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Built For Greatness
Harmony in Unity: BFG Handbook Chapter 42 (Eastern Philosophy Meets Gospel Truth)
Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-42-harmony-in-unity/
What happens when ancient Eastern wisdom meets Christian truth? In this fascinating exploration of Chapter 42 from the Built for God Movement's "Harmony in Unity" (described as the Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching), we unpack a spiritual treasure trove where East meets West in surprising and illuminating ways.
The cosmic progression from "God gives birth to one, one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three, three gives birth to the myriad of things" sets the stage for understanding how everything in creation flows from a single divine source. Rather than presenting a world of irreconcilable opposites, this perspective shows how darkness and light achieve harmony by remaining as one - a powerful metaphor for navigating life's challenges while staying connected to God's purpose.
We dive deep into paradoxical wisdom that challenges conventional thinking: Why do wise leaders embrace labels like "helpless, small, and worthless"? How does one truly gain by losing? These seeming contradictions echo Jesus' teachings and offer a radical alternative to our culture's pursuit of power, status, and material wealth. The chapter's clear stance on nonviolence - "all who draw the sword will die by the sword" - provides a timely reminder of Christ's call to be peacemakers in a world often defined by conflict.
The practical MAP framework (Mindset, Aim, Practice) offers a structured pathway to spiritual renewal. Each component includes five elements that transform abstract concepts into concrete actions you can implement daily. Perhaps most fascinating is the chapter's exploration of how these principles resonate across major world religions, revealing common threads that connect diverse spiritual traditions.
Whether you're intrigued by comparative religion, seeking fresh perspectives on familiar Christian teachings, or simply drawn to paradoxical wisdom that makes you think differently about life, this episode offers rich insights that will expand your spiritual horizons. Join us as we discover how "truth cannot contradict truth" - and how ancient wisdom from different cultures can illuminate our shared human journey toward meaning, purpose, and connection with the divine.
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we're going to be plunging into something truly unique. Chapter 42 of Harmony in Unity Built for God Movement.
Speaker 2:Built for God Movement.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so BFG Movement. Now, this is not your typical Sunday school material. Okay, this one carries a really intriguing subtitle it's called the Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching.
Speaker 2:So you're blending Eastern philosophy with Christianity.
Speaker 1:Exactly. Think about that for a second Ancient Eastern philosophy. We're viewing that through a Christian lens and the goal here is to present the gospel in a totally fresh way, interesting, and in their words, it's to restore the truth.
Speaker 2:I see so it's like a reinterpretation of the Christian message through this very ancient and well-established Eastern framework.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and it raises all kinds of questions like what kind of new insights can emerge from this kind of cross-cultural dialogue, and that's what we're going to dig into today. Our goal is to really unpack the heart of this chapter and see what it has to say about how everything is connected, the power of humility and how all of this leads to a state of harmony. Think of this as your express route to understanding some pretty profound concepts, and hopefully we'll spark a few aha moments along the way.
Speaker 2:Sounds good, I'm ready for some aha moments.
Speaker 1:Okay, so we're going to be focusing on three key areas within Chapter 42. The first is the foundational idea of harmony in unity. Then we'll move into a pathway to renewal they describe as a Trinitarian method. They call it mindset, aim, practice or MAP.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:And finally we'll explore how these ideas actually echo in other religious teachings. Are you ready to dive in? Let's do it, I'm really curious to see how this all unfolds. The chapter starts with this huge statement about creation. It says God gives birth to one, one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three, three gives. About creation it says God gives birth to one, one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three, three gives birth to the myriad of things. It's a really concise but powerful way to describe how everything came to be.
Speaker 2:Right, it's like a cosmic genealogy.
Speaker 1:Totally, and the chapter actually gives us some familiar references from the Bible. It points to Genesis 2.22, the creation of Eve, genesis 1.27, humanity created in God's image, and Genesis 4.1, the birth of Cain. So how do we understand this progression from oneness to duality, to multiplicity and then to all of creation? What's the main takeaway here?
Speaker 2:Well, if we view this through the lens of traditional Christian understanding the one is pretty clearly God right, the singular source of all existence Then the shift to two could be seen as the creation of these foundational pairs, you know, light and darkness, heaven and earth. It's like establishing the basic structure of the cosmos.
Speaker 1:So those fundamental dualities that kind of define our existence.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Now the three gets really interesting. It makes me think of the Trinity, father, son and Holy Spirit, and from this triune God emerges the myriad of things it's like. Everything in creation, in all its incredible diversity, flows out of this single divine source. It's a beautiful way to think about the inherent interconnectedness of everything.
Speaker 1:It really emphasizes that unity despite all the diversity we see around us. So let's talk a little bit more about this interconnectedness, specifically the interplay of darkness and light. The chapter states that the myriad of things in the world carries darkness and embraces the light of the spirit. The two forces achieve harmony by remaining as one. It's like a picture of balance where both darkness and light are present. What do you make of that?
Speaker 2:What's fascinating here is how it presents duality. It's not a conflict to be eliminated. It's actually an conflict to be eliminated. It's actually an essential part of creation. You know, the darkness in this context might represent things like challenges, imperfections, even just the struggles of being human. It's not necessarily evil, it's just part of the mix, and then the light of the spirit acts as this guiding redemptive force. The point seems to be that harmony isn't achieved by getting rid of the darkness. It's by allowing these opposing forces to coexist and ultimately be unified under God's plan.
Speaker 1:That's an interesting perspective. It's not about pretending the darkness isn't there, but learning to integrate it.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about finding that balance, and the chapter actually references a few verses to support this idea, like 2 Corinthians 4.6, which talks about God bringing light out of darkness, john 3.21, where truth doers come to the light, and Ephesians 5.8, where it urges us to live as light. It also mentions Ephesians 5.3, 132, the unity of marriage as a reflection of Christ and the church. So it's weaving together this idea that true peace comes not from the absence of difficulty, but from how we navigate those difficulties while staying connected to the divine.
Speaker 1:Right. It's about finding that connection amidst the challenges Now shifting gears a little bit. The chapter also digs into the concept of humility. It says that the people hate to be helpless, small and worthless. Yet these are the very names that wise rulers call themselves, and that's a pretty stark contrast to how we often view leadership in our world. Where's the wisdom in that?
Speaker 2:It's a total paradox, isn't it? It flips everything on its head. You know, our culture tends to equate value with power, achievement and self-promotion, but this passage suggests that real wisdom lies in recognizing our limitations and our dependence on something greater. That real wisdom lies in recognizing our limitations and our dependence on something greater. It's like embracing those seemingly negative labels helpless, small, worthless. It allows leaders to align themselves with a deeper truth.
Speaker 1:So it's about acknowledging that we're not the source of our own strength or worth.
Speaker 2:Exactly and it actually connects back to the Bible. It references 1 Samuel, 15.17, where Samuel reminds King Saul about his humility before he rose to power. It's this classic theme of God often working through those who are humble and unassuming. So the idea might be that true strength isn't about puffing yourself up. It's about acknowledging your need for something beyond yourself.
Speaker 1:It's a powerful message, especially in a world that often celebrates the opposite, and it leads right into this next idea. Truly, one gains by losing or one loses by gaining. This feels like a classic spiritual paradox. How do we make sense of that?
Speaker 2:It is a paradox, and it really challenges our conventional understanding of success, doesn't it? We're so focused on acquisition, on gaining more, but this chapter points to John 12.25, where Jesus talks about losing your life to save it. It's that idea that lasting gain isn't about clinging to possessions, status or even control, but about surrendering to a higher purpose and focusing on spiritual growth. So maybe the key insight here is that sometimes letting go, what they call losing in a worldly sense, is actually the path to a deeper and more lasting fulfillment.
Speaker 1:It's complete reversal of the materialistic mindset and a powerful reminder that sometimes less is more. Now, before we move on from this harmony and unity section, the chapter makes a very clear statement about nonviolence. It says for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. This is a principle of my teaching and it references Matthew 26.52, jesus's words in the Garden of Gethsemane. It feels like a pretty strong stance.
Speaker 2:It is. There's no ambiguity there. It really underscores that central teaching of Jesus rejecting violence as a solution. It emphasizes peace, forgiveness and relying on God's spirit rather than physical force, and the lasting insight here is that violence just breeds more violence. True solutions come from peaceful means. It's about reconciliation and love.
Speaker 1:The challenging message, but an important one. Okay, so that gives us a solid foundation in the concept of harmony and unity. Now the chapter transitions to what it calls renewal through a Trinitarian method. They call it mindset, aim, practice or MAP.
Speaker 2:Okay, MAP. I like it. That's a good acronym.
Speaker 1:Right, easy to remember, and it's explained that this framework is shaped by God's love, trust in the Son and faith in the Holy Spirit. So let's start with mindset. The first point is to embrace God's order and creative power, and it references that God gives birth to one line along with Genesis 1.13, the creation story. So what kind of mental shift is this? Encouraging for the listener?
Speaker 2:I think it's about moving away from seeing life as chaotic or random and instead recognizing the intentionality and divine order behind it all. It's about acknowledging God as the ultimate creator and understanding that everything operates within his purpose. So for someone listening, it might mean approaching daily life with a sense of meaning, trusting in a bigger plan rather than feeling lost in the chaos right.
Speaker 1:It's like treating that feeling of randomness for a sense of guiding intelligence exactly now, the second mindset is to seek harmony between darkness and light, connecting back to what we talked about earlier in referencing John 1.5, the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. So how does this shape our inner world, our perspective?
Speaker 2:I think it encourages us to embrace the duality of life you know the good times and the bad times and to find peace in God's presence throughout it all. It's not about resisting difficulty or just focusing on the positive. It's about recognizing that both light and darkness can contribute to our spiritual growth and, ultimately, it's about trusting in God's presence through it all. The takeaway for the listener could be that true equilibrium comes from acknowledging and integrating all parts of their experience, not just the parts they like.
Speaker 1:It's about holding both the joy and the sorrow, knowing God is present in both. The third mindset is to practice humility and servant leadership. Again, this builds on something we talked about earlier, and it references Mark 9.35, where Jesus says if anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last and the servant of all. So how does this change the way we view ourselves and others?
Speaker 2:Well, it directly challenges that whole pursuit of status and self-promotion, doesn't it? It encourages us to see the value in serving others, putting their needs before our own. It's like adopting a humble attitude and focusing on how we can contribute rather than what we can gain. For the listener, this might look like consciously looking for opportunities to serve and lead with humility, even in small everyday interactions.
Speaker 1:So it's a real reevaluation of what it means to be successful. It's about contribution, not just personal achievement.
Speaker 2:Right, it's a different definition of success.
Speaker 1:Now, the fourth mindset is trust in God's paradoxical economy, and it links back to that idea of gaining by losing. References matthew 16.25. Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me, will find it. So what's the main mental shift here?
Speaker 2:I think it boils down to trusting that god's ways aren't always our ways. You know his logic often runs counter to what we consider common sense. This mindset is about believing that surrender and sacrifice can actually lead to profound spiritual growth and eternal rewards, even when it doesn't make sense from a purely worldly perspective. For someone listening it could be about having faith that sometimes letting go of what seems valuable in the moment can actually unlock something far greater in the long run.
Speaker 1:So it's about having that faith that God might be working with a different set of calculations than we are.
Speaker 2:Exactly. His economy operates on different principles.
Speaker 1:And finally, the fifth mindset is embrace nonviolence and peace. It references that all who draw the sword in Matthew 26.52. So how does this shape our thinking in a world that seems to be full of conflict?
Speaker 2:This one is all about choosing peace even when it's hard. It's about believing that God's way of peace is the ultimate path to true reconciliation. For the listener, this could mean consciously choosing to respond to disagreements with understanding and a spirit of peace rather than aggression.
Speaker 1:It's a challenging path, but a powerful one. Okay, so we've covered the five mindsets. Now let's move on to the aim part of the MAP. The first aim is alignment with God's order, Again referencing that God gives birth to one line, and also Proverbs 3.56, where it says trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. So how does this translate into our goals and intentions?
Speaker 2:I think it's about consciously aligning our thoughts, actions and decisions with God's purpose for our lives. It's making the fulfillment of His will our overarching goal, recognizing His sovereignty in all things. For someone listening, it could mean taking time to reflect on their goals and ambitions and asking are these in line with what I believe to be God's priorities?
Speaker 1:So it's about shifting the focus from personal ambition to something higher.
Speaker 2:Right, it's about surrendering to a bigger vision.
Speaker 1:The second aim is harmony between light and darkness, and this connects back to that same core idea, referencing Romans 8.28. And we know that in all things, god works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. So how does this shape what we strive for?
Speaker 2:I think it encourages us to find that inner peace and balance by accepting and integrating both the positive and the challenging experiences that God allows into our lives. It's about recognizing that both serve a purpose in our spiritual journey and finding God's presence in all of it. For the listener, this could mean shifting their focus from just avoiding hardship to actually seeking growth and understanding through it.
Speaker 1:So it's about finding the meaning and purpose in all experiences, not just the easy ones.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about finding God in the darkness as well as the light.
Speaker 1:The third aim is humility and servant leadership, Again stemming from that same concept and referencing Philippians 2.34, where it says Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves. So how does this guide our ambitions, both in our relationships and in our work?
Speaker 2:I think it calls us to put the needs of others first, to lead by example, through service, rather than seeking power or recognition. It's about focusing on how we can empower and uplift others. For the listener, this could mean evaluating their goals not just in terms of personal gain, but in terms of their positive impact on others.
Speaker 1:It's about defining leadership as empowering others, not just being in charge.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's a completely different model of leadership.
Speaker 1:Now the fourth aim is spiritual gain through sacrifice. This links back to that one gains by losing principle in Matthew 16.25. So what should we be striving for in the big picture of our lives?
Speaker 2:I think it's about prioritizing our spiritual growth and our eternal life, even if it means making sacrifices in the here and now. Our goal should be focused on our relationship with God and what truly matters in the long run, even if it means letting go of some earthly comforts or ambitions. For someone listening, this might be a call to shift their perspective from short-term gratification to those enduring spiritual values.
Speaker 1:It's about keeping our eyes on the eternal prize even amidst the everyday demands. And finally, the fifth aim is peace and nonviolence, referencing that all who draw the sword passage in Matthew 5.9, blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. So what should we be aiming for and how we interact with the world?
Speaker 2:it's about being a force for peace in every situation, choosing peace, seeking reconciliation and rejecting violence. It's about reflecting God's desire for harmony and understanding. For the listener, it could be as simple as choosing words that de-escalate conflict or trying to find common ground in disagreements. It's about being intentional, about creating peace.
Speaker 1:It's a powerful challenge, especially in the world we live in. Okay, so we've covered mindset and aim. Now let's move into the practice, part of MAP. The first practice is aligning your life with God's divine order. This again references the same core idea in Proverbs 3.56. So how do we actually put this into action in our daily lives?
Speaker 2:I think it's about actively seeking God's guidance in everything we do, through prayer, reading scripture, taking time for reflection. It's about making decisions and taking actions that are in line with his will, bringing our faith into the practical details of our day. For someone listening, it might mean setting aside dedicated time for spiritual disciplines or simply taking a moment before making a decision to consider God's perspective.
Speaker 1:So it's about making that conscious effort to live in alignment with that higher purpose.
Speaker 2:It's about weaving our faith into every aspect of our lives.
Speaker 1:The second practice is embracing both light and darkness for growth. Again, this goes back to that same idea, referencing Romans 8.28. How do we practically navigate both the good times and the bad times in a way that leads to growth?
Speaker 2:I think it's about seeing both the good and the bad as opportunities for spiritual development and a deeper connection with God. It's about intentionally seeking his presence and purpose in every situation, allowing those experiences, both positive and negative, to shape us and strengthen our faith. For someone listening, it might mean journaling about their experiences and taking time to reflect on what they're learning.
Speaker 1:So it's not about just focusing on the good times. It's about finding the lesson and the opportunity for growth in every situation.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about seeing the potential for transformation in every experience.
Speaker 1:The third practice is humility and servant leadership, stemming from that core concept and referencing Philippians 2.3-4. So how do we cultivate this servant's heart in our everyday interactions and responsibilities?
Speaker 2:I think it's about consciously putting the needs of others first, serving without expecting anything in return, and leading by example. For the listener, this might mean looking for practical ways to help others, whether it's at home, at work or in their community.
Speaker 1:It's about actively looking for those opportunities to serve and to lead, with a focus on others.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about making service a central part of who we are.
Speaker 1:Now the fourth practice is selflessness and sacrifice for greater gain. This connects back to the one gains by losing principle and Matthew 16.25. So what does this look like practically in our everyday choices?
Speaker 2:I think it's about intentionally prioritizing God's will and the well-being of others, even when it requires us to give up something we want. It's about making choices that reflect our focus on eternal values and the needs of those around us, even when it's not easy or convenient For someone listening. It could mean volunteering their time, being generous with their resources or simply putting someone else's needs ahead of their own.
Speaker 1:So it's about actively choosing to prioritize others and trusting that the rewards go beyond what we can see or touch.
Speaker 2:Exactly, it's about trusting in a different kind of abundance.
Speaker 1:Now the fifth and final practice is peaceful response and nonviolence, referencing all who draw the sword in Matthew 5.9. How do we actually make this a consistent part of our lives, especially when we feel provoked or hurt?
Speaker 2:This one is about consciously choosing to respond with peace and forgiveness, following Jesus' example. It's about seeking peaceful resolutions even when it's difficult, and letting go of the desire for revenge or retaliation. For the listener, this might look like practicing active listening when there's a disagreement, trying to find common ground and choosing words that de-escalate conflict.
Speaker 1:So it's about being intentional, about choosing peace, even in the heat of the moment.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Now, as we wrap up our exploration of this chapter, it closes with a section called Respond, and this section highlights what it sees as shared truths across different cultural and religious boundaries. Shared truths across different cultural and religious boundaries. It emphasizes how this whole process of renewal empowers us to respond to holiness and share what we've learned with others, creating a space for meaningful dialogue. So let's look at the first theme, which is the divine order and source of all things, and it highlights parallels in Christianity, islam, hinduism, buddhism and Judaism, all pointing to a divine origin for everything. So what's significant about this shared idea for us today?
Speaker 2:What strikes me is how widespread this belief is across so many different traditions, the idea that there's a fundamental source from which all of existence flows, and I think it speaks to a deep interconnectedness of everything and everyone. Recognizing the shared origin can help us to move beyond our differences and cultivate a sense of unity. And everyone Recognizing the shared origin can help us to move beyond our differences and cultivate a sense of unity and respect. For someone listening, it might spark a greater appreciation for the diversity of life and a sense of connection to humanity as a whole.
Speaker 1:It's like a reminder that we're all part of something much bigger than ourselves.
Speaker 2:Exactly, we're all connected at a fundamental level.
Speaker 1:Now the next theme is embracing light and darkness for growth. Again, it points to parallels in all these major religions, acknowledging the essential role of both positive and challenging experiences in our spiritual development. So what's the shared wisdom here?
Speaker 2:I think it's the recognition that both joy and suffering, success and failure, they're all part of the human experience and they all contribute to our growth. Recognizing that challenges just as much as blessings can lead to deeper understanding, resilience and compassion, it can help us to connect with each other on a deeper level. For the listener, it might be a source of comfort in difficult times, knowing that even those experiences can serve a purpose.
Speaker 1:It's about finding meaning and purpose in the whole spectrum of life, not just the happy parts.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about seeing the potential for growth in everything we experience.
Speaker 1:The third theme is humility and servant leadership, with a consistent emphasis across these different religions on the importance of serving others selflessly. So what's the practical message here?
Speaker 2:I think it's a reminder that true greatness lies not in power or self-importance, but in humility and service. It's a call to prioritize the well-being of others, to lead by example through our actions and to value contribution over self-aggrandizement. For someone listening, it might be an invitation to look for ways to serve others in their everyday lives.
Speaker 1:It's about making service a central part of how we live.
Speaker 2:Exactly, it's about making it a priority, a way of life.
Speaker 1:Now the fourth theme is selflessness and sacrifice, Again, with that parallel in the idea of gaining by losing. What's the unifying message here about finding true fulfillment?
Speaker 2:I think it's the understanding that true fulfillment often comes through selflessness and a willingness to sacrifice our own comfort or gain for something greater. It's about looking beyond our own needs and desires and putting the needs of others and our spiritual goals first. For someone listening, it might inspire acts of generosity or simply a recognition that sometimes giving is the most rewarding thing we can do.
Speaker 1:It's a reminder that sometimes the most fulfilling things in life come from giving, not getting.
Speaker 2:Exactly, it's a different kind of reward system.
Speaker 1:Now the final theme is peace and nonviolence, and this one has a really strong presence across these diverse religious traditions. What's the enduring message here for our world?
Speaker 2:I think it speaks to a universal longing for peace and well-being. It's a powerful reminder that we all share that desire, regardless of our background or beliefs, and it provides common ground for working together to resolve conflicts peacefully and build a more harmonious world. For someone listening, it might be a call to be a peacemaker in their own sphere of influence, to look for ways to promote understanding and cooperation.
Speaker 1:It's a powerful reminder of the power of peace. Now, this whole response section concludes with a quote from St Thomas Aquinas and it says truth cannot contradict truth. It feels like it's highlighting this idea that these shared principles point to something deeper, something unifying.
Speaker 1:It is, it's saying that, even though, different religions express their beliefs in different ways. There are fundamental truths that resonate across all of them and it's an invitation to engage in dialogue and to find that common ground Harmony, the power of humility, this practical pathway to personal renewal through the mindset, aim, practice framework and it's fascinating to see how these ideas resonate with other world religions. It really feels like understanding these concepts and gives a deeper understanding of spirituality and ethics in general.
Speaker 2:I agree, and I think what's really powerful is this emphasis on looking for the common threads, the shared values that connect us. It's not just about understanding one text or one tradition. It's about appreciating the wisdom that runs through all of them.
Speaker 1:So, as you go about your day, maybe take a moment to reflect on this. Where in your own life could this idea of gaining by losing offer a new perspective? Or how might recognizing these shared values across different faiths change the way you see the world and the people around you? It's definitely something to think about. Thanks for joining us for this deep dive.