without the leading of the elders. Therefore, strong and useful elders are needed in the church.
　The third kind of persons that the church needs is deacons. Deacons serve the church and the saints. The deacons need to love the Lord, and they should also be spiritual, humble, and diligent. It is also important that they be cautious, dignified, calm, and willing to listen. Whether the service is carried out in a spiritual and strong way depends on the person of the deacons and on how many deacons function. Whether the business affairs are handled in a flexible and thorough way also depends on the person of the deacons and on how many deacons function. The qualifications of the deacons are not as strict as the qualifications of the elders, but the number of deacons should exceed the number of elders. In terms of numbers, the church has a greater need of deacons.
　The church urgently needs these three kinds of persons. The services in the local churches are not strong because we lack these three kinds of persons. If the churches have gifts, elders, and deacons, the church service would be strong. We need to ask, “How many gifts, elders, and deacons are in the churches? How many saints can function as gifts to speak for God? How many saints can function as elders? How many saints can function as deacons?” It is hard to find these three kinds of persons in the local churches. When we visit the churches, we carefully observe the brothers to see if any can function as a gift to speak for God, as an elder, or as a deacon. The churches are nearly void of gifts, and the churches are short of elders and deacons. Hence, the churches are not strong. The saints in other localities might consider the church in Taipei to be excellent, but this is not our condition, because there are not enough gifts, elders, or deacons.
　The churches cannot be strong if we depend on zeal but do not have enough people in these three categories. The gospel will not go out if we simply sing Hallelujah. In order for the church to be strong and for the gospel to go out, there must be an increase in gifts, elders, and deacons. We need many gifts, elders, and deacons. The churches are not strong because the responsibilities of the church are not borne in a strong way, and the responsibilities of the church are not borne in a strong way because we are lacking in these three kinds of persons. This is a serious problem among us. I hope that the saints in every locality will pray for this matter so that the Lord would give us those who are gifts, those who can function as elders, and those who are willing to serve as deacons.
　
THE DESIRE THAT WE SHOULD HAVE
　The raising up of gifts, elders, and deacons should not merely be an item of our prayer; it should be our desire. In every church there should be many people rising up with the desire to become useful gifts and to become elders and deacons. This will meet God’s present need for the salvation of many souls and for the fulfilling of our hope.
　There is an unprecedented need for the gospel. The harvest is truly ripe and ready to be reaped. Furthermore, there are many believers in Taiwan, but they do not have a proper place where they can receive spiritual care, edification in life, and genuine help. When we see these situations, our heart is grieved. We should have met the needs of sinners by bringing them to salvation. We also should have met the needs of the saints by edifying them so that they would be useful in God’s hand. However, we have failed to meet these needs. We cannot blame others for this lack, nor should we justify ourselves. We should humble ourselves to acknowledge our incapability and to condemn our shortcomings.
　If we would make an effort, we would be able to meet God’s need. However, we have failed to meet God’s need, and as a result, many people are aimless. This shortage is not because we do not have enough truth, because our way is wrong, or because we are not standing on the proper ground. There is a shortage because we do not have enough useful persons—gifts, elders, and deacons. We need many brothers to rise up with a desire to become gifts, to be elders, or to be deacons.
　Some saints will say that gifts are from God and that He gives gifts according to His will; hence, if God does not give us a gift, we cannot become one, even if this is our desire. They also say that when God gives gifts, we will receive a gift even if we do not want it. These statements sound spiritual, but in contrast to them the Bible says, “Desire earnestly spiritual gifts” (1 Cor. 14:1). This proves that spiritual gifts can be desired. The Bible also says that we should “earnestly desire the greater gifts” (12:31). Even the overseership, that is, the eldership, can be desired. First Timothy 3:1 says, “Faithful is the word: If anyone aspires to the overseership, he desires a good work.” If we can desire to be an elder, we can surely desire to be a deacon. Therefore, we must be clear that we can desire to become gifts and to become elders or deacons.
　We should not be so spiritual that we wait passively for God to give us grace. Gifts are obtained through desire. We can also desire to be elders and deacons. Whoever desires these things will receive them. D. L. Moody was a great gift from God to the church in the nineteenth century. D. L. Moody was a country boy who stuttered and was not very sharp. He was neither educated nor eloquent. After he was saved, however, he had a heart to preach the gospel and desired to bring people to salvation. As a result, he was equipped by God and became an eloquent and powerful evangelist. His story proves that we can receive the gifts that we desire.
　First Corinthians 14:1 uses the phrase desire earnestly. The meaning of this phrase is deeper and stronger than just to desire. The meaning of the Greek word is even deeper and stronger than its translation as “desire earnestly.” This same Greek word is translated as jealous in 1 Corinthians 13:4. The apostle’s charge for us to earnestly desire gifts is very strong; it means that we should be jealous of gifts. Therefore, we should not only earnestly desire gifts; our desire should be so strong that we are jealous and that we hate not receiving a gift. If some among us would earnestly desire the gifts to the extent that they hate not being able to receive them, God would surely grant them gifts.
　Many saints do not desire the gifts, because they do not love the Lord. A person who does not love the Lord or pursue spiritual things will not have such a desire. Other saints love the Lord and pursue spiritual things, but they do not have a desire for gifts because they are afraid of suffering and hardship. Should a lover of the Lord live for himself or for the Lord? Should a lover of the Lord live for his own enjoyment or for others to receive grace? Should he live for his desire or for the Lord’s heart? Should he care for present comfort or for glory in that day? Does that glory attract us? The Lord’s love caused Him to become a man, lay down His life, and shed His blood, but does this love encourage us?
　If we realize that grace cannot flow to the earth without our being channels and that souls cannot be saved without our function, our only desire would be to have spiritual gifts and ministries. How joyful it is when a person receives a gift to help people know God. How honorable and glorious it is for a person to become an elder who administrates the house of God and leads the children of God to serve and worship Him. How sweet it is for a person to become a deacon in the church and to serve the children of God. If this is our realization, we will eagerly desire gifts and ministries.
　
WAYS TO RECEIVE GIFTS AND MINISTRIES
　If we want to receive spiritual gifts and ministries, we need to earnestly desire them, and we also need to know how to receive gifts and ministries.
　
Seeking
　We need to seek. First Corinthians 14:12 says, “Since you are zealous of spirits, seek that you may excel for the building up of the church.” The Greek word for seek is also used in Matthew 7:7, which says, “Seek and you shall find.” Seeking includes petitioning, or asking, God, but seeking is not merely petitioning. Seeking requires that we take action in order to acquire. Seeking is an outward action that comes from an inward aspiration and desire. If we have an inward aspiration, the desire to have spiritual gifts, then we will take outward actions. We will make an effort to seek until we receive.
　Many saints desire to receive spiritual gifts or ministries, but they do not want to make an effort to seek. They are either lazy and loose, or they are unwilling to pay the price. They desire in their heart, but they do not receive anything because they are unwilling to make an effort to seek. If we truly desire to receive spiritual gifts or ministries, we must spend time, make an effort, and pay the price. We must also take heed to certain matters and have the necessary dealings. After Moody had the desire to preach the gospel, he spent a great deal of time and effort seeking to receive the power and utterance needed for preaching the gospel.
　
Consecration
　We need consecration. Romans 12 speaks of different gifts after it speaks of presenting our bodies, that is, of having a practical and specific consecration (vv. 1, 6). God gives gifts and ministries, but we must consecrate ourselves thoroughly, unreservedly, and specifically to the Lord in order to receive them. This is logical and necessary. A person who does not present himself for the Lord’s use cannot receive gifts or ministries from the Lord.
　
Leaving All
　We need to leave all. Receiving heavenly gifts and ministries depends on leaving all earthly things. Peter and John left everything before they received their gifts and ministries (Matt. 4:18-22). If we would genuinely seek spiritual gifts and ministries, we will discover that we need to leave material things because they are a hindrance to us. Many more saints would receive spiritual gifts and ministries if we would leave all the things that hinder us. If we truly want the Lord to have a free way among us, we must follow our inner sense and forsake the earthly things. There is no other way.
　
Being Broken
　We need to be broken. Leaving all deals with things outside of us, but being broken deals with the self inside of us. Both the things outside of us and the self inside of us are hindrances that keep us from receiving spiritual gifts or ministries. The self is a greater hindrance than the things outside of us. Our temper, disposition, habits, flesh, and self need to be broken by God in order for us to receive spiritual gifts and ministries. Then there will be a clear manifestation of our spiritual function.
　Many saints love the Lord, desire to receive spiritual gifts or ministries, and are willing to manifest their function in the church, but they are unwilling to be broken. Their temper, disposition, habits, flesh, and self remain untouched. The problems in their being annul their heart and desire for the Lord. As a result, they cannot receive what they desire to receive. If the saints in every locality would allow the Lord to break their temper, disposition, habits, flesh, and self, many more would receive useful gifts and ministries that are full of reality. Then the service in the churches would be strong and spiritual, meeting God’s need in this age.
　
Studying and Learning
　We need to study and learn. If we desire to receive a certain gift or ministry, we must take heed to learn the things related to that gift or ministry. If we desire to receive the gift of healing, we must take heed to the gift of healing. We need to study what is revealed in the Bible concerning healing, such as praying for the sick, the laying on of hands, and the anointing with oil (James 5:14-16). In addition to studying, we also need to exercise our faith and practice what we know.
　If we desire to be a prophet who speaks for God, we must spend the time and make an effort to learn. To be a prophet is more difficult than receiving the gift of healing. Those who want to speak for God must spend time to study the Bible. We cannot speak for God if we do not have knowledge of the Bible. We must study the Bible carefully and thoroughly until we are familiar with it. We also need to read Bible commentaries and spiritual books written by those who have been used by the Lord. There are numerous Bible commentaries and spiritual books. We may not be able to read every publication that has been written over the past two thousand years, but we should definitely read the important publications. We should also read newspapers and magazines in order to gain general knowledge and common expressions.
　Those who speak for God also need to practice public speaking. They need skills. They need to know how to use their throat and voice, and they need to know their intonation. If we want to speak for God, people must be able to hear and understand what we say. Therefore, we must learn to enunciate our words with the proper use of our throat and abdomen so that we speak clearly and concisely. We need to learn these things so that our words are not too loud or too soft. Our words must not lose their spiritual weight. We also need to learn other languages. Otherwise, it will be hard to manifest the gift of speaking. If we can learn several languages, our function will be greatly manifested.
　If we desire to be an elder, we must ask God for wisdom and understanding. It is not easy to administrate the house of God or to manage the church. Leading the saints, arranging the services, handling the business affairs, and resolving problems all require wisdom and understanding. When God set Solomon as king over His people, Solomon asked for a heart of wisdom so that he might know how to go out and come in among God’s people and how to judge them. Therefore, God gave him a heart of wisdom and understanding to rule over His people (1 Kings 3:7-12).
　Understanding is of the mind, but wisdom is of the spirit. Understanding is ordinary, but wisdom is extraordinary. To be an elder in the church requires not only the ordinary understanding of the mind but also the extraordinary wisdom of the spirit. An elder must be able to see things that others are unable to see and to perceive things that others cannot perceive. He must be able to understand what others cannot understand and to discern what others are unable to discern. Hence, we need to ask God for wisdom and understanding.
　When I began to serve the Lord, He put me in a situation that involved the administration of the church. I was young and inexperienced, so I followed Solomon’s example and asked God to give me wisdom and understanding in order to know how to administrate His church and lead His children. The Lord had mercy on me; He became my wisdom and understanding in many crucial matters. I can testify that the Lord delights in such a petition and answers such a petition.
　A person who wants to be an elder also needs to exercise to be open-minded and to have a large heart. Our heart must be large if we would administrate the house of God. God gave Solomon not only wisdom and understanding but also “largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the seashore” (4:29). There is a Chinese proverb: “The heart needs to be as inclusive as the sea.” However, the heart that God gave Solomon was as large as the sand on the seashore. The sand on the seashore encompasses the sea. A heart that is as large as the sand on the seashore is larger than a heart that is as inclusive as the sea. Those who are set over God’s people need a heart that is as large as the sand on the seashore so that they can forgive anyone and endure anything. Such a heart can love the unlovable and bear the unbearable.
　Wisdom of heart is related to largeness of heart. Solomon asked God for wisdom, and God gave him a heart of wisdom and largeness of heart. Wisdom makes the heart large, whereas foolishness makes the heart narrow. A wise person has a large heart, but a foolish person has a narrow heart. Hence, a heart that is large is wise, and a heart that is narrow is foolish. A person with a narrow heart cannot be an elder. An elder needs to be tolerant and to have a large heart because there are all kinds of people in the church. Some saints care only for themselves; they have no regard for justice or love. The elders need to have a large heart in order to tolerate and love such ones.
　A person who wants to be an elder needs to exercise to not lose his temper. Those who lose their temper cannot administrate the house of God. Some brothers desire to be elders, but they are unwilling to deal with their temper. They love the Lord and are willing to pay the price, but it is hard for them to be elders because they freely lose their temper.
　Our temper is related to the narrowness of our heart. Temper causes a person to have a narrow heart, and a narrow heart causes a person to be full of temper. Therefore, to deal with one’s temper is to deal with a narrow heart. An elder will lose his status and weight among the saints if he loses his temper even once in the church. The status and weight of an elder must not be lost, because the elders uphold the spiritual atmosphere in the church. Once an elder loses his status and weight, the church will suffer an exceedingly great loss. Hence, an elder must deal with his temper until it is no longer expressed. Then he will be strong or gentle according to the Lord’s leading. An elder must have a strong yet gentle character.
　The most precious thing in the church is the one accord among the saints, but one accord among the saints depends on one accord among the elders. If there is one accord among the elders, there will be one accord among the saints. Only those who know their temper and have dealt with their temper can be in one accord with others. One accord is not a matter of having the same opinion concerning the truth or practical matters. One accord depends on knowing one’s temper and dealing with one’s temper. Those who have dealt with their temper are not quick to give their opinions and do not cause trouble. Hence, those who desire to be elders must learn to deal with their temper.
　A person who desires to be a deacon must learn to be loving, humble, and diligent. He must learn how to manage things before he can serve the church and the saints. He must also learn to listen and obey and to follow instructions instead of voicing his opinions. A saint who has many opinions and ideas cannot be a good deacon. If we want the saints to receive spiritual help and the life supply from our service, we must learn to deal with our opinions and ideas.
　A deacon must also learn to deal with his tongue so that he is a person of few words. A deacon who talks incessantly will propagate death. If we want our service to minister life instead of propagating death, we must learn to deal with our tongue. There are many other matters that we need to learn, but I cannot cover them all in detail. May the Lord lead us to take heed to these matters and learn them properly.
　
Pursuing the Infilling and Outpouring of the Spirit
　We need to pursue the infilling and outpouring of the Spirit. Every spiritual gift comes from the Spirit. The ordinary gifts mentioned in Romans 12:6-8 are manifested through being filled with the Spirit inwardly. These gifts are of life. The miraculous gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:9-10 are received through the outpouring of the Spirit. The miraculous gifts are related to the inspiration of the Spirit. We must be filled with the Spirit inwardly to manifest the gifts of life. We must also experience the outpouring of the Spirit to receive the miraculous gifts. Therefore, if we desire to receive spiritual gifts, we must pursue the inward filling and the outpouring of the Spirit.
　
A FINAL WORD
　May many among us desire and pursue spiritual gifts and pursue being an elder or a deacon. These matters are not for profit, fame, or reward, but they are for glory in the future and reward in that day. However, we do not need to wait until that day. We can sense the glory and joy of serving human souls for the Lord’s sake today. Should there not be more among us who desire and pursue these matters for the spread of the Lord’s work?
　If more saints desire and pursue spiritual gifts and ministries, many will be edified and useful. They will eventually be able to help other saints to preach the gospel and to raise up strong churches everywhere. This is the only way for the propagation of the gospel and for the establishment of churches to spread quickly in a solid and steady way. May the Lord remember His work and fulfill our desire.
 
　　读经：以赛亚书六章八节，士师记五章十五节下至十六节，哥林多前书十二章三十一节，十四章一节，十二节，三十九节，提摩太前书三章一节。

　　本篇信息要交通关于在事奉神的事上，我们该有的羡慕。
 
　Scripture Reading: Isa. 6:8; Judg. 5:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:31; 14:1, 12, 39; 1 Tim. 3:1

　In this chapter we will fellowship concerning the desire we should have in serving God.
　　首先，我们要说到神的需要。凡认识神作工定律的人都知道，神所需要的，就是有人在地上与祂同工。圣经给我们看见一个定律，每当神在地上要向人施恩，对人作工，都必须先有人在地上与祂同工。若没有人在地上与神同工，与神配合，神就无法向人施恩，对人作工。神在天上向人所有的心愿，必须在地上找着人与祂同情，才能在地上作到人身上。神在天上定规要对人作的工，必须在地上得着人与祂同工，才能在地上作到人中间。

　　因此，在以赛亚的时代，当神要向以色列人说话、作工时，神就先问以赛亚，说，“我可以差遣谁呢？谁肯为我们去呢？”（赛六8。）神已经定规要向人说话，对人作工，但祂必须在地上找着人与祂同心，和祂同工。直到今天，神还是这样向人发声寻找。祂已经定规要将福音传到地极，使万民得蒙救恩（太二八19，徒一8，十三47），但祂必须在地上找着人，得着人与祂同情同心，与祂配合同工。无论何时何地，只要有人在地上与神同心，和神同工，神的工作定规要借着他或他们通到地上。神若在地上找不到人，神就只能在天上有工作的心愿和计划，不能在地上有工作的施行和成全。神能在地上找着人，才能把祂在天上所愿望、计划的成就到地上。

　　可以确定的说，神历世历代工作的原则，不是要人等候神来作，乃是神在等候人来作。我们若真认识神，就知道神的工作在神那一面早就预备好了，不是等到今天才预备。问题是出在人这一面没有预备好，所以不是我们等候神来作，乃是神等候我们来作。不是神没有意思要在地上拯救人，乃是祂在地上找不着人与祂配合，和祂同工。神早就准备好，一直在等候，要在地上找着人与祂配合同工，祂就能立刻将祂的工作通到地上。我们所有的经历，以及召会两千年的历史，都证明这事。

　　通常我们有一个错误的观念，以为是我们盼望神来地上作工，是我们祈求神来地上作工。其实神早就愿意在地上作工，早就等着我们在地上为祂作工。难道神不愿祂的福音传遍台湾么？难道祂不愿台湾每个城市都有召会么？难道还需要我们祈求，等祂愿意来作这些事么？绝不是这样。神早就愿意作了，祂早就愿意将祂的福音传到地极（徒一8），使万民作祂的门徒（太二八19）。“地极”和“万民”当然包括台湾所有的居民，所以神早就愿意将祂的福音传遍台湾。然而，在这里祂可以差遣谁呢？谁肯为祂去呢？这仍是神今天的问题。祂今天仍在渴望的询问：“我可以差遣谁呢？谁肯为我们去呢？”但愿有人听见神这渴望的声音，答应祂这急切的需要。

　　今天关于神在地上的工作，一切问题都不在祂，而是在我们。神什么都准备好了，只等我们与祂配合。我们给祂多少配合，祂就借着我们作出多少工作。我们给祂的配合有多厉害，祂借着我们作的工就有多厉害。我们给祂的配合如何，祂借着我们的彰显也如何。我们的配合是微弱的，祂的彰显就是微弱的。我们的配合是强大的，祂的彰显也是强大的。祂的工作绝对受到我们的限制。祂在天上的心愿能成全多少，是看我们在地上与祂同情有多少。祂在天上的心愿，是受我们在地上与祂同心的限制。但愿我们今天就与祂天上的心愿同心同情，应付祂的需要，在这时代里给祂够强、够大、够厉害的配合。但愿我们中间有许多人，今天就体贴祂的心肠，顾到祂的心愿；在台湾为着祂和祂的工作，定大志、设大谋，使祂在我们中间得到一条广阔的出路。
 
　Those who know the principles in God’s work know that He needs people to work with Him. In order for God to give grace to man or work in man, there must be someone who works and cooperates with God. This is a principle revealed in the Bible. If no one works or cooperates with God, He will not have a way to give grace to man or to work in man. God’s desire for man can be carried out only if He finds someone on earth to cooperate with Him. God’s intention concerning His work in man can be carried out only if He finds someone on earth who will work with Him.

　When God wanted to speak to the children of Israel and to work among them, He first asked Isaiah, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” (Isa. 6:8). Although God had already decided to speak to the children of Israel and to work in their midst, He had to find someone on earth who would work with Him according to His mind. God is still calling and looking for people. He wants to preach the gospel unto the uttermost part of the earth so that all the nations could receive His salvation (Matt. 28:19; Acts 1:8; 13:47). However, He must first find and gain people on the earth who will cooperate with Him and work with Him according to His mind. As long as there are those who are of the same mind as God and who are willing to work with Him, God’s work will be carried out on the earth by them. If God cannot find such ones on the earth, His desire and plan will remain in heaven, but it will not be carried out or fulfilled on the earth. God can carry out on earth what He has planned in heaven only when He finds people who will cooperate with Him.

　God’s principle is not that man would wait for God to work but that He would wait for man to work. God has done everything that is necessary to carry out His work. The problem is that man is not ready. It seems as if we are waiting for God to work, but God is waiting for us to cooperate. God wants to save people on the earth, but He needs to find those who will cooperate and work with Him. God is always ready. As soon as He finds someone to cooperate and work with Him, He immediately begins to carry out His work on the earth. This is proved by our experience and by the past centuries of church history.

　We often hope that God would come and work on earth. We have the mistaken concept that we need to petition Him to work. God has a desire to work on the earth, but He has been waiting for us to work with Him on the earth. God wants to spread His gospel all over Taiwan. He wants to have a church in every city in Taiwan. There is no need for us to petition Him to be willing to do this. God is willing to spread the gospel unto the uttermost part of the earth and to disciple all the nations (Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19). “The uttermost part of the earth” and “all the nations” surely include the residents of Taiwan. God has been waiting for a long time to spread His gospel across Taiwan. But whom can He send? Who is willing to go for Him? God still has this question, and He is still eagerly inquiring, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” May we hear His voice and respond to His desperate need.

　The problem related to God’s work on the earth is entirely with us, not with Him. God has prepared everything. He is waiting for us to cooperate with Him. The amount of work that He can carry out depends on how much cooperation we render Him. The strength with which He will carry out His work depends on the degree of our cooperation with Him. Whether He will be expressed through us depends on how much we will cooperate with Him. If our cooperation is weak, His expression will be weak, but if our cooperation is strong, His expression will be strong. His work depends on us and is limited by us. The extent to which His desire can be fulfilled on earth depends on how much we cooperate with Him. His desire is limited by whether we are of one mind with Him. How we need to be of one mind with Him and have His desire in order to meet His need and render Him adequate cooperation! May many among us be one with Him in His inward parts to care for His desire. May many among us have great resolutions in heart and great searchings of heart for His work in Taiwan so that He would have a free way among us.
　　盼望从现在起，我们能积极的作几件事。第一，这一年最少要增加十个擘饼的地方，也就是增加十处召会。

　　第二，积极传福音，先从大城市传起，直传到小乡村。希望在五年内传遍台湾，使各方的人都听见主的福音。

　　第三，尽速在各地建立召会。希望在五年内，台湾各城市、各县镇都有召会兴起来事奉神，传扬主的福音，维持主的见证。

　　第四，多方带领本地圣徒进入召会的责任。无论在什么地方，一有本地的圣徒有心向着主，就给他们够多的机会在召会中学习事奉，使他们能在召会各项事奉上负起责任，同时使各地召会外来圣徒身上的责任，逐渐转移到本地圣徒身上。这样，一面可使主的召会有根有基的建立在本地圣徒身上；一旦外来圣徒离开台湾，本地圣徒还能刚强的继续维持主的见证。另一面可使外地的圣徒，因卸去这里召会的责任而能随时受主引导往各地去。盼望过了五年，台湾各地召会主体的责任都能由本地圣徒担负。所以，本地圣徒要努力追求属灵的长进，积极学习担负召会中的各种责任。

　　第五，加强训练召会事奉所需要的各种人。我们不只要带领多人得救、爱主、追求属灵，更要训练多人在召会事奉上作有用的人。盼望过了二、三年，最多五年内，能有许多圣徒在召会事奉上受过美好的训练，有厉害的学习，将来无论到那里都能兴起召会，治理或服事召会，以显出丰满而属灵的功用。

　　以上所说的，虽不能说是我们的计划，但可说是我们的希望。但愿这希望，是与主的心愿配合。愿主照着祂在天上的心意，成全我们这地上的希望。
 
　I hope that we would be aggressive in several items. First, we need to be aggressive to establish bread-breaking meetings in ten localities this year.

　Second, we need to be aggressive to preach the gospel. We should begin with the big cities and continue until we reach the small villages. We hope to spread the gospel throughout Taiwan so that every person can hear the gospel of the Lord.

　Third, churches need to be established. I hope that in five years every city and town will have a church established with believers serving God, preaching the gospel of the Lord, and maintaining the Lord’s testimony.

　Fourth, the local saints need to be ushered into the responsibilities of the church. The local saints who have a heart for the Lord should be given ample opportunity to learn how to serve in the church so that they can bear the responsibility of the various services of the church. The responsibilities that are currently being borne by saints from other localities should gradually be transferred to the local saints. By so doing, the local saints will become the base of the churches and will continue to maintain the Lord’s testimony in a strong way when the nonlocal saints leave. This will free the nonlocal saints to follow the Lord’s leading and go to other places when they are discharged of their responsibilities in a church. I hope that in five years the primary responsibilities in the churches in Taiwan will be borne by the local saints. In order to achieve this, the local saints must endeavor to pursue spiritual growth, and they must be aggressive to learn how to bear the various responsibilities in the church.

　Fifth, we need to intensify the training of the saints in the church services. We need to lead many people to salvation, to love the Lord, and to pursue spirituality, and we also need to train them to be useful in the church services. I hope that within five years many saints will have been trained and will have learned the lessons in church service. Then in the future these saints will be able to raise up churches, administrate churches, and serve the churches; they will be able to manifest their spiritual function.

　The points mentioned above are our hope, not our plan. May this hope match the Lord’s desire, and may the Lord fulfill our hope on the earth according to His will in heaven.
　　为着应付神今天的需要，加强召会的事奉，并实现我们前面所说的希望，今后召会需要三种人大量的兴起。

　　第一，是有恩赐的人。如以弗所四章十一节所说，主当作恩赐赐给召会的人，有使徒、申言者、传福音者、牧人和教师；或如林前十二章九至十节所说，有神奇恩赐的人，如医病、行异能、辨别诸灵等恩赐；或是像罗马十二章六至八节所说，有平常恩赐的人，如服事的、教导的、劝勉的、带领的人等；这些有恩赐的人都是召会今天所需要的。尤其是能作申言者替神说话，作神的出口，使召会得着造就和供应的人，乃是召会今天所急切需要的。

　　今天各地召会太缺少作神出口的人，缺少话语的执事，使各地召会能得到神话语的供应；因此，各地召会生活不够丰富，事奉不够刚强，灯光不够明亮，见证不够分别。为使各地召会建立得稳固，增长得成熟，满有“基督的身量”，就必须有许多作神出口的人兴起来。

　　能牧养并教导圣徒的人，就是有牧人和教师恩赐的人，也是今天各地召会所急需的。许多地方，初得救的圣徒真像没有牧人的羊一般，缺少照顾和带领。因此他们不只不能在所在的召会中显出功用，反而使他们所在召会的见证因他们受亏损。要挽救这种情形，召会需要许多有牧人和教师恩赐的人兴起来，使幼稚的圣徒得到牧养和教导。

　　此外，今天各地召会也急需能作福音出口的人。我们在各地的召会，虽然都积极推广福音，但各地的弟兄们能站福音讲台的人实在太少。福音工作固然需要全体圣徒共同努力，但福音的活动不能缺少讲台信息。若要各地召会福音传得更强烈、更有效，就必须有许多人起来，作福音刚强有力地出口。

　　近来，我们感觉为使主的福音在台湾得以广传，有医病恩赐的人也是召会所需要的。若要使本地同胞，从他们所迷信的众多偶像归向独一的真神，必须有医病的恩赐，随着所传扬的福音。这个恩赐不难得着，只要有够多的祷告，凭信心接受，就可以得到。所以我们非常盼望，本地的圣徒中有人得着这个恩赐，往许多乡村去传扬福音，医治疾病，证明我们所传的救主就是创造万物的神，是满了爱和能力的。

　　召会所需要的第二种人是长老。召会今天缺少有恩赐的人，也缺少长老，或者说更缺少长老。长老需要多才多艺，能拼能作，生命丰富，年高庄重，心地宽宏，眼光远大，有节制，有忍耐，有爱心，有智慧，并且需要能管理，能教导，能生意，能开拓。

　　一个地方召会的事奉如何，几乎完全看那里的长老如何。在一个地方召会中，事奉该怎样带领、监督，人事该怎样管理、安排，器物该怎样设计、备办，财务该怎样运用、支配，这些都是长老的责任。所以，有长老职分的人是难能可贵、不可多得的；长老也是不容易作的。一个地方召会的强弱兴衰，关键全在于长老。一个地方召会可以一年、两年或几年，没有所谓的工人帮助，但是不可以一天没有长老带领。所以，强而有用的长老，真是召会今天所需要的。

　　召会所需要的第三种人是执事。执事是服事召会、服事圣徒的。这种人需要爱主、属灵、谦卑、殷勤，更需要听话、谨慎、端庄、寡言。一个地方召会，事奉能否进行得属灵、刚强，事务能否作得灵活、周详，也要看那里的执事如何，是否够多够用。执事的资格虽不必像长老那样高，但执事的数目却应当比长老多。以数目来说，召会是更需要执事的。

　　以上所说的三种人，是召会今天所需要的，也是今天现实情形所缺乏的。各地召会的事奉所以不够强，就是因为缺乏这三种人。若是各地召会有够多有恩赐的人，够多能作长老、执事的人，召会的事奉一定强。然而，现在这三种人都缺乏。比方，在台北成千上万的圣徒中，这三种人有多少呢？在高雄众多圣徒中，有多少人能作神话语的出口，有多少人能够作长老、作执事？在各地召会中，这三种人都很难找到。每一次我们去看望召会，都留心观察，有什么弟兄能替神作口，有谁有作长老或执事的样子。然而，这样的人在各地都没有多少。各地召会不只几乎没有有恩赐的人，连长老和执事也相当缺乏，所以各地召会不够刚强。或许外埠圣徒看台北召会真是好，但实际情况仍然差得远，原因就是这三种人不够多。

　　这三种人若不够多，仅仅靠热心，召会仍不会刚强；我们仅仅唱阿利路亚，福音也不会因此出得去。若要召会刚强，福音出得去，各地召会中有恩赐的人，和长老、执事，非加多不可，非够多不可。各地召会所以不够强，就是因各地召会的责任不够强。各地召会的责任不够强，就是因各地召会中这三种人不够多、不够强；这个问题在我们中间相当严重。所以，盼望各地圣徒都要为这事祷告，求主给我们各样有恩赐的人，并且有多才多艺能作长老的，和有爱心、肯服事能作执事的人。
 
　In order for us to meet God’s present need, to strengthen the church service, and to fulfill our hope, three kinds of persons should be raised up in the churches.

　The first kind of persons are the gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4:11, which speaks of the Lord giving some as apostles and some as prophets and some as evangelists and some as shepherds and teachers to the church as gifts. First Corinthians 12:9-10 speaks of persons with miraculous gifts, such as healing, works of power, and the discerning of spirits. Romans 12:6-8 speaks of persons with ordinary gifts, such as serving, teaching, exhorting, and leading. All of these persons are needed in the church. There is presently a desperate need in the church for those who can speak for God in order to edify and supply the church.

　There is a shortage in the local churches of those who can minister the word of God in order to supply the churches. As a result, the church life is not rich, our service is not strong, the light is not shining brightly, and our testimony is not sanctified. In order for the churches to be built solidly and to grow unto maturity, that is, in order for the churches to grow unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Eph. 4:13), many people must be raised up to speak for God.

　There is also an urgent need in the churches for those who can shepherd and teach. In many localities the new believers are like sheep without a shepherd; they lack care and leading. As a result, they do not function, and instead, they cause the testimony of the churches to suffer loss. In order to remedy this situation, many need to be raised up so that the childish saints can receive shepherding and teaching.

　In addition, there is a desperate need for those who can be outlets for the gospel. Although the churches are actively spreading the gospel, very few brothers can give a gospel message. The gospel work needs all the saints to strive together, but these activities cannot be complete without gospel messages. In order for the churches to be strong and effective in preaching the gospel, many people must be raised up as strong and powerful outlets for the gospel.

　In order for the gospel to spread in Taiwan, the church needs those who have the gift of healing so that the local Taiwanese people can turn from the many idols that they blindly worship to the true God. It is not hard to receive the gift of healing. It can be received through much prayer in faith. We hope that some local saints will receive this gift so that they can go to the countryside to preach the gospel and heal the sick. This will prove that the Savior whom we preach is the Creator of all things and is full of love and power.

　The second kind of persons that the church needs is elders. The church is short of gifts and also short of elders. Elders need to function in many aspects and to strive and carry things out. The elders should be rich in life, mature, grave, broad-minded, and farsighted. They should have self-control, patience, love, and wisdom. They should also be full of ideas and able to manage, teach, and take the lead.

　The service in a local church depends on the elders. The responsibilities of the elders include the leading and oversight of services, the management and arrangement of persons, the design and preparation of furniture, and the use and allocation of funds. Hence, those who serve in the eldership are precious and difficult to find. It is not easy to be an elder. Whether a local church is strong or weak, rises or falls, depends on the elders. A local church can advance for a few years without the help of co-workers, but it cannot advance without the leading of the elders. Therefore, strong and useful elders are needed in the church.

　The third kind of persons that the church needs is deacons. Deacons serve the church and the saints. The deacons need to love the Lord, and they should also be spiritual, humble, and diligent. It is also important that they be cautious, dignified, calm, and willing to listen. Whether the service is carried out in a spiritual and strong way depends on the person of the deacons and on how many deacons function. Whether the business affairs are handled in a flexible and thorough way also depends on the person of the deacons and on how many deacons function. The qualifications of the deacons are not as strict as the qualifications of the elders, but the number of deacons should exceed the number of elders. In terms of numbers, the church has a greater need of deacons.

　The church urgently needs these three kinds of persons. The services in the local churches are not strong because we lack these three kinds of persons. If the churches have gifts, elders, and deacons, the church service would be strong. We need to ask, “How many gifts, elders, and deacons are in the churches? How many saints can function as gifts to speak for God? How many saints can function as elders? How many saints can function as deacons?” It is hard to find these three kinds of persons in the local churches. When we visit the churches, we carefully observe the brothers to see if any can function as a gift to speak for God, as an elder, or as a deacon. The churches are nearly void of gifts, and the churches are short of elders and deacons. Hence, the churches are not strong. The saints in other localities might consider the church in Taipei to be excellent, but this is not our condition, because there are not enough gifts, elders, or deacons.

　The churches cannot be strong if we depend on zeal but do not have enough people in these three categories. The gospel will not go out if we simply sing Hallelujah. In order for the church to be strong and for the gospel to go out, there must be an increase in gifts, elders, and deacons. We need many gifts, elders, and deacons. The churches are not strong because the responsibilities of the church are not borne in a strong way, and the responsibilities of the church are not borne in a strong way because we are lacking in these three kinds of persons. This is a serious problem among us. I hope that the saints in every locality will pray for this matter so that the Lord would give us those who are gifts, those who can function as elders, and those who are willing to serve as deacons.
　　以上所说的，不只是我们该有的祷告，更是我们该有的羡慕。各地召会该有许多人起来，为着神在今天的需要，为着千万灵魂的得救，为着前面所说的希望和目标，羡慕得着有用的恩赐，羡慕能作长老和执事。

　　已过，我们出外看望召会，看见并听到各地的情形和需要，我里面真觉得伤痛。第一，从没有一个时候，人对福音像今天这样需要。今天真是庄稼熟透了，需要人收割。第二，有许多得救的人，但没有合式的地方可以让他们得着属灵的照顾，生命的造就，和真实地帮助。看见这些情形，我们的心怎能不伤痛？我们本该在各地应付罪人和圣徒的需要，将许多罪人救来，并使许多圣徒得造就，成为神手中有用的人。然而，我们没能应付这个需要。我们说别人错，是我们愚昧；我们说自己对，是我们骄傲。我们该看见我们的不能，定罪我们的亏欠。

　　我们若是强一点，将我们的“池子”挖得够深，所有的水都要流到我们这里。然而，我们没有作到，没能应付神这个需要，以致任凭许多人如同水一样随便流淌。别人不行，我们也不行。我们所以不行，不是因为我们真理不够，道路不对，或立场有错，乃是因我们有用的人不够，缺少有恩赐的人，缺少长老，也缺少执事。所以，我们中间该有许多弟兄起来，或是羡慕得着恩赐，或是羡慕能作长老，最低限度也要羡慕能作执事。

　　或许有的圣徒要说，这些都是神的恩赐，都是神随己意赐给人的；神若不赐给，即使我们羡慕，也得不到；神若要赐给，即使我们拒绝，也不可能。这话好像很属灵，但圣经说，“你们…要切慕属灵的恩赐。”（林前十四1）这给我们看见，属灵的恩赐是人可以羡慕的，并且使徒还说，“要切慕那更大的恩赐。”（十二31）不仅如此，连监督的职分，就是作长老，也是人可以羡慕的。提前三章一节，使徒保罗说，“人若渴望得监督的职分，就是羡慕善工；这话是可信的。”作长老既是人可以羡慕的，作执事也必是人可以羡慕的。所以，无论是得恩赐，或是作长老，作执事，都是我们可以羡慕的。这点我们要清楚，也要把握住。

　　我们不该属灵到一个地步，只被动的等神赐恩典，听凭神作。我们要看见，恩赐是可以羡慕得来的，作长老、作执事是可以羡慕得到的。谁肯羡慕这些，谁就必定得到。慕迪（D. L. Moody）是十九世纪神所赐给召会一个很大的恩赐，他原是一个说话口吃，心灵昏昧的乡下孩子，没有学问，也没有口才。然而他得救后，就有心羡慕传福音，羡慕带人得救。结果，他就蒙神装备，成为一个满有口才，大有能力的传福音者。他的故事足以证明，恩赐是人可以羡慕得着的。

　　林前十四章一节说到“切慕”，意思比“羡慕”更深重。但就字义说，这字在希腊原文的意思，比“切慕”更深重得多。同样的字，在林前十三章四节翻作“嫉妒”。这给我们看见，使徒所说恩赐是我们要切慕的，意思是何等深重，深重到嫉妒的地步。这意思有点像中国话的“恨不得”，所以我们不只要羡慕恩赐，切慕恩赐，甚至要切慕到以至于嫉妒，恨不得能得着。若是我们中间有人是这样恨不得的切慕得着恩赐，神怎能不给他，他又怎能得不着？

　　然而，许多圣徒并不羡慕，这是因为他们根本不爱主。不爱主，不追求属灵的事，自然不会有这样的羡慕。有的圣徒虽然爱主，追求属灵的事，但怕吃苦，怕为难，所以也不羡慕。因此我们要问，一个爱主的人，活着是为自己，还是为着主？是为着自己的享受，还是为着别人的蒙恩？是体贴自己的心意，还是体贴主的心肠？是顾到今天的安逸，还是顾到那一天的荣耀？难道那一天的荣耀不够吸引我们？难道主成为肉体、舍命流血的爱不够激励我们？

　　若是我们真看见主的恩典要流到地上，需要我们作管道；千万的灵魂要蒙恩得救，需要我们有功用，我们就要何等不顾一切，羡慕得着属灵的恩赐或职分。一个人能有恩赐使许多人认识神，是何等喜乐的事；一个人能作长老，治理神的家，带领神的众儿女事奉、敬拜神，是何等尊贵又荣耀的事；一个人能在召会中作执事，服事神的儿女，又是何等甜美的事。我们若这样觉得，就必要切慕得着这些恩赐或职分。
 
　The raising up of gifts, elders, and deacons should not merely be an item of our prayer; it should be our desire. In every church there should be many people rising up with the desire to become useful gifts and to become elders and deacons. This will meet God’s present need for the salvation of many souls and for the fulfilling of our hope.

　There is an unprecedented need for the gospel. The harvest is truly ripe and ready to be reaped. Furthermore, there are many believers in Taiwan, but they do not have a proper place where they can receive spiritual care, edification in life, and genuine help. When we see these situations, our heart is grieved. We should have met the needs of sinners by bringing them to salvation. We also should have met the needs of the saints by edifying them so that they would be useful in God’s hand. However, we have failed to meet these needs. We cannot blame others for this lack, nor should we justify ourselves. We should humble ourselves to acknowledge our incapability and to condemn our shortcomings.

　If we would make an effort, we would be able to meet God’s need. However, we have failed to meet God’s need, and as a result, many people are aimless. This shortage is not because we do not have enough truth, because our way is wrong, or because we are not standing on the proper ground. There is a shortage because we do not have enough useful persons—gifts, elders, and deacons. We need many brothers to rise up with a desire to become gifts, to be elders, or to be deacons.

　Some saints will say that gifts are from God and that He gives gifts according to His will; hence, if God does not give us a gift, we cannot become one, even if this is our desire. They also say that when God gives gifts, we will receive a gift even if we do not want it. These statements sound spiritual, but in contrast to them the Bible says, “Desire earnestly spiritual gifts” (1 Cor. 14:1). This proves that spiritual gifts can be desired. The Bible also says that we should “earnestly desire the greater gifts” (12:31). Even the overseership, that is, the eldership, can be desired. First Timothy 3:1 says, “Faithful is the word: If anyone aspires to the overseership, he desires a good work.” If we can desire to be an elder, we can surely desire to be a deacon. Therefore, we must be clear that we can desire to become gifts and to become elders or deacons.

　We should not be so spiritual that we wait passively for God to give us grace. Gifts are obtained through desire. We can also desire to be elders and deacons. Whoever desires these things will receive them. D. L. Moody was a great gift from God to the church in the nineteenth century. D. L. Moody was a country boy who stuttered and was not very sharp. He was neither educated nor eloquent. After he was saved, however, he had a heart to preach the gospel and desired to bring people to salvation. As a result, he was equipped by God and became an eloquent and powerful evangelist. His story proves that we can receive the gifts that we desire.

　First Corinthians 14:1 uses the phrase desire earnestly. The meaning of this phrase is deeper and stronger than just to desire. The meaning of the Greek word is even deeper and stronger than its translation as “desire earnestly.” This same Greek word is translated as jealous in 1 Corinthians 13:4. The apostle’s charge for us to earnestly desire gifts is very strong; it means that we should be jealous of gifts. Therefore, we should not only earnestly desire gifts; our desire should be so strong that we are jealous and that we hate not receiving a gift. If some among us would earnestly desire the gifts to the extent that they hate not being able to receive them, God would surely grant them gifts.

　Many saints do not desire the gifts, because they do not love the Lord. A person who does not love the Lord or pursue spiritual things will not have such a desire. Other saints love the Lord and pursue spiritual things, but they do not have a desire for gifts because they are afraid of suffering and hardship. Should a lover of the Lord live for himself or for the Lord? Should a lover of the Lord live for his own enjoyment or for others to receive grace? Should he live for his desire or for the Lord’s heart? Should he care for present comfort or for glory in that day? Does that glory attract us? The Lord’s love caused Him to become a man, lay down His life, and shed His blood, but does this love encourage us?

　If we realize that grace cannot flow to the earth without our being channels and that souls cannot be saved without our function, our only desire would be to have spiritual gifts and ministries. How joyful it is when a person receives a gift to help people know God. How honorable and glorious it is for a person to become an elder who administrates the house of God and leads the children of God to serve and worship Him. How sweet it is for a person to become a deacon in the church and to serve the children of God. If this is our realization, we will eagerly desire gifts and ministries.
　　我们要得着属灵的恩赐或职分，不只要切切地羡慕，也要有得着恩赐或职分的途径。
 
　If we want to receive spiritual gifts and ministries, we need to earnestly desire them, and we also need to know how to receive gifts and ministries.
一
　
要寻求
　　第一，要寻求。林前十四章十二节说，“你们…既渴慕灵，就要为着召会的建造，寻求得以超越。”这里的“寻求”，和马太七章七节所说“寻找，就寻见”的“寻找”，在希腊原文里是同样的字。寻求当然包括祈求，向神要；但寻求不只是祈求，更是用举动去寻得。羡慕是里面的心愿，寻求是外面的举动。我们既在里面有心愿，羡慕得着属灵的恩赐，就当在外面有举动，花力气寻求，直到得着。

　　许多圣徒虽然羡慕属灵的恩赐或职分，但他们不肯花力气寻求。他们或是懒惰松懈，或是不肯出代价。他们虽然有羡慕的心，但不肯出寻求的力，所以至终他们得不着。我们若真是羡慕属灵的恩赐或职分，就必须花工夫，花力气，出代价，注意所该注意的，对付所该对付的。慕迪从羡慕传福音以后，花了相当的工夫和力气，才得着传福音的口才和能力。
 
　We need to seek. First Corinthians 14:12 says, “Since you are zealous of spirits, seek that you may excel for the building up of the church.” The Greek word for seek is also used in Matthew 7:7, which says, “Seek and you shall find.” Seeking includes petitioning, or asking, God, but seeking is not merely petitioning. Seeking requires that we take action in order to acquire. Seeking is an outward action that comes from an inward aspiration and desire. If we have an inward aspiration, the desire to have spiritual gifts, then we will take outward actions. We will make an effort to seek until we receive.

　Many saints desire to receive spiritual gifts or ministries, but they do not want to make an effort to seek. They are either lazy and loose, or they are unwilling to pay the price. They desire in their heart, but they do not receive anything because they are unwilling to make an effort to seek. If we truly desire to receive spiritual gifts or ministries, we must spend time, make an effort, and pay the price. We must also take heed to certain matters and have the necessary dealings. After Moody had the desire to preach the gospel, he spent a great deal of time and effort seeking to receive the power and utterance needed for preaching the gospel.
二
　
要奉献
　　第二，要奉献。罗马十二章说到我们得了不同的恩赐，乃是在我们将身体献上，就是实际、具体的奉献之后（罗十二1，6）。所以，我们若要得着神所要赐给我们的恩赐或职分，就必须将自己彻底、无保留、具体的奉献给主。这是自然而且必须的。一个人若不献上自己给主用，怎能从主得到恩赐或职分？
 
　We need consecration. Romans 12 speaks of different gifts after it speaks of presenting our bodies, that is, of having a practical and specific consecration (vv. 1, 6). God gives gifts and ministries, but we must consecrate ourselves thoroughly, unreservedly, and specifically to the Lord in order to receive them. This is logical and necessary. A person who does not present himself for the Lord’s use cannot receive gifts or ministries from the Lord.
三
　
要撇下
　　第三，要撇下。我们撇下属地的一切，和我们得着属天的恩赐和职分有绝对的关系。彼得、约翰撇下了他们的一切，才得着他们所得的恩赐和职分（太四18~22）。我们若真寻求属灵的恩赐或职分，就必看见属物质的事物乃是我们的阻挡，需要我们撇下。若是我们中间每一个人都撇下自己所感觉该撇下的事物，就不知会有多少人要得着属灵的恩赐或职分。我们若要得着属灵的恩赐或职分，叫主的道路得以亨通，我们就要照着我们里面所感觉的，撇下我们所该撇下的，舍弃我们所该舍弃的。除此之外，别无他路。
 
　We need to leave all. Receiving heavenly gifts and ministries depends on leaving all earthly things. Peter and John left everything before they received their gifts and ministries (Matt. 4:18-22). If we would genuinely seek spiritual gifts and ministries, we will discover that we need to leave material things because they are a hindrance to us. Many more saints would receive spiritual gifts and ministries if we would leave all the things that hinder us. If we truly want the Lord to have a free way among us, we must follow our inner sense and forsake the earthly things. There is no other way.
四
　
要破碎
　　第四，要破碎。撇下是对付我们外面的事物，破碎是对付我们里面的自己。我们外面的事物和我们里面的自己，都是我们得着属灵恩赐或职分的阻挡，并且我们里面的自己，比我们外面的事物阻挡得更厉害。所以，我们的脾气、血气、个性、习惯、肉体、自己，都得接受神的破碎，我们才能清楚得着属灵的恩赐或职分，才能明显的显出属灵的功用。

　　许多圣徒虽然爱主，羡慕属灵的恩赐或职分，愿意在召会中显出功用，但他们不肯接受破碎。他们的脾气、血气、个性、习惯、肉体、自己，依然如故，原封未动。他们身上这种种情形，把他们对主所有的心情，向主所有的心愿都抵销了。所以他们所羡慕的，他们不能得到。如果各地圣徒肯让主破碎他们的脾气、血气、个性、习惯、肉体、自己，不知有多少人要得着大有功用的恩赐，或名实相符的职分，使各地召会的事奉刚强属灵，以应付神在这时代里的需要。
 
　We need to be broken. Leaving all deals with things outside of us, but being broken deals with the self inside of us. Both the things outside of us and the self inside of us are hindrances that keep us from receiving spiritual gifts or ministries. The self is a greater hindrance than the things outside of us. Our temper, disposition, habits, flesh, and self need to be broken by God in order for us to receive spiritual gifts and ministries. Then there will be a clear manifestation of our spiritual function.

　Many saints love the Lord, desire to receive spiritual gifts or ministries, and are willing to manifest their function in the church, but they are unwilling to be broken. Their temper, disposition, habits, flesh, and self remain untouched. The problems in their being annul their heart and desire for the Lord. As a result, they cannot receive what they desire to receive. If the saints in every locality would allow the Lord to break their temper, disposition, habits, flesh, and self, many more would receive useful gifts and ministries that are full of reality. Then the service in the churches would be strong and spiritual, meeting God’s need in this age.
　　第五，要注意并学习。我们羡慕得那种恩赐或职分，就得注意并学习与那种恩赐或职分有关的事。若羡慕得医病的恩赐，就得注意这个问题。要研究圣经对这个问题怎么说，该怎样为病人祷告，给人按手、抹油（雅五14~16）。不只要注意、研究，还要照着所知道的，凭信心操练。

　　若羡慕作申言者替神说话，就更得花工夫注意，花力气学习。这比得医病的恩赐还不容易。比方，你要替神说话，就得花工夫好好读圣经。没有圣经知识，怎能作神的出口？所以，必须好好读圣经，读到熟，读到透。此外，也需要读历代为主用的人所写的圣经注解、属灵书报。这类的书籍很多，没有任何一类书比这类书还要多。两千年来，所有爱主之人花过工夫写出的著作，为神说话的人虽不能尽读，却总得尽力读些比较重要的。同时，也得读些报章杂志，从中获取一些常识，和今天在人中间所通用的辞句和说法。

　　为神说话的人还得操练口才，操练说话的技术，操练喉咙、声音和声调。你要替神说话，你所说的话，起码要叫人听得见，听得清楚，听得明白。所以要学习说话，学习发声。说话要清楚，辞句要简洁。发声要正确的使用喉咙，用力要从丹田。这些都必须学会，才能用人所听得见的声量，听得懂的话，对人说出神的话，而不失去属灵的分量。不仅如此，还得花工夫学语言。你若不学别人能懂的语言，作神出口的恩赐在你身上很难显出来。你若能多学几种语言，你作神出口的恩赐就要显得更有功用。

　　如果你羡慕作长老，就得求神给你智慧聪明。治理神的家，管理召会，不是一件简单的事。圣徒该怎样带领，人事该怎样安排，事务该怎样处理，难处该怎样消解，这些都需要有智慧聪明。当初神设立所罗门作王，治理祂的百姓，所罗门求神赐他聪明的心，使他知道在神的百姓中，应当如何出入，怎样审断；结果神就赐给他智慧和明辨的心，使他能治理祂的百姓（王上三7~12）。

　　聪明是头脑的，智慧是灵感的；聪明是平凡的，智慧是超凡的。在召会中作长老，不只需要头脑平凡的聪明，也需要灵感超凡的智慧。许多别人无法看到，不能想到的事，他要能看到、能想到。许多别人无法清楚、不能分辨的事，他能清楚、能分辨。这样的智慧聪明，是需要向神求的。

　　我初初事奉主的时候，主把我摆在一个治理召会的地位上。那时我很年轻，阅历也少，就效法所罗门，求主赐我智慧聪明，叫我知道怎样治理祂的召会，怎样带领祂的儿女。主实在眷怜了我，在许多召会重大的事上，祂作了我的智慧和聪明。我能见证，这样的祈求，是主所喜悦并垂听的。

　　人要作长老，也得操练心怀开朗，心胸广大。要治理神的家，心必须广大。神为叫所罗门治理祂的百姓，不只赐给他智慧、聪明，也赐给他“宽广的心，如同海边的沙那样不可测量”（王上四29）。中国人说，“心要海涵。”但神赐给所罗门的心宽广如同海沙。海沙是把海都包括了；宽广如同海沙的心，是比海还广大的。这样宽广的心，是治理神百姓的人所需要的，对任何人都能包涵，对任何事都能忍让，能爱不可爱的人，能担不可担的事。

　　智慧和宽广的心，二者相联；这是我们在所罗门身上看见的。他向神求智慧，结果神赐给他智慧和宽广的心。智慧叫人的心宽广，愚昧叫人的心窄小。智慧人的心定规宽广，愚昧人的心定规窄小。可以说，心能宽广，就是智慧；心若窄小，就是愚昧。心窄小的人不能在召会中作长老，因为在召会里各式各样的人都有，需要能包容、心宽广的长老。有些圣徒虽然得救了，但许多时候，他们在召会中遇到事情，不管法理，不讲情爱，只顾自己。对于这样的人，真是需要长老们有宽广的心，能包容，能爱惜。

　　人要作长老，就得操练没有血气。有血气的人，不能治理神的家。有的弟兄虽然羡慕作长老，但他们不肯对付他们的血气。他们的确是爱主，也愿出代价，但他们若任凭他们的血气发作，就难以作长老。

　　血气和心地狭窄有关；血气叫人心地狭窄，心地狭窄也容易叫人满有血气。所以要对付血气，就得对付心地狭窄。一个弟兄作长老，只要在召会中有过一次血气发作，就会使他失去在圣徒中间的身分和分量。长老的身分和分量是在召会中托住属灵事物的，是不能失去的；一旦失去，召会就会受到莫大的亏损。所以要作长老的人必须对付血气，直到血气不发作才可以。一个人的血气受了对付，才能没有脾气，受主引导，该厉害就厉害，该温和就温和。这一种刚柔相济的性格，是作长老的人必须有的。

　　一个召会里最宝贵的点是圣徒同心；而圣徒的同心，系于长老们的同心。长老们若同心，圣徒定规同心。只有认识自己的血气，对付自己血气的人，才能和人同心。同心不在于大家对真理、对事情有同一的看法，乃在于大家对自己的血气有认识、有对付。只有血气受了对付的人，才不容易有意见，不容易出事情。所以，羡慕要作长老的人，必须学习对付自己的血气。

　　一个人若羡慕作执事，就得学习有爱心，学习谦卑，殷勤，会作事，才能服事召会，服事圣徒。此外，也要学习听话顺服，只听命作事，不出主意，不发表意见。没有一个意见多、主意多的圣徒，能在召会中作个好执事。你若要众圣徒从你的服事得到属灵的帮助和生命的供应，就必须学习对付你的意见和主意。

　　同时，你还得学习对付你的舌头，不作多话的人。一个作执事的人若是多话，他在圣徒中就必成为一个死亡的传布者。若要你的服事只供应生命，不传布死亡，你就必须学习对付舌头。关于这些，自然还有许多点、许多方面，都是应当注意并学习的，在此无法一一尽述，愿主引导你们好好注意并学习。
 
　We need to study and learn. If we desire to receive a certain gift or ministry, we must take heed to learn the things related to that gift or ministry. If we desire to receive the gift of healing, we must take heed to the gift of healing. We need to study what is revealed in the Bible concerning healing, such as praying for the sick, the laying on of hands, and the anointing with oil (James 5:14-16). In addition to studying, we also need to exercise our faith and practice what we know.

　If we desire to be a prophet who speaks for God, we must spend the time and make an effort to learn. To be a prophet is more difficult than receiving the gift of healing. Those who want to speak for God must spend time to study the Bible. We cannot speak for God if we do not have knowledge of the Bible. We must study the Bible carefully and thoroughly until we are familiar with it. We also need to read Bible commentaries and spiritual books written by those who have been used by the Lord. There are numerous Bible commentaries and spiritual books. We may not be able to read every publication that has been written over the past two thousand years, but we should definitely read the important publications. We should also read newspapers and magazines in order to gain general knowledge and common expressions.

　Those who speak for God also need to practice public speaking. They need skills. They need to know how to use their throat and voice, and they need to know their intonation. If we want to speak for God, people must be able to hear and understand what we say. Therefore, we must learn to enunciate our words with the proper use of our throat and abdomen so that we speak clearly and concisely. We need to learn these things so that our words are not too loud or too soft. Our words must not lose their spiritual weight. We also need to learn other languages. Otherwise, it will be hard to manifest the gift of speaking. If we can learn several languages, our function will be greatly manifested.

　If we desire to be an elder, we must ask God for wisdom and understanding. It is not easy to administrate the house of God or to manage the church. Leading the saints, arranging the services, handling the business affairs, and resolving problems all require wisdom and understanding. When God set Solomon as king over His people, Solomon asked for a heart of wisdom so that he might know how to go out and come in among God’s people and how to judge them. Therefore, God gave him a heart of wisdom and understanding to rule over His people (1 Kings 3:7-12).

　Understanding is of the mind, but wisdom is of the spirit. Understanding is ordinary, but wisdom is extraordinary. To be an elder in the church requires not only the ordinary understanding of the mind but also the extraordinary wisdom of the spirit. An elder must be able to see things that others are unable to see and to perceive things that others cannot perceive. He must be able to understand what others cannot understand and to discern what others are unable to discern. Hence, we need to ask God for wisdom and understanding.

　When I began to serve the Lord, He put me in a situation that involved the administration of the church. I was young and inexperienced, so I followed Solomon’s example and asked God to give me wisdom and understanding in order to know how to administrate His church and lead His children. The Lord had mercy on me; He became my wisdom and understanding in many crucial matters. I can testify that the Lord delights in such a petition and answers such a petition.

　A person who wants to be an elder also needs to exercise to be open-minded and to have a large heart. Our heart must be large if we would administrate the house of God. God gave Solomon not only wisdom and understanding but also “largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the seashore” (4:29). There is a Chinese proverb: “The heart needs to be as inclusive as the sea.” However, the heart that God gave Solomon was as large as the sand on the seashore. The sand on the seashore encompasses the sea. A heart that is as large as the sand on the seashore is larger than a heart that is as inclusive as the sea. Those who are set over God’s people need a heart that is as large as the sand on the seashore so that they can forgive anyone and endure anything. Such a heart can love the unlovable and bear the unbearable.

　Wisdom of heart is related to largeness of heart. Solomon asked God for wisdom, and God gave him a heart of wisdom and largeness of heart. Wisdom makes the heart large, whereas foolishness makes the heart narrow. A wise person has a large heart, but a foolish person has a narrow heart. Hence, a heart that is large is wise, and a heart that is narrow is foolish. A person with a narrow heart cannot be an elder. An elder needs to be tolerant and to have a large heart because there are all kinds of people in the church. Some saints care only for themselves; they have no regard for justice or love. The elders need to have a large heart in order to tolerate and love such ones.

　A person who wants to be an elder needs to exercise to not lose his temper. Those who lose their temper cannot administrate the house of God. Some brothers desire to be elders, but they are unwilling to deal with their temper. They love the Lord and are willing to pay the price, but it is hard for them to be elders because they freely lose their temper.

　Our temper is related to the narrowness of our heart. Temper causes a person to have a narrow heart, and a narrow heart causes a person to be full of temper. Therefore, to deal with one’s temper is to deal with a narrow heart. An elder will lose his status and weight among the saints if he loses his temper even once in the church. The status and weight of an elder must not be lost, because the elders uphold the spiritual atmosphere in the church. Once an elder loses his status and weight, the church will suffer an exceedingly great loss. Hence, an elder must deal with his temper until it is no longer expressed. Then he will be strong or gentle according to the Lord’s leading. An elder must have a strong yet gentle character.

　The most precious thing in the church is the one accord among the saints, but one accord among the saints depends on one accord among the elders. If there is one accord among the elders, there will be one accord among the saints. Only those who know their temper and have dealt with their temper can be in one accord with others. One accord is not a matter of having the same opinion concerning the truth or practical matters. One accord depends on knowing one’s temper and dealing with one’s temper. Those who have dealt with their temper are not quick to give their opinions and do not cause trouble. Hence, those who desire to be elders must learn to deal with their temper.

　A person who desires to be a deacon must learn to be loving, humble, and diligent. He must learn how to manage things before he can serve the church and the saints. He must also learn to listen and obey and to follow instructions instead of voicing his opinions. A saint who has many opinions and ideas cannot be a good deacon. If we want the saints to receive spiritual help and the life supply from our service, we must learn to deal with our opinions and ideas.

　A deacon must also learn to deal with his tongue so that he is a person of few words. A deacon who talks incessantly will propagate death. If we want our service to minister life instead of propagating death, we must learn to deal with our tongue. There are many other matters that we need to learn, but I cannot cover them all in detail. May the Lord lead us to take heed to these matters and learn them properly.
　　第六，要追求圣灵充满和浇灌。一切属灵的恩赐都是从圣灵来的。罗马十二章六至八节所说平常的恩赐，是我们里面被圣灵充满而显出来的，是属于生命方面的。林前十二章九至十节所说神奇的恩赐，是我们外面被圣灵浇灌而得着的，是属于灵感方面的。所以，我们必须在里面被圣灵充满，才能显出那些出于生命的恩赐；也必须在外面被圣灵浇灌，才能得着那些来自灵感的恩赐。因此我们若羡慕得着属灵的恩赐，就必须追求圣灵在我们里面的充满，和圣灵在我们外面的浇灌。
 
　We need to pursue the infilling and outpouring of the Spirit. Every spiritual gift comes from the Spirit. The ordinary gifts mentioned in Romans 12:6-8 are manifested through being filled with the Spirit inwardly. These gifts are of life. The miraculous gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:9-10 are received through the outpouring of the Spirit. The miraculous gifts are related to the inspiration of the Spirit. We must be filled with the Spirit inwardly to manifest the gifts of life. We must also experience the outpouring of the Spirit to receive the miraculous gifts. Therefore, if we desire to receive spiritual gifts, we must pursue the inward filling and the outpouring of the Spirit.
　　但愿我们中间有许多人羡慕这些，追求这些。不是为着今世的名利或今天的报酬，乃是为着将来的荣耀，那一天的赏赐。然而，我们不必等到那一天，即使是在今天就能感觉，为着主的缘故服事人的灵魂，是何等荣耀、喜乐的事。今天我们中间岂不该有更多人羡慕这些，追求这些，叫主的工作从我们身上得以开广。

　　若是我们中间有许多人羡慕这些，追求这些，我们中间就要有许多圣徒被造就，成为有用的人。将来他们无论到那里，都能兴起刚强的召会，并且能带起更多的圣徒到各处传扬福音，兴起召会。只有这样，推广福音并建立召会的工作才能稳扎稳打，快速的普及到各地。愿神记念祂的工作，使我们所愿望的都成为事实。

　　一九五二年二月讲于台北

　　原刊于一九五二年三月“话语职事”第九期
 
　May many among us desire and pursue spiritual gifts and pursue being an elder or a deacon. These matters are not for profit, fame, or reward, but they are for glory in the future and reward in that day. However, we do not need to wait until that day. We can sense the glory and joy of serving human souls for the Lord’s sake today. Should there not be more among us who desire and pursue these matters for the spread of the Lord’s work?

　If more saints desire and pursue spiritual gifts and ministries, many will be edified and useful. They will eventually be able to help other saints to preach the gospel and to raise up strong churches everywhere. This is the only way for the propagation of the gospel and for the establishment of churches to spread quickly in a solid and steady way. May the Lord remember His work and fulfill our desire.

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