Built For Greatness
Built For Greatness isn’t just another platform—it’s a movement designed to inspire, equip, and empower you to step into your full potential. Whether you're seeking faith-driven motivation, personal development insights, or practical strategies for success, we bring you content that fuels your mind, strengthens your spirit, and challenges you to rise higher.
In a rapidly changing and increasingly divided world, the need for a renewed focus on faith, truth, and unity has never been greater. The BFG Podcast offers a compelling and transformative path for those who feel called to participate in the New Evangelization, a mission to spread the Gospel with a new ardor, expression, and method.
Our commitment is to restore the truth, not just as a historical or doctrinal concept, but as a living and active force that shapes how we live, serve, and interact with others. The BFG Handbook we offer at www.builtforgreatness.com presents the Gospel in a fresh way, making it relevant to today’s challenges while staying true to the eternal truths of Christ. This is not a new gospel but a renewed and vibrant expression of the Good News that invites all to encounter Jesus in profound and meaningful ways.
Built For Greatness
Leading From Behind: BFG Handbook Chapter 66 (Path to True Leadership)
Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-66-leading-from-behind/
What if the most powerful leadership position isn't at the front, but behind everyone else?
Chapter 66 of the Build for God Movement Handbook challenges conventional wisdom by exploring a radical concept: leading from behind. Drawing inspiration from natural imagery, the text reveals how rivers and oceans become "kings of valleys" precisely by taking the lowest place – a perfect metaphor for leadership through humility rather than dominance.
This episode unpacks Jesus's countercultural leadership model, where washing disciples' feet wasn't just symbolic but demonstrated the essence of divine influence. "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all" (Mark 9:35) isn't just beautiful theology – it's a revolutionary framework that creates environments where people feel unburdened, supported, and inspired to follow without growing weary.
We dive deep into the Trinitarian MAP (Mindset, Aim, Practice) that transforms these principles from theory to lived experience. From cultivating genuine humility to practicing selfless service and choosing cooperation over competition, these accessible daily practices reshape how we lead in families, workplaces, and communities.
Perhaps most fascinating is how these principles transcend religious boundaries. The core tenets of servant leadership resonate across diverse spiritual traditions – Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism all contain teachings emphasizing humility and selfless service. As St. Thomas Aquinas noted, "Truth cannot contradict truth" – these shared values point to universal wisdom about effective leadership.
Whether you're leading a Fortune 500 company, a community organization, or simply wanting deeper influence in your relationships, this exploration of servant leadership offers a refreshing alternative to power-driven models. When we embrace the paradox that true greatness comes through service, we discover authentic influence that transforms both ourselves and those around us.
Well, we've got some excerpts from chapter 66, leading from Behind. It's from the Build for God Movement Handbook BFG for short.
Speaker 2:And what's the gist of this handbook?
Speaker 1:So it describes itself as get this a Christian edition of the Tao teaching.
Speaker 2:That's quite the combination East meets West. What's the goal there? What are they trying to do with that?
Speaker 1:Well, it says the aim is to present the gospel through and I'm quoting here a new expression of God's love to restore the truth. And that leads us right into the chapter. We're focusing on leading from behind. So what we're going to do in this deep dive is really try to unpack that concept. How does this idea of leading from behind actually work, especially within a Christian framework? But also, you know, the source touches on some broader spiritual ideas. So we'll look at those two. Sounds like a plan. Where do we even begin with something like this? The chapter starts with this really cool, almost poetic image. It talks about rivers and oceans becoming kings of a hundred valleys because they're so good at taking the lowest place.
Speaker 2:So it's not about, like, asserting dominance or power, it's about humility.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it seems like it True leadership and even greatness, coming from a place of service, of being willing to be at the bottom, not the top.
Speaker 2:It's a pretty radical idea when you think about it. I mean, most leadership models are all about, you know, striving for the top, being in control, that sort of thing.
Speaker 1:Right. But then the text immediately connects us back to scripture. It references Luke 14, where Jesus talks about taking the lowest place and then being honored.
Speaker 2:So you know, it's not like this idea is coming out of nowhere. Oh interesting, so they're trying to show that this leading from behind concept is actually rooted in Christian tradition.
Speaker 1:Exactly. And then it goes on to connect this idea of humility with actual practical leadership. It makes this bold statement that if you want to be a master, you have to become a servant, and if you want to be first, you have to place yourself last.
Speaker 2:Wow, that's a pretty stark reversal of how we usually think about ambition and success, almost like saying you have to give up power to actually gain it.
Speaker 1:Yeah, exactly, it's a complete flip right. And to support this, you know, they bring in the example of Jesus. They mentioned John 13, where Jesus washes his disciples' feet.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, that's a powerful image. I mean, he's their teacher, their leader, and he's literally kneeling down to wash their feet.
Speaker 1:Exactly. And then they reference Mark 9.35, where Jesus straight up says whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all. So again it's like they're showing that this isn't just some theoretical idea, but it's like the core of how Jesus led.
Speaker 2:So what does this kind of leadership actually look like in practice? I mean, does it really work?
Speaker 1:Well, the chapter talks about the impacts of Jesus's leadership style. It says that people did not feel burdened when he was in charge. They didn't feel harmed when he was leading.
Speaker 2:So it's not about control or, you know, forcing people to do things. It's about creating an environment where people actually feel safe and supported.
Speaker 1:Right. It's about leading with like empathy and compassion, not authority, and the chapter goes on to describe the outcome of this kind of leadership. People joyfully glorified him, it says, without getting tired of him.
Speaker 2:Sounds like a pretty effective leadership style if people are happy to follow you, not because they have to, but because they want to.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and again they back this up with scripture. They mentioned Matthew 11.2830, where Jesus offers rest to those who are burdened. They also mentioned 1 Thessalonians 1.27 and Acts 20.24, which talk about how people were inspired by Jesus's example.
Speaker 2:Okay, so leading from behind, serving others all that. It's rooted in Christian tradition. It's about humility and empathy. It can actually work, but is there like a practical side to this?
Speaker 1:Well, there's this one line that really stood out to me. It says do not compete, and competition will not meet you.
Speaker 2:That's an interesting one, especially in today's world, where it feels like everything is about competition.
Speaker 1:Right. So I was wondering, like how does that actually work? Does it mean you just like let everyone walk all over you?
Speaker 2:I don't think that's what it's saying. It seems more about like shifting your focus. Instead of constantly trying to outdo others, you focus on your own path, your own purpose.
Speaker 1:So you're not letting external measures of success define you?
Speaker 2:Exactly and the source actually connects this idea to some specific scriptures. It mentions Philippians 2.34, which talks about putting others before yourself, and also Galatians 6.4, which says to focus on your own work and not compare yourself to others.
Speaker 1:Oh, I see. So it's not about being passive, but about being intentional with your energy. You're not wasting it on trying to compete. You're putting it towards your own growth and your own service to others.
Speaker 2:Right, and the idea is that when you're not constantly trying to prove yourself, you actually create more space for collaboration and for you know, genuine connection with others.
Speaker 1:Okay, so we've talked about the core concept of leading from behind, but this chapter goes deeper. It has this whole section called Renewal, where it introduces something called the Trinitarian Method or, as they call it, map.
Speaker 2:MAP. What's that stand for?
Speaker 1:Mindset, Aim and Practice, and it looks like it's all about how to actually put these ideas of leading from behind into action.
Speaker 2:Makes sense. So let's break it down. What's the first stop on this MAP?
Speaker 1:Mindset. It starts with humility as the path to greatness. You know it takes us back to that river and ocean analogy. They keep coming back to that.
Speaker 2:Right, that image of finding strength and influence by taking the lowest place. So how do they like translate that into a mindset? It can't just be about picturing yourself as a river right, right.
Speaker 1:It has to be more than that, yeah, and it seems like the key here is about actively cultivating humility, like choosing to put the needs of others before your own, looking for opportunities to serve.
Speaker 2:So it's not just about thinking humble thoughts, it's about taking humble actions.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and they give some pretty down to earth examples, like offering to help help out at work even if it's not your job, taking on chores at home without being asked. Leading by example, you know, not just telling people what to do, but actually showing them how it's done.
Speaker 2:Those are good examples, and I'm guessing they tie this back to scripture.
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah, of course they reference Matthew 20.2627 and Matthew 23.12. Both are about how true greatness comes from serving others, from being humble.
Speaker 2:Makes sense. So that's humility as the path to greatness. What's the next piece of this mindset puzzle?
Speaker 1:It's called the role of servanthood and leadership, which really echoes that massive become servant idea we talked about earlier.
Speaker 2:Right, that whole flipping the script on leadership. So what's the mindset shift here?
Speaker 1:It seems to be about letting go of that need to be in control, to have all the answers. Instead, you embrace the role of a servant, someone who's there to support and empower others.
Speaker 2:So it's about being a leader who listens, who helps people develop their own strength.
Speaker 1:Yeah, exactly. It's not about micromanaging or dictating everything. It's about creating a space where people can grow and thrive.
Speaker 2:Interesting and, as always, I'm sure there are some scriptures to back this up.
Speaker 1:Oh, absolutely. They cite Matthew 23.11 and Mark 10.45. They're all about how the greatest among us should be servants, just like Jesus was.
Speaker 2:Okay. So we've got humility, we've got servanthood. What's next on this mindset journey?
Speaker 1:The next one is prioritizing others before yourself. It really emphasizes putting others first, making their needs and well-being more important than your own.
Speaker 2:Again, a pretty radical idea in a world that often encourages us to put ourselves first. Look out for number one.
Speaker 1:Right. It's a big shift, and they even give examples for this one, like doing small acts of service every day, helping your team succeed, even if it means you don't get all the credit.
Speaker 2:Those are great little things that make a big difference, and I bet there's some scripture to back this up too.
Speaker 1:They mentioned Matthew 20.16 and Philippians 2.3. Both are about, you know, valuing others and putting their needs ahead of your own.
Speaker 2:Cool. So we're building this picture of what the leading from behind mindset looks like. What's next?
Speaker 1:The next one is leading by example, not by force. It ties back to that idea of gentle authority we talked about, you know, leading with empathy instead of control.
Speaker 2:Right. So it's not about barking orders or using your power to get people to do what you want.
Speaker 1:It's about inspiring them through your own actions Exactly, and they give examples of this kind of leadership across different areas. You know, like a boss who works alongside their team, a parent who models good behavior for their kids.
Speaker 2:So it's about showing, not just telling.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and of course they bring in the ultimate example, Jesus. They reference Matthew 11.2829, where Jesus describes himself as gentle and humble in heart.
Speaker 2:Okay, so humility, servanthood, putting others first, leading by example. What else is part of this? Leading from behind mindset?
Speaker 1:The next one is interesting. It's called the joy of serving without expecting return. It's about finding fulfillment in the act of service itself, not in what you get out of it.
Speaker 2:So it's not about expecting recognition or rewards or even a thank you. It's about serving because it's the right thing to do, because it brings you joy.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and they give some really practical examples here, like doing something nice for someone anonymously or helping out without expecting anything in return.
Speaker 2:I like that. It's about shifting your motivation, focusing on the good you're doing, not on what you'll get back.
Speaker 1:Right, and they connect this to Philippians 2.4, which talks about looking out for the interests of others, and also Psalm 100.2, which is all about serving God with gladness.
Speaker 2:Okay, so we're almost through this mindset section. What's the last piece?
Speaker 1:The last one is avoiding competition to embrace cooperation, which you know we already touched on when we were talking about leading from behind.
Speaker 2:Right, that idea of focusing on your own path and not getting caught up in trying to outdo everyone else. So how does that translate into a mindset?
Speaker 1:Well, it seems to be about consciously choosing to collaborate with others, to see them as partners, not rivals.
Speaker 2:So, instead of trying to win, you're trying to find ways to work together so everyone benefits.
Speaker 1:Yeah, exactly, and they give some specific examples like working effectively in teams, sharing credit with others and focusing on common goals.
Speaker 2:Those are good practical ways to put that mindset into action and of course I'm sure there are some scriptures to support this.
Speaker 1:They mentioned Galatians 5.26, which talks about avoiding envy and conceit, and also Philippians 2.3, which is about considering others more important than yourself.
Speaker 2:Okay, so that wraps up mindset. It's a pretty comprehensive picture of what it means to approach leadership and life with this leading from behind perspective. So what's next on this MAP?
Speaker 1:Aim. We've got the right mindset. Now it's time to set our sights on specific goals, and the first one is, not surprisingly, aim for humility and selflessness.
Speaker 2:So it's taking that humility mindset we just talked about and turning it into an active goal.
Speaker 1:Exactly. It's not just about feeling humble. It's about intentionally putting yourself in a position to serve others, to put their needs first.
Speaker 2:And what are some practical examples of this?
Speaker 1:Well, it's similar to what we talked about with a mindset. It's about, you know, actively looking for opportunities to serve in your daily life, whether it's at home, at work or in your community.
Speaker 2:So it's making a conscious effort to make service a part of your daily routine.
Speaker 1:Right, and of course, they tie this back to scripture. They mentioned Matthew 20.2627 and Matthew 23.12, which are all about how true greatness comes from humility and service.
Speaker 2:Okay, that makes sense. So that's aim for humility and selflessness. What's the next aim on this list?
Speaker 1:It's aim for servant leadership. So this is about taking that servant mindset and applying it specifically to leadership roles.
Speaker 2:Right. So it's about being intentional about how you lead, not just stumbling into a leadership position and then you know, figuring it out as you go.
Speaker 1:Exactly. It's about making a conscious decision to lead with a focus on serving and supporting those you're leading.
Speaker 2:And they give some real world examples of this.
Speaker 1:Yeah, they talk about how this applies to all kinds of leadership roles, whether it's in the business, a community organization, even within a family.
Speaker 2:So it's about being a leader who empowers others, who listens to their needs, who helps them grow.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and the scriptures they use to support this are Mark 10.45 and Matthew 23, both of which highlight the importance of serving others, even or maybe especially when you're in a position of leadership.
Speaker 2:Okay, so we've got humility and selflessness, servant leadership. What's next?
Speaker 1:Next up is aim for selfless service, which emphasizes the intentionality of giving without any expectation of getting something back.
Speaker 2:So it's taking that selfless mindset we talked about earlier and making it a deliberate goal.
Speaker 1:Right. It's not just about being nice or helpful. It's about choosing to give your time, your energy, your resources without any strings attached.
Speaker 2:And what are some practical ways to do that?
Speaker 1:They give examples like volunteering, donating to charity, helping someone in need without expecting anything in return, just doing good because it's the right thing to do.
Speaker 2:Those are good examples, and I bet they have some scripture to back up this idea too.
Speaker 1:You bet they cite Acts 20.35, which says it is more blessed to give than to receive, and also Psalm 100.2, which talks about serving God with gladness.
Speaker 2:Makes sense. Okay, so that's selfless service. What's the next aim on our list?
Speaker 1:The next one is aim for cooperation, not competition. It's about actively choosing to work with others instead of against them.
Speaker 2:Right. So it's taking that non-competitive mindset we discussed and turning it into a deliberate goal.
Speaker 1:Exactly it's about shifting your focus from trying to win to trying to find solutions that benefit everyone involved.
Speaker 2:And they give examples of how to put this into practice.
Speaker 1:Yeah, they talk about things like seeking out opportunities for collaboration, valuing teamwork and celebrating the successes of others.
Speaker 2:So it's about seeing others as partners, not rivals.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and the scriptures they connect this to are Galatians 5.26, which talks about avoiding envy, and Romans 12.5, which emphasizes the importance of being united as one body.
Speaker 2:Okay, so that's cooperation over competition. What's next?
Speaker 1:The next one is a little different. It's called Aim for Non-Interference in Peaceful Presence. The next one is a little different. It's called Aim for Non-Interference in Peaceful Presence.
Speaker 2:This one is about learning to let go of control and trusting in God's timing. Oh, that's an interesting one. It sounds like it's about accepting that we don't always have to be in charge, that sometimes the best thing we can do is just be present and trust in a higher power.
Speaker 1:Right, it's about being a calming influence, offering support without trying to force things to happen and what are some practical ways to put this into practice? Well, they talk about things like practicing patience, being a good listener and offering guidance without being controlling so it's about being supportive without being overbearing exactly, and the scriptures they use to support this are psal.10, which says Be still and know that I am God and Philippians 4.5, which encourages us to be reasonable and peace-loving.
Speaker 2:Those are great reminders that sometimes the best action is no action, or at least no forceful action. Okay, so what's the last aim on our list?
Speaker 1:The final one is aim for faithfulness in every step, which is all about staying true to your commitments and persevering even when things get tough.
Speaker 2:So it's about having that long-term vision and not giving up on your goals, even when you face obstacles.
Speaker 1:Exactly it's about staying the course, remaining dedicated to your values and your purpose, even when it's difficult.
Speaker 2:And they offer any practical advice on how to actually do that.
Speaker 1:Yeah, they talk about things like setting clear intentions, reminding yourself of your goals regularly and seeking support from others when you need it those are all good strategies for staying motivated and focused and, as always, I'm sure they have some scripture to back this up of course, they mention hebrews 12.1, which talks about running the race with endurance, and matthew 25.21, which talks about running the race with endurance, and Matthew 25.21, which is about being a faithful servant.
Speaker 2:Okay, so we've covered mindset and aim. That brings us to the last part of MAP practice. So how do we actually put all this into action?
Speaker 1:Well, the practice section is really about taking all those mindsets and aims we just talked about and turning them into concrete daily actions. And the first practice they list is practice, humility and selflessness.
Speaker 2:Okay, so it's taking that foundational mindset of humility and putting it into practice, but how? What does that actually look like in everyday life?
Speaker 1:Well, they emphasize the importance of actively looking for opportunities to serve others. It's not just about having a humble attitude, it's about doing humble things.
Speaker 2:So it's about taking action, and they give some specific examples.
Speaker 1:Yeah, things like volunteering your time, helping out a coworker who's struggling, offering to do the dishes even when it's not your turn, just, you know, looking for ways to put others first.
Speaker 2:Those are great simple things that make a difference, and I'm assuming they connect this back to scripture, right?
Speaker 1:Of course, they reference Matthew 20.26.27 and Luke 14.11, both of which emphasize the importance of being humble and serving others.
Speaker 2:Makes sense. So that's practice humility and selflessness. What's the next practice on the list?
Speaker 1:It's practice servant leadership, which is about actively putting the principles of servant leadership into action.
Speaker 2:So it's taking all those ideas about what makes a good servant leader and actually implementing them in your leadership roles.
Speaker 1:Exactly. It's about making a conscious effort to lead with a focus on serving and empowering those you're leading.
Speaker 2:And they give any specific examples of how to do that and they give any specific examples of how to do that yeah.
Speaker 1:things like listening to the needs of your team, supporting their growth and development and creating an environment where they feel valued and respected.
Speaker 2:So it's about putting your team's needs ahead of your own ego or ambition.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and the scriptures they use to support this are Mark 10.45 and Matthew 23.11, which we've seen before. Both emphasize the importance of serving others, especially when you're in a leadership position.
Speaker 2:Okay, that makes sense. So that's servant leadership in action. What's the next practice we need to work on?
Speaker 1:Next up is practice, selfless giving, which you know builds on that aim of giving without expecting anything in return.
Speaker 2:Right. So it's taking that selfless intention and turning it into a regular practice.
Speaker 1:Exactly. It's about making a conscious effort to give your time, your energy, your resources to others, without any strings attached.
Speaker 2:So it's about giving freely, without any expectation of reward or recognition.
Speaker 1:Right, and they give some really practical examples of how to do this, things like volunteering your time, being generous with your money or simply offering to help someone in need.
Speaker 2:Those are great concrete ways to put that principle into practice, and I'm sure they have some scripture to support this too, right.
Speaker 1:Of course they mentioned Acts 20.35, which says it is more blessed to give than to receive, and also Psalm 100.2, which talks about serving God with joy and gladness.
Speaker 2:Okay, so that's selfless giving in action. What's the next practice on our list?
Speaker 1:It's practice non-competition and cooperation which builds on that aim of choosing cooperation over competition.
Speaker 2:So it's taking that collaborative mindset and turning it into a daily practice.
Speaker 1:Exactly. It's about making a conscious effort to work with others, to see them as partners, not rivals.
Speaker 2:And they give some practical examples of how to do that.
Speaker 1:Yeah, things like seeking out opportunities to collaborate on projects, sharing credit with others and celebrating the successes of your teammates.
Speaker 2:So it's about creating a win-win situation where everyone benefits.
Speaker 1:Right and the scriptures they connect this to are Galatians 5.26, which talks about avoiding envy and conceit, and Romans 12.5, which emphasizes the importance of being united as one body.
Speaker 2:Okay, so that's cooperation in action. What's next?
Speaker 1:The next one is practice, patience and trust in God's timing, which builds on that aim of letting go of control and trusting in a higher power.
Speaker 2:Right. So it's taking that surrender mindset and putting it into practice.
Speaker 1:Exactly. It's about learning to be patient, to trust that things will unfold in their own time, even when you don't understand why or how.
Speaker 2:And they offer some specific advice on how to cultivate that kind of patience.
Speaker 1:Yeah, Things like practicing mindfulness, taking deep breaths when you're feeling stressed and remembering that you don't always have to have all the answers.
Speaker 2:So it's about surrendering to the present moment and trusting that things will work out in the end.
Speaker 1:Right, and they support this with scriptures like Psalm 46.10, which says be still and know that I am God, and Jeremiah 29.1, which reminds us that God has a plan for us, even when we can't see it.
Speaker 2:Okay, that's patience and trust. God has a plan for us, even when we can't see it. Okay, that's patience and trust.
Speaker 1:What's the final practice on our list? The last one is practice perseverance and faithfulness, which is about staying committed to your goals and values even when things get tough.
Speaker 2:So it's taking that steadfastness aim and putting it into practice.
Speaker 1:Exactly. It's about developing resilience, not giving up on your dreams or your beliefs, even when you face setbacks or challenges.
Speaker 2:And they give some practical advice on how to do that.
Speaker 1:Yeah, things like setting clear goals, breaking them down into smaller steps, celebrating your progress along the way and, you know, most importantly remembering why you started in the first place.
Speaker 2:So it's about staying motivated and focused on the long-term vision.
Speaker 1:Right, and they connect this to scriptures like Hebrews 12.1, which talks about running the race with endurance, and Matthew 25.21, which is about being a faithful servant.
Speaker 2:Okay, so that wraps up practice. We've covered mindset, aim and practice, so what's next? Where does this leading from behind journey take us from here?
Speaker 1:Well, the chapter ends with a section called Respond, which takes a really interesting turn. It starts talking about how these principles of leading from behind aren't just Christian ideas. They're actually universal truths that can be found in other religions and philosophies as well.
Speaker 2:Oh, that's interesting. So it's like they're saying that this way of thinking, this way of being it resonates with something deeper than just one particular faith.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and they actually go on to provide examples from other traditions like Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.
Speaker 2:Wow, that's pretty cool. So what are some of the parallels they draw? What are some of the shared truths they highlight?
Speaker 1:Well, the first one they focus on is humility and selflessness as universal truth. The first one they focus on is humility and selflessness as universal truth, and they give some really specific examples, like quotes from the Prophet Muhammad about the importance of humility, verses from the Bhagavad Gita about selfless service and teachings from the Buddha about compassion.
Speaker 2:So it's like they're showing that this idea of putting others first, of being humble and selfless, it's something that's valued across different cultures and spiritual traditions.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and they argue that this shared value can actually be a powerful force for good in the world, like it can help us overcome divisions, build stronger communities and work together to solve problems.
Speaker 2:That's a beautiful idea Finding coming round through shared values.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and they even tie this back to some of the Christian scriptures we've already talked about, like Luke 14.11 and Matthew 23.11, which emphasize the importance of humility in service.
Speaker 2:Okay, so that's humility and selflessness. What other universal truths do they highlight?
Speaker 1:The next one is servant leadership and selfless giving, and again they bring in examples from other traditions to show how these ideas are reflected in different cultures and faiths.
Speaker 2:So it's like they're saying that this way of leading, this way of giving, it's not just a Christian thing, it's a human thing.
Speaker 1:Right. It's about tapping into something deeper, something that resonates with people across different backgrounds and beliefs.
Speaker 2:And they provide any specific examples of this from other traditions.
Speaker 1:Yeah, they talk about how Islam emphasizes the importance of justice and service to others, how Hinduism values selfless action and detachment from personal gain, and how Buddhism teaches compassion and the interconnectedness of all beings those are great examples. It really shows how these ideas are woven into the fabric of different spiritual and ethical systems and the chapter emphasizes the importance of putting these ideas into action in all areas of our lives, not just within religious contexts.
Speaker 2:So, whether we're talking about leadership in business, in government or in our personal relationships, the message is the same Serve others, give freely and focus on the greater good.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and they connect this back to some of the Christian teachings we've already talked about, like Matthew 20.26, which talks about how the greatest among us should be servants, and Psalm 100.2, which encourages us to serve God with joy.
Speaker 2:Okay, so that's servant leadership and selfless giving. What other universal truths do they highlight?
Speaker 1:The next one is non-competition and cooperation, and again they show how this idea is reflected in other traditions, emphasizing the importance of working together for mutual benefit.
Speaker 2:So it's about recognizing that we're all interconnected, that we achieve more when we collaborate rather than compete.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and they give specific examples of this, like how the Quran emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation, how Hinduism teaches about the interconnectedness of all beings, and how Buddhism promotes compassion and nonviolence.
Speaker 2:Those are great examples. It shows how the idea of cooperation is really a universal value.
Speaker 1:And they encourage us to apply this principle in our daily lives, to look for opportunities to collaborate with others, to build bridges instead of walls.
Speaker 2:So, whether we're talking about our personal relationships, our work environments or even global issues, the message is the same Work together, find common ground and build a better future together.
Speaker 1:And they connect this back to Christian scriptures like Philippians 2.3, which encourages us to consider others more important than ourselves, and 2 Timothy 2.24, which talks about being kind and patient with everyone.
Speaker 2:Okay, so that's non-competition and cooperation. What else is on their list of universal truths?
Speaker 1:The next one is patience, trust and divine timing, which is about accepting that we don't always have control over everything and learning to trust in a higher power or a larger process.
Speaker 2:So it's about recognizing that there's a bigger picture, a divine plan that we might not always understand.
Speaker 1:And they give examples of how this idea is reflected in other traditions, like how the Quran talks about submitting to God's will, how the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of detachment and accepting what is, and how Buddhism teaches about the impermanence of all things and the importance of letting go.
Speaker 2:Those are all powerful teachings about accepting what we can't control and trusting in something larger than ourselves.
Speaker 1:And they encourage us to cultivate patience in our own lives, to trust that things will work out in their own time, even when we don't know how or why.
Speaker 2:So it's about surrendering to the flow of life, accepting the ups and downs and trusting that everything happens for a reason.
Speaker 1:Right, and they connect this to scriptures like Jeremiah 29.11, which reminds us that God has a plan for us, and Proverbs 3.5, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. Okay, that's patience and trust. What's the last universal truth they highlight? The final one is faithfulness and perseverance to the end. It's about staying true to your commitments, your values, your goals, even when things get tough.
Speaker 2:So it's about having that unwavering dedication, that commitment to keep going, no matter what obstacles you face.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and they show how this idea is reflected in other traditions, like how the Quran emphasizes the importance of striving for righteousness and remaining steadfast in your faith, how the Bhagavad Gita teaches about the importance of fulfilling your dharma, your duty, and how Buddhism emphasizes the path of mindful discipline and perseverance.
Speaker 2:Those are all powerful teachings about the importance of staying true to ourselves and our values, even when things are difficult.
Speaker 1:And they encourage us to cultivate this kind of faithfulness in our own lives. You know, to stay committed to our goals, to our relationships, to our beliefs, even when we feel like giving up.
Speaker 2:So it's about having that inner strength, that resilience to keep going even when we face challenges and setbacks.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and they connect this back to scriptures like Galatians 6.9,. Which encourages us to not grow weary in doing good.
Speaker 2:which encourages us to not grow weary in doing good and remember that final thought in the source material truth cannot contradict truth. It's a quote from St Thomas Aquinas and it's suggesting that there might be deeper connections between this Christian perspective and the wisdom found in other spiritual traditions.
Speaker 1:We've seen a lot of those connections during our deep dive. It's like there's this common thread running through all of them, pointing to some universal truths about the human experience.
Speaker 2:It's a fascinating thing to contemplate, and it makes you think about how these ancient principles might actually offer some pretty relevant insights for navigating the challenges we face today.
Speaker 1:Definitely something to think about. Thanks for joining us for this deep dive. It's been a really thought-provoking exploration.
Speaker 2:Until next time.
Speaker 1:See you then.