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Built For Greatness
Power of the Spirit: BFG Chapter 59 (Holding Back to Move Forward)
Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-59-power-of-the-spirit/
What if real power comes not from asserting control but from holding back? Join us as we dive deep into Chapter 59 of the Built for God Movement Handbook—a fascinating Christian interpretation of the Taoist classic, the Tao Te Ching.
This transformative discussion reveals the counterintuitive path to spiritual empowerment through restraint and surrender. "By surrendering early, one accumulates the power of the Spirit," the text declares, challenging our conventional understanding of strength. We unpack how this ancient wisdom offers a radical alternative to our culture's push for constant action and control.
Through the lens of both Christian scripture and Taoist principles, we explore how choosing restraint creates space for deeper wisdom to emerge. The paradox becomes clear: in letting go, we gain something more powerful. From Psalm 37's call to "be still and wait patiently for the Lord" to the concept of wu-wei (non-action), we discover surprising parallels between seemingly different spiritual traditions.
The conversation moves beyond theory into practical application, following the handbook's framework of mindset, aim, and practice. You'll learn how to cultivate humility, tap into spiritual strength, exercise true sovereignty through service, and build the endurance needed for lasting vision. Each concept comes with scriptural foundations and real-world applications you can implement immediately.
Perhaps most fascinating is how these principles transcend religious boundaries—appearing in Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism. As Thomas Aquinas observed, "Truth cannot contradict truth." This universal resonance invites us to consider whether these converging insights point to fundamental truths about human nature and our relationship with the divine.
Whether you're seeking greater spiritual depth, more authentic leadership, or the ability to make a lasting impact, this episode offers wisdom that challenges conventional thinking while providing practical pathways forward. Take a moment to pause, reflect, and discover how holding back might be your key to moving forward with greater purpose and power.
today we're going to really dig deep into one particular chapter that takes a surprising look at how we can become more powerful by actually holding back and ultimately achieving something really, really significant Sounds intriguing. It is. So we're diving into chapter 59 of the Built for God, the BFG Movement Handbook, specifically their Christian edition of the Tao Te Ching. It's a pretty fascinating blend. It kind of hints that maybe these two traditions you know, seemingly different as they might appear, actually have more in common than we might think.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I can see that Like there's a deeper conversation going on here about some pretty fundamental stuff.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and this chapter zeroes in on what it calls the power of the spirit and how that links to well, not just leadership or governing, but also serving others and, ultimately, this idea of eternal life and lasting vision.
Speaker 2:OK, some pretty big concepts right off the bat.
Speaker 1:Big ideas for sure, but the chapter breaks them down in a in a really interesting way, the BFG handbook. They have this structure for exploring renewal right Mindset, then aim, then practice. And then it even takes a look at how these ideas show up in other spiritual traditions in a section called Respond.
Speaker 2:So it's not just a one-dimensional view. They're trying to connect these ideas with a broader context.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and we're going to follow that same roadmap today. Our goal is not to just give you a summary, but to help you really grasp the core insights here and maybe see how they might apply to your own life, maybe even in ways you hadn't thought of before.
Speaker 2:Sounds good, let's dive in.
Speaker 1:Okay, let's start with this first big idea restraint and surrender.
Speaker 2:Okay, restraint and surrender. So what does that have to do with power?
Speaker 1:Well, the chapter starts with this really bold statement there's nothing better than restraint. To manifest restraint is to surrender early from wasteful ideas.
Speaker 2:So, right away, it's connecting, holding back, choosing restraint, with this idea of letting go of things that are not going to serve us ultimately.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and that's where the Christian lens comes in. They bring in Psalm 37, which talks about, you know, being still waiting patiently for the Lord.
Speaker 2:Right that idea of finding stillness and trusting in God's timing.
Speaker 1:Choosing, not to just react to every impulse. By not chasing every fleeting thought that they call wasteful ideas, it's like we're creating space for something else to emerge.
Speaker 2:Okay. So it's like clearing away the clutter to make room for something more important, something spiritual.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and you know it's interesting, there's a really strong parallel here with the Taoist concept of wu-wei.
Speaker 2:Often translated as non action.
Speaker 1:But it's not about being passive or about acting in alignment with the natural flow of things, avoiding unnecessary force.
Speaker 2:I see. So when you connect that idea of waiting on the Lord with avoiding wasteful ideas, it's like trusting in a deeper wisdom, a deeper current, rather than trying to force things our own way.
Speaker 1:Just maybe that's where real power comes from knowing when not to act.
Speaker 2:That's a powerful thought.
Speaker 1:So let's look at the renewal section. Under mindset, the aim here is to cultivate restraint and surrender your ego to God, and the explanation talks about this as well as a disciplined way of yielding our desires and choosing to align with what we believe is God's will.
Speaker 2:So it's not about just giving up. There's a discipline involved, a conscious choice to surrender to something greater than ourselves.
Speaker 1:Right, and it connects directly to surrendering the ego, because often those wasteful ideas they're talking about, they come from our own pride, our need to control our desire for instant gratification.
Speaker 2:So by letting go of the ego, we open ourselves up to a different kind of guidance.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and the real world applications they suggest are so practical. They talk about patience and leadership, taking a moment of stillness before making big decisions resisting that urge to be prideful.
Speaker 2:It's like saying, in those moments where we might be tempted to rush in or assert ourselves, there's power in holding back and that active restraint.
Speaker 1:Right. And then they bring in James 4.7. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Speaker 2:So there's a direction to this surrender. It's about aligning ourselves with a higher power and actively resisting negative influences.
Speaker 1:And they also reference loop 9.23. Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Speaker 2:So it's putting this idea of restraint and surrender within that Christian framework of discipleship and following Jesus.
Speaker 1:Okay, let's move on to the aim section, that Christian framework of discipleship and following Jesus. Okay, let's move on to the aim section. Here the focus shifts to aiming for humility and submission.
Speaker 2:Okay, so we're moving from a general mindset to a more specific aim.
Speaker 1:Right, and the explanation emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's guidance and actively resisting that need to be in control of every situation.
Speaker 2:It's about recognizing that we don't have all the answers, that there's a wisdom beyond our own.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and the real world examples build on this, suggesting we consciously surrender our desires when making decisions and that we actively seek guidance, especially when we're facing conflict or temptation.
Speaker 2:So it's about bringing this humility into those everyday situations where we might be tempted to go our own way.
Speaker 1:Right and the scriptures they connect to this aim are James 4.10. Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up, and Proverbs 3.6. In all your ways, submit to him and he will make your path straight.
Speaker 2:It's like a consistent thread running through all of this surrender, humility, trust and a higher power.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. Then we come to practice. This is all about putting these ideas into action. It's about consciously controlling our impulses and actively aligning our will with what we believe is God's will.
Speaker 2:So it's not enough to just think about these things. We have to actually do them.
Speaker 1:Right and the real-world application they emphasize is pausing to reflect before we act and actively seeking God's guidance when making decisions.
Speaker 2:You know that simple act of pausing before speaking or acting can be so powerful. It can prevent a lot of mistakes and help us make choices that are more aligned with our values.
Speaker 1:Then we get to the respond section where they look at these cross-religious parallels, and it's amazing how many other traditions touch on this idea of overcoming self-centered desires and aligning with a higher will.
Speaker 2:It's like this universal principle that keeps popping up in different forms across cultures and religions.
Speaker 1:Yeah, they mentioned Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism. Each tradition has its own way of expressing it, but the core idea is remarkably similar.
Speaker 2:What's so striking is that these diverse traditions all seem to agree that true peace and fulfillment come from moving beyond our own ego-driven desires and connecting with something larger than ourselves.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and the real-world application here brings it back to us. They suggest we take a pause when we feel anger rising, or that we consider a higher purpose when making choices. And the scriptures they tie in are 1 Peter 5.6. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand that he may lift you up in due time. And James 4.7 again that reminder to resist the devil.
Speaker 2:Okay, so we've covered restraint and surrender. What's the next big idea?
Speaker 1:The next core concept is accumulating the power of the Spirit.
Speaker 2:Accumulating the power of the Spirit. I like the sound of that.
Speaker 1:Right. The chapter states by surrendering early, one accumulates the power of the Spirit. The one who accumulates the power of the Spirit can overcome all things.
Speaker 2:So it's building on that first idea. It's like by letting go, by surrendering, we actually gain something even more powerful.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and they connect this to 2 Timothy 1.6-7, which talks about fanning into flame the gift of God, and that classic verse from Philippians 4.13. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Speaker 2:Right. That's such a powerful reminder that our strength ultimately comes from God.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and it's not just about passively waiting.
Speaker 2:There's this active element of fanning into flame the gift that's already within us. So we have a role to play in nurturing and developing that spiritual power.
Speaker 1:Absolutely so. The renewal section's mindset on this aims to allow the Holy Spirit to empower us through that surrender and humility we were just talking about. The explanation says that the Spirit actually strengthens our inner resolve.
Speaker 2:It's like that inner strength is amplified when we connect with the Spirit.
Speaker 1:And the real-world application here encourages us to actively rely on the Spirit in times of adversity, through prayer and by seeking wise counsel.
Speaker 2:It's that reminder that we're not meant to go it alone, especially when things get tough.
Speaker 1:Right and the supporting scriptures are Acts 1.8. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.
Speaker 2:That verse really seems to be a cornerstone of this whole idea of spiritual empowerment.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. The aim section then focuses on aiming for strength in the Holy Spirit, explaining that true strength, the kind that lasts, comes from aligning ourselves with the Spirit.
Speaker 2:So it's about becoming more and more tuned to the Spirit's guidance in our lives.
Speaker 1:Right and the real world application here is making it a practice to pray for guidance before we start tasks or even before important conversations.
Speaker 2:So bringing that spiritual awareness into those everyday moments.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and the supporting scriptures are Galatians 5.22.23, which talks about the fruit of the Spirit love, joy, peace, patience, all those qualities that flow from this connection, and you guessed it, philippians 4.13,. Once again.
Speaker 2:That verse is like a recurring theme here.
Speaker 1:It really is Okay. Practice is all about actively practicing dependence on the Holy Spirit, recognizing that the Spirit is our primary source of both strengths and wisdom.
Speaker 2:So it's putting that reliance into practice moment by moment.
Speaker 1:And the real world application is super straightforward. Pray for empowerment before beginning any task.
Speaker 2:You know, it's amazing how such a simple practice can have such a profound impact.
Speaker 1:Absolutely, and the response section again looks at how other traditions approach this. It's fascinating to see how Buddhism, islam, hinduism and Judaism all have teachings on relying on divine power or higher wisdom.
Speaker 2:It's that recognition that we're not limited to our own strength, that there is a source of power beyond ourselves that we can tap into.
Speaker 1:Right. It's like this universal human instinct to reach out to something greater than ourselves when we're facing challenges.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and the real world application suggests that in times of crisis, we actively seek guidance through prayer or meditation. And the supporting scriptures are Philippians 4.13, of course, and Exodus 14. The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still.
Speaker 1:Okay, are you ready for the next core concept? Bring it on All right. This one's about overcoming all things in sovereignty, and the chapter really jumps into it. It says if one can overcome all things, then anything is possible. If anything is possible, then one can possess sovereignty.
Speaker 2:That's a bold statement. It's like they're laying out this chain reaction linking spiritual power to limitless potential and, ultimately, to some form of sovereignty. The word sovereignty can have different meanings.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and the Christian understanding of this ties it directly to the Holy Spirit. They reference Romans 8.37. In all these things, we are more than conquerors, through him who loved us.
Speaker 2:So it's about overcoming through Christ, through that connection to the divine.
Speaker 1:Right, and they also bring in Luke 1.37, for no word from God will ever fail.
Speaker 2:Which ties into that idea of anything being possible with God.
Speaker 1:And the concept of sovereignty here is rooted in God's power, as we see in Matthew 19.26. With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Speaker 2:So it's not about earthly power or control over others.
Speaker 1:No, it's about something much deeper. It's about this inner sovereignty, this mastery over ourselves, our impulses, our circumstances, through the empowering presence of God in our lives.
Speaker 2:It's about that inner freedom to live according to a higher calling, regardless of external pressures.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and the renewal section's mindset on overcoming aims to cultivate that deep trust in God's power to help us overcome any challenge.
Speaker 2:It's about developing that unshakable faith that we can overcome anything with God's help.
Speaker 1:Right, and they explain it as being about triumphing over sin and fear through our relationship with Christ.
Speaker 2:So it's about that inner transformation that happens when we connect with the divine.
Speaker 1:And the real world application is simply having faith that we can overcome our personal struggles.
Speaker 2:It's about believing that there's always a way forward, even when things seem impossible.
Speaker 1:And the supporting scriptures are again Romans 8.37 and Luke 1.37. Then the mindset on sovereignty shifts to recognizing that true sovereignty ultimately belongs to God and that through the Holy Spirit we can participate in his reign.
Speaker 2:So it's like we're aligning ourselves with God's ultimate authority.
Speaker 1:Right. The explanation emphasizes God as the ultimate ruler and that any power or authority we might have is ultimately derived from him, and the real world application they suggest is leading with humility, even when we were in positions of authority.
Speaker 2:So it's about using any influence we have for good in a way that reflects God's character.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and the supporting scriptures are Psalm 95.3, for the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods, and Psalm 22.28, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations.
Speaker 2:Those verses really paint a picture of God's ultimate authority.
Speaker 1:They do, Okay. The Aang section focuses on aiming for faith in God's limitless ability, referencing Luke 1.37 again, and also Luke 18.27, which says what is impossible with man is possible with God.
Speaker 2:It's about expanding our understanding of what's possible when we factor in God's power.
Speaker 1:And the real world application here is approaching any challenge with a belief that solutions are possible, even when we can't see them yet.
Speaker 2:It's about cultivating that hopeful, optimistic outlook rooted in faith.
Speaker 1:Absolutely, and the other aim in this section is for true authority, which they root in acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty and leading with humility.
Speaker 2:So it's connecting true authority with service and humility.
Speaker 1:Right. The supporting scriptures for this aim are Psalm 103.19, the Lord has established his throne in heaven and his kingdom rules over all, and Matthew 20.26,. Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.
Speaker 2:So true leadership isn't about power over others, it's about serving others.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and the real world application is making decisions aligned with God's will and prioritizing serving others.
Speaker 2:It's about putting the needs of others ahead of our own.
Speaker 1:The practice section then gives us two key practices. Practice bold faith, referencing those same verses from Luke, again with the practical step of consciously focusing on God's power when we face challenges.
Speaker 2:It's about actively reminding ourselves of God's power in those moments of difficulty.
Speaker 1:And the second practice is practice, humility and sovereignty, referencing Matthew 20.26 again and Matthew 23.11, which says the greatest among you will be your servant.
Speaker 2:So it's about putting that servant leadership into practice.
Speaker 1:Right and the application is embodying servant leadership and, using any authority, we have to serve those around us.
Speaker 2:It's about making sure our actions reflect that humility and that desire to serve.
Speaker 1:And in the response section they draw parallels with other traditions, highlighting a belief in divine intervention or a higher power across Buddhism, islam, hinduism and Judaism.
Speaker 2:It's amazing how many different cultures and religions share this belief in a power beyond our own.
Speaker 1:And on the idea of sovereignty as service. They connected to Buddha's teachings on compassion, islamic Hadith about leadership as responsibility, the Bhagavad Gita's emphasis on selfless action and Jewish wisdom about caring for the poor.
Speaker 2:It really is a universal theme.
Speaker 1:Okay, ready for the final core concept.
Speaker 2:Hit me with it.
Speaker 1:This one's about endurance and lasting vision.
Speaker 2:Okay, endurance and lasting vision. It sounds like this is about the long game.
Speaker 1:It is. The chapter concludes with this With the power of the spirit, one can endure for a long time. This is planting deep roots and building strong foundations, the way of eternal life and lasting vision.
Speaker 2:I love that image of planting deep roots. It speaks to stability, resilience and a connection to something foundational.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and they connect this idea to Galatians 6.8. Whoever sows to please their flesh from the flesh will reap destruction. Whoever sows to please their flesh from the flesh will reap destruction. Whoever sows to please the spirit from the spirit will reap eternal life and that parable of the sower in Luke 8.1315.
Speaker 2:Right the parable that emphasizes that the seeds sown in good soil, the ones that endure, are the ones that bear fruit.
Speaker 1:So it's about having that long-term eternal focus that comes from spiritual endurance. It's about staying committed even when things get tough, knowing that there's a bigger picture. The renewal section's mindset on endurance aims to build a foundation of faith that will allow us to endure through trials and ultimately lead to eternal life. The explanation is that the Spirit gives us this endurance and helps us maintain that eternal perspective.
Speaker 2:So it's about cultivating that inner strength and resilience through our faith.
Speaker 1:And the real-world application is actively investing in our relationship with God and practicing perseverance in our daily lives. The supporting scriptures are Galatians 6.9,. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. But he who stands firm to the end shall be saved.
Speaker 2:Those verses really encourage us to keep going, even when it's hard.
Speaker 1:The aim section then focuses on aiming for endurance and an eternal perspective, explaining the importance of focusing on the lasting impact of our lives and trusting in God's greater plan.
Speaker 2:It's about shifting our perspective from the here and now to the bigger picture, the eternal realm.
Speaker 1:And they reference Galatians 6.9 again and Matthew 6.1920,. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moths and vermin destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moths and vermin do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Speaker 2:So it's about prioritizing those eternal values over fleeting earthly possessions.
Speaker 1:And the real world application is prioritizing long-term values over instant gratification and persevering through our struggles with that eternal view in mind.
Speaker 2:It's about making choices that will have lasting significance, even beyond our own lifetimes.
Speaker 1:The practice section is simply practice long-term endurance.
Speaker 2:It's about putting that perseverance into action, day after day.
Speaker 1:And the explanation is that this involves resisting the temptation of instant gratification and remaining faithful to our purpose over the long haul. Referencing Galatians 6.9 and Matthew 24.13 again.
Speaker 2:So it's about staying focused on our goals, even when we encounter setbacks.
Speaker 1:And the real-world application is about staying committed to our goals and persevering through those inevitable struggles.
Speaker 2:It's about developing that grit and determination to keep going even when things get tough.
Speaker 1:And the response section on endurance highlights how this theme appears in Buddhism Islam, hinduism and Judaism as well.
Speaker 2:It's that universal recognition that growth and positive outcomes often require patience and resilience.
Speaker 1:And the supporting scriptures are Galatians 6.9 and Psalm 92.12. The righteous will flourish like a palm tree. They will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.
Speaker 2:Beautiful images of strength and growth over time.
Speaker 1:So, as we wrap up this deep dive, what we've really explored in chapter 59 is this really interesting connection between intentionally holding back surrendering to a higher power and how that can lead to this thing they call spiritual power the possibility of overcoming challenges in a new way.
Speaker 2:And it's so interesting how they tie that into a unique understanding of sovereignty and, ultimately, that importance of persistent faith for achieving a vision that lasts.
Speaker 1:And what I found really valuable is how it's not just these abstract concepts, but they actually give you a framework, mindset, aim and practice to actually apply these ideas.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's not just theory, it's about practical application.
Speaker 1:What's also striking is how these core principles restraint, reliance on a higher power, overcoming limitations, service and endurance show up in all these different spiritual traditions.
Speaker 2:It really makes you think, doesn't it? Like maybe there are some fundamental truths about the human experience that we're all tapping into just in different ways.
Speaker 1:Which brings us to our final thought. For you, the source material actually ends by quoting St Thomas Aquinas, who said truth cannot contradict truth. So, as you think about that, how does exploring these different spiritual expressions of similar ideas maybe shift your own understanding? Does it point towards a deeper unity underlying those surface level differences? We encourage you to really reflect on the power of restraint and spiritual surrender in your own life.
Speaker 2:And how choosing those paths might unlock some unexpected possibility. Thanks for listening everybody.
Speaker 1:Thanks for joining us.