2016年1月17日
一窺天堂 A Hint of Heaven
读经: 哥林多前書14章6-12、26節
Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:6-12,26
既是切慕屬靈的恩賜，就當求多得造就教會的恩賜。-哥林多前書14章12節
Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.- 1 Corinthians 14:12
全年读经: 創世記41-42章;馬太福音12章1-23節
Bible in a Year: Genesis 41–42; Matthew 12: 1-23
我們教會對面的世界級植物園，是教會舉辦社區園遊會的最佳場地。我在園中行走，向多年老友打招呼，與久未謀面的朋友寒暄，欣賞著由許多愛花人士細心照顧的美麗園景。這時，我領悟到這多姿多彩的黃昏，象徵了教會應有的功能，讓我們在地上就能淺嚐天堂的滋味。
花園的環境最適合植物茁壯成長。園丁辛勤施肥、除蟲，確保每一株植物獲得必需的營養、水分和陽光。讓花園變成美麗奪目、色彩繽紛、花香四溢，成為人們流連忘返的地方。
教會如同美麗的花園，是人人竭力榮耀上帝，謀求全體福祉的地方；也是讓每個人靈命成長、成熟的地方，因為我們都生活在安全的環境裡；每個人都按其需要得到關愛；每個人做我們喜愛、造就人的工作 （哥林多前書14章26節） 。
健康成長的人們也如同得到良好照顧的植物，有甜美的馨香之氣，吸引人們到上帝面前，瞻仰上帝慈愛的榮美。教會並不完美，卻真能讓人一窺天堂的榮美。
你如何促進教會健康？懇求上帝幫助你服事人，
如同基督服事我們一樣。各按恩賜和興趣去服事，
聆聽別人的需要，並為他們禱告。
心靈充滿基督馨香的愛，便能彰顯祂的榮美。
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The world-class botanical garden across the street from our church was the setting for an all-church community gathering. As I walked around the gardens greeting people I have known for years, catching up with those I hadn't seen recently, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings cared for by people who know and love plants, I realized that the evening was rich with symbols of how the church is supposed to function—a little hint of heaven on earth.
A garden is a place where each plant is placed in an environment in which it will thrive. Gardeners prepare the soil, protect the plants from pests, and make sure each one receives the food, water, and sunlight it needs. The result is a beautiful, colorful, and fragrant place for people to enjoy.
Like a garden, church is meant to be a place where everyone works together for the glory of God and the good of all; a place where everyone flourishes because we are living in a safe environment; a place where people are cared for according to their needs; where each of us does work we love—work that benefits others (1 Cor. 14:26).
Like well-cared-for plants, people growing in a healthy environment have a sweet fragrance that draws people to God by displaying the beauty of His love. The church is not perfect, but it really is a hint of heaven.
How can you promote the health of your church? Ask God to help you serve others as Christ serves us. Serve in a role that matches your skills and interests. Listen well to others and pray for them.
Hearts fragrant with the love of Christ display His beauty.