「你 們 年 幼 的 ， 也 要 順 服 年 長 的 。 就 是 你 們 眾 人 也 都 要 以 謙 卑 束 腰 ， 彼 此 順 服 ；...」 (彼前5:5a）
這幅畫取材於巴士上博愛座的長者，我特別喜歡他們色彩光鮮、多花樣的服裝。這段經文所提及年長的不只限於長者。
倪柝聲提及他一個順服的功課， 是源於他與一位比他年長一些的弟兄常因看法不同而爭執。 在一年多的時間裏，他向一位德高望重的姊妹哭訴，她總是不支持倪柝聲，還教導他要按聖經順服年長的， 令他深感不公平。她的一句，「你如此像個背負基督十架的人嗎？是像主羔羊嗎？」 令他深感愧疚， 不再駁斥下去。
這是一個逆社會潮流的教導。在這個社會裏，堅持自己的主見很重要， 意見鮮明的人更出眾，長幼的意識較為薄弱。我認為提出自己的想法是好的，但我需留意自已的意見是否合乎聖經原則？ 我的態度和所用的言詞是否有禮，還是出於怒氣和好勝？ 當時提摩太是一名年青的牧者，保羅教導他要善良、溫柔、善於教導、不好爭執（提後2：23-25） 我是否有以多方的忍耐和教訓責備、警戒和勸勉人（提後4：2）不為爭競，而是完全出於愛、為對方的好處呢？原來對待比我年長的， 無論年長多少，我都應小心謹慎，謙卑地順服於他們。對待在工作、社會和教會比我位高的亦同是如此。
基督在此教導上表現得淋漓盡致。 他十二歲時過節後留在聖殿，沒有跟隨父母回鄉，他解釋但沒有爭拗，願意照父母所指示的去作。祂對地上父母的順從，代表著衪對天父的擺上，順服於父神放祂的位置。祂不止服於地上父母的權下，更為順服父神的緣故服於地上掌權者之下， 就算被誣捏中傷至死，在人的審決之下仍默不作聲。
倪柝聲表達透過順服的功課，他學習服從聖靈，了解到自己的難搞， 讓神改變他能更好地和別人合作。鐵磨鐵，磨出刃來，當我們順服比我們年長的， 我們就是榮耀神了。 總括而言，我們當彼此順服， 即使對方不以謙卑相待，我們只要做好自己本份，神就會喜悅。
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" In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…" (1 Peter 5:5a)
This painting was inspired by the elderly on the priority seats on a bus. I am attracted to colorful, patterned clothings of elderly and have wanted to draw their fashion. Please note the word elders above refer not only to people who are in old age.
In Watchman Nee’s testimony, he brought up his lesson of submission amidst months of conflicts with a fellow worker in Christ. With this he often sought console from a sister, whom he looked up to. Yet to his dismay, she did not pity him or side with him. Again and again, he was left in tears and indignation. Her reason was that the Bible teaches the younger one to submit to the elder one. Right and wrong is another matter, but first we should reflect whether we live as if we bear the cross of Jesus. When we argue with our elders, are we like the bearer of the cross? Are we like the Lamb?
This is striking to me. As I grow older, I become more confident in voicing my opinions. This is what our society cultivates, and I am praised for growing out of my timid, submissive self. We are taught as if we have every right to speak and criticize. Yet I realize that I need to be careful what I voice out for, and make sure it is biblically sound, not out of impulsive anger. While I should stand for the truth, my tone and attitude matters, as Paul teaches Timothy, a young pastor, to be kind, gentle and able to teach without being quarrelsome. (2 Timothy:2:23-25) Do I correct, rebuke and encourage others with great patience and careful instruction (2 Timothy 4:2)? Am I doing so out of love? I should season my words and attitude especially toward those who are senior than me, in age or position, inside and outside of church.
Jesus demonstrated to us fully well on this matter when He was only twelve. He told his parents his reason for staying behind in His Father’s house but He did not argue. Although He was the Son of God and surely He knew what was right, He yielded to His parent’s will and followed their command. By being subject to His parents, He was obedient to His Father God, since it was His Father who put Him under their authority on Earth. He was subject to human judges even unto death. Although they slandered Him and wanted to kill Him, He was silent against their charges, as He surrendered completely to His Father’s will.
Nee reflected that, only through this lesson of submission, he learned to be subject to the restraint of the Holy Spirit; He learned that he was a tough nut, and that he was refined to become a better team player. Likewise, iron sharpen iron, ultimately we will reap benefits from the refining process. When we submit to our elders without grumbling or arguing, we honor our Father in Heaven. All in all, we should all clothe ourselves with humility toward one another. We focus on doing our part in humility, and He will be pleased.
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