2016年1月16日
渴望長大 Desiring Growth
读经: 希伯來書5章11-14節
Reading: Hebrews 5:11-14
凡只能吃奶的，都不熟練仁義的道理。-希伯來書5章13節
Anyone who lives on milk . . . is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.- Hebrews 5:13
全年读经: 創世記39-40章;馬太福音11章
Bible in a Year: Genesis 39–40; Matthew 11
蠑螈是生物界之謎，這種瀕臨絕種的墨西哥蠑螈始終長不大，一生都保持蝌蚪的特性。作家和哲學家常用牠比擬那些害怕長大的人。
在希伯來書5章中，就談到有些基督徒，他們想要逃避屬靈的成長，因此滿足於初信者所吃的靈奶。當中有些人或許是因為懼怕遭受逼迫，不願效法基督，不能茁壯成長，以致他們無法為了他人而與基督一同受苦 （7-10節） 。結果，這些原本已經有些許基督模樣的信徒，卻面臨了靈命倒退的危機 （6章9-11節） 。他們還沒長大成人，所以不能吃乾糧──犧牲自己 （5章14節） ，所以希伯來書的作者說：「我們有好些話，並且難以解明，因為你們聽不進去。」 （11節）
蠑螈是依循創造者的自然定律形成，但是按照上帝的定律，基督的跟隨者則應在靈裡持續成長。一旦我們在基督裡長大，就會發現這成長遠遠超過自我的平安與喜樂。當我們成長越來越有主耶穌的形象、無私地鼓勵他人時，就能榮耀我們的主。
主啊，我渴望成長，求主幫助我，
更明白祢的話語，每日教導我更多，
裝備我，使我更有能力來事奉祢、敬拜祢。
靈命要茁壯成長，就以主話為日糧。
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The axolotl (pronounced ACK suh LAH tuhl) is a biological enigma. Instead of maturing into adult form, this endangered Mexican salamander retains tadpole-like characteristics throughout its life. Writers and philosophers have used the axolotl as a symbol of someone who fears growth.
In Hebrews 5 we learn about Christians who were avoiding healthy growth, remaining content with spiritual "milk" intended for new believers. Perhaps because of fear of persecution, they weren't growing in the kind of faithfulness to Christ that would enable them to be strong enough to suffer with Him for the sake of others (vv. 7-10). Instead they were in danger of sliding backward from the Christlike attitudes they had already shown (6:9-11). They weren't ready for a solid diet of self-sacrifice (5:14). So the author wrote, "We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand" (v. 11).
Axolotls follow the natural pattern set for them by their Creator. But followers of Christ are designed to grow into spiritual maturity. As we do, we discover that growing up in Him involves more than our own peace and joy. Growth in His likeness honors God as we unselfishly encourage others.
Lord, I want to grow, so help me to go deeper into Your Word. Teach me more each day, so that I am better equipped to serve and worship You.
The more we live on a diet of God's Word, the more we grow.