大斋节二

   我知道怎样处卑贱，

        怎样处丰富

——腓立比书四章十二节

保罗知道怎样处卑贱：虽在穷乏之中，却“未曾贪图一个人的金银衣服”，宁愿凭着双手劳苦，供给自己和同人的需用。

保罗也知道怎样处丰富：他把腓立比人的馈送当作极美的香气，“为神所收纳所喜悦的祭物”，而不敢妄用多求。

“富贵不能淫，贫贱不能移。”这是古人要求于自己的高风亮节。富裕而不骄奢，窘困而不失节，神的儿女在属灵道路上又何尝不需要如此律已，如此自持！

Lent 2

Philippians 4:12

I know how to be abased

and how to abound

Paul knew how to endure poverty; in the midst of want, he “coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel,” preferring to toil with his own hands to meet his own needs and the needs of those who were with him.

He knew how to respond to plenty; he accepted the Philippians’ gifts as he would the most beautiful and fragrant offering, “a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God,” and did not dare to waste them or ask for more.

“Riches cannot corrupt nor want cause him to abandon his integrity.” Such was the high standard the ancients set themselves. Uncorrupted by wealth, retaining integrity in poverty: should not this also be the conduct of sons and daughters of God as they tread the spiritual path?