Visible Traces of Jesus 生活痕迹
Dexu Xia
They could find no corruption in [Daniel], because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.Daniel 6:4
Scientists from a California university ran experimental molecular swab tests to identify the traits and lifestyle habits of individual cell phone users. They discovered, among other things, the soaps, lotions, shampoos, and make-up that cell phone users used; the type of foods, drinks, and medications they consumed; and the type of clothing they wore. The study allowed the researchers to create a profile of each person’s lifestyle.
The administrators in Babylon, figuratively “swabbed” the prophet Daniel’s life to try and find any negative traits or lifestyle habits. But he’d served the empire faithfully for nearly seventy years—known to be “trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent” (Daniel 6:4). In fact, the prophet was promoted by King Darius as one of “three administrators over” his many governors (vv. 1-2). Perhaps out of jealousy, the other officials were looking for traces of corruption in Daniel so they might be able to get rid of him. He kept his integrity intact, however, and continued to serve and pray to God “as he had done before” (v. 10). In the end, the prophet prospered in his role (v. 28).
Our lives leave visible traces that point to who we are and whom we represent. Although we struggle and aren’t perfect, when people around us “swab” our lives, may they find visible traces of integrity and devotion to Jesus as He guides us.
By: Marvin Williams
How does your life reflect God’s ways to others? What do you need to change to represent Him better?
Heavenly Father, please help me represent You well in what I say and do.
只是找不着[但以理]的错误过失，因他忠心办事，毫无错误过失。—但以理书6章4节
美国加州一所大学的科研人员做了一项实验，以“分子擦拭检测”找出手机使用者的生活痕迹，了解他们的特质和生活习惯。他们从中发现了手机使用者所用的肥皂、乳液、洗发精与化妆品，吃的食物、饮料、药物类型，还有所穿的衣料。这项研究使科研人员能为每个手机使用者建立档案，从中了解他们的生活方式。
巴比伦的高官们也试图要从先知但以理的生活痕迹，找出他的过失或不良的生活习惯。然而，但以理在异国忠心服事将近70年之久，大家都知道他“忠心办事，毫无错误过失”（但以理书6章4节）。事实上，大利乌王提拔这位先知成为三位总长之一，管理全国的总督（1-2节）。其他的高官也许是出于嫉妒，想要从但以理的生活痕迹中，找出他涉及贪腐的蛛丝马迹，以便除掉他。不过，但以理依旧保持正直，继续服事，并“与素常一样”向上帝祷告（10节）。直到最后，他依然因为敬畏上帝而事事亨通（28节）。
我们的生活会留下明显的痕迹，让人知道我们是谁，以及我们代表谁。虽然我们会有挣扎也不完美，然而当周遭的人检测你我的生活时，愿他们能发现你我在耶稣的带领之下，所留下的正直和对主忠心的明显痕迹。作者： 魏马文
你的生活如何向别人反映出上帝的特质？
你需要做出什么改变，才能更好地代表祂？
要在我们的言行上活出真实无伪，就必须先意识到自己有软弱，需要饶恕。
天父，请帮助我在言语和行为上，能够彰显祢的美好。