Chapter 2: Embracing Divine Balance

 

If beauty is recognized in the world a
Then ugliness arises 
If good is recognized in the world b
Then bad arises 

Spirit and flesh form each other 
Difficult and easy define one another
Long and short are measured against each other
High and low contrast with each other
Music and tone harmonize each other 
Front and back follow each other 

Therefore, the Son of God c
Achieves His purpose but not by His own actions d  
Conveys the teachings but not by His own words
Holds all things together but not by controlling 
Creates all but does not possess 
Serves all but does not seek glory 
Fulfills the promise to all but does not claim it 
Since He does not claim anything 
Nothing is ever lost

 

a 1 Peter 3:3-5; b Job 30:26; Ecclesiastes 9:1-3; Galatians 5:16-26; c Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 3:11; Luke 22:70; John 10:22-36; Acts 13:34; d Colossians 1:15-23; John 5:19-20; John 14:10.



Trinitarian M.A.P.

Mindset, Aim, and Practice are the three pillars of a spiritually guided path rooted in Love, Trust, and Faith, empowering us to fulfill our God-given mission. Understanding the Love of the Father will shape our MINDSET, opening our hearts to Trust in the teachings of the Son to direct our AIM, and empowers us to deepen our Faith in the Holy Spirit to guide our daily PRACTICE.

Mindset:

  1. Humility and Selflessness:
    Just as the Son of God achieves His purpose without seeking personal recognition or control, you should practice humility by letting go of the desire for worldly success or acclaim. Jesus’ life exemplifies this. In Philippians 2:6-8, Paul describes Jesus not using His divine nature for His own advantage, but rather serving others. This mindset invites you to focus on serving others with love and compassion rather than striving for personal glory or possession.

  2. Non-Attachment to Outcomes:
    The principle that “nothing is ever lost” when we do not claim anything encourages a mindset of non-attachment. This is consistent with Jesus’ teachings on surrendering to God’s will. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus instructs His followers not to worry about their needs or desires, trusting that God will provide. Embracing this mindset allows you to let go of the need to control outcomes and instead trust in God’s provision and timing.

  3. Balance in All Things:
    Chapter 2 highlights how opposites define one another, such as good and bad, high and low, easy and difficult. Recognizing that these contrasts are part of the human experience allows you to approach life with grace, understanding, and patience. In the Christian faith, this is akin to accepting God’s plan, knowing that His purpose often unfolds in ways we don’t fully understand (Isaiah 55:8-9). Embrace life’s challenges with trust in God’s wisdom and timing, knowing that He uses both joy and suffering to refine us.

  4. Living for God’s Glory, Not Your Own:
    Just as the Son of God “does not seek glory” or “claim anything,” you should practice living for God’s glory and not your own. In John 8:50, Jesus says, “I do not seek glory for myself.” This humility in service is foundational in aligning with God’s will. Seek to do God’s work with a pure heart, without expecting recognition, for “your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:4).

  5. Trust in God’s Timing and Purposes:
    Chapter 2 reminds us that the Son of God fulfills His promises not by force or control but by trusting in God’s overarching plan. In 1 Peter 5:6-7, we are instructed to “humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Trusting in God’s perfect timing will keep you aligned with His will, helping you navigate life with peace and confidence, knowing that everything is unfolding as it should.

By practicing these principles—humility, non-attachment, balance, living for God’s glory, and trusting in God’s perfect timing—you can cultivate a mindset that aligns with God’s will. This mindset will lead to a life of peace, purpose, and fulfillment in accordance with God’s plan for you.

 

 

AIM:

  1. Embrace Humility and Service: Aim to adopt an attitude of selflessness and service to others, as exemplified by the Son of God. Seek to serve without seeking recognition, striving to follow Jesus’ example of putting others before yourself (Mark 9:35). This principle calls for a shift from selfish ambition to a life focused on the well-being of others.

  2. Seek Balance and Harmony: Life is full of contrasts—good and bad, easy and difficult, high and low—and these contrasts define our experience. Before acting, aim to achieve inner balance and harmony. This allows you to approach life’s ups and downs with grace and to accept both joy and suffering as part of God’s perfect plan (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Understanding this balance will guide you in making decisions that honor God’s wisdom.

  3. Let Go of Control and Trust in God’s Timing: Aim to let go of the desire for control over your life and the outcomes of your efforts. Trust that God’s plan is unfolding perfectly, and His timing is always right. This principle aligns with the call in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all your heart and not lean on your own understanding, acknowledging Him in all your ways.

  4. Live for God’s Glory, Not Your Own: Aim to focus on living a life that honors God, rather than seeking personal fame or accolades. Just as the Son of God did not seek glory but served to fulfill God’s will, aim to live in such a way that reflects His love and light to others (Matthew 5:16). This aligns with the command in 1 Corinthians 10:31 to do everything for the glory of God.

  5. Practice Non-Attachment to Outcomes: Aim to detach yourself from a strong attachment to specific results or expectations. The principle that “nothing is ever lost” when you don’t claim anything encourages you to let go of personal gain and trust in God’s provision. This mirrors Jesus’ teachings on surrender, such as in Luke 9:23, where He calls His followers to deny themselves and take up their cross daily, focusing on following God’s will rather than personal outcomes.

By aiming to embrace these principles—humility, balance, trust in God’s timing, living for His glory, and practicing non-attachment—you prepare yourself to live in accordance with the Will of God. These aims act as a foundation that will guide your actions and thoughts, helping you align with God’s divine plan for your life.

 

 

Practice:

  1. Embrace Humility in Service to Others
    Practice selflessness and humility, just as the Son of God did, who “achieved His purpose but not by His own actions.” This can be understood as focusing on serving others without seeking personal recognition or rewards. In Mark 9:35, Jesus teaches that greatness in God’s eyes is not about power or fame, but about serving others. The more you serve without expecting acknowledgment, the more you align with God’s will.

  2. Seek Inner Balance and Harmony in Life’s Contrasts
    Life offers contrasts—good and bad, easy and difficult. Practice recognizing that these contrasts are part of God’s design, helping you grow. As Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds us, “To everything there is a season,” and embracing both the highs and lows of life with grace will bring you closer to understanding God’s purpose for your life. When you encounter challenges, view them not as obstacles but as opportunities to grow and become more in tune with God’s will.

  3. Release Control and Trust in God’s Timing
    Avoid the temptation to control the outcomes of your actions. Instead, trust in God’s perfect timing and plan. This principle is reflected in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” When you let go of your need to control every situation, you open yourself to the unfolding of God’s will and timing in your life.

  4. Live for God’s Glory, Not Your Own
    Practice putting God first in all that you do. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, we are reminded, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” This means that in every aspect of life, from work to relationships, seek to honor God through your actions, keeping your focus on His glory, not on personal gain.

  5. Practice Non-Attachment to Outcomes
    Practice letting go of a strong attachment to specific results. Jesus’ example shows that fulfilling God’s will often means trusting that God’s plan is greater than any individual outcome. This principle echoes in Matthew 6:33, where we are told to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Let go of the need for immediate results and trust that God’s provision will be sufficient.

By integrating these practices into your life—serving others humbly, seeking balance in life’s contrasts, trusting in God’s timing, living for His glory, and practicing non-attachment—you align yourself with God’s will and purpose. These actions cultivate a life rooted in faith, trust, and service, fulfilling your divine calling.



Universal Language of Truth

The New Evangelization aims to unite all people and nations through a universal language of truth that speaks to diverse cultures, histories, and faiths. This chapter highlights our commonalities rather than our differences. Through this, we become the "Light" of the Holy Spirit for others to follow in the Body of Christ, illuminating His presence in the world.

  1. Humility in Service
    In the Christian tradition, Jesus exemplifies humility and selflessness, notably in the washing of the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17). Similarly, in Islam, humility is emphasized through the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who said, “The best among you are those who serve others” (Sahih Bukhari). In Hinduism, the concept of seva (selfless service) is central, with the Bhagavad Gita encouraging action without attachment to outcomes (Bhagavad Gita 3:35). Buddhism teaches Dana (generosity) and selfless service, with the Buddha noting that true happiness is found in serving others, rather than seeking personal gain. This universal truth calls all believers to humble service for the greater good, not for personal glory.

  2. Balance and Harmony in Life’s Contrasts
    The Taoist principle of balance, recognizing that opposites like good and bad, light and dark, are interdependent, mirrors similar themes across religions. In Christianity, the concept of “both/and” is seen in many scriptural teachings, such as the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), which teach balance between suffering and blessing. Buddhism emphasizes the balance of the Middle Path, steering clear of both extreme self-indulgence and extreme self-denial. In Hinduism, the idea of duality is intrinsic, where life’s opposites are understood as necessary for spiritual growth (Advaita Vedanta). Even in Islam, the Quran speaks of life’s tests, and how Allah balances hardship and ease for personal growth (Quran 94:5-7). These concepts suggest that the tensions between opposites are not to be resisted but embraced, as they guide one towards spiritual understanding.

  3. Releasing Control and Trusting in God’s Timing
    The principle of releasing control and trusting in divine timing is echoed across major religions. In Christianity, Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches believers to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,” emphasizing the need to rely on God’s wisdom. Similarly, in Islam, the concept of Tawakkul (trusting in God’s plan) is integral, with the Quran stating, “And whosoever fears Allah…He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty)” (Quran 65:2-3). Hinduism teaches the concept of surrender (saranagati) to God’s will, as seen in the Bhagavad Gita, where Arjuna surrenders to Krishna’s guidance, knowing that divine timing is beyond human comprehension (Bhagavad Gita 18:66). Buddhism teaches detachment, acknowledging that true peace comes from surrendering to the impermanence of life and accepting the present moment.

  4. Living for the Glory of God, Not for Personal Gain
    In Christianity, Jesus taught that one’s life should be for the glory of God, not for personal gain (Matthew 6:24). In Islam, believers are called to live their lives in submission to Allah’s will, seeking to serve others and act righteously without seeking recognition, as seen in the Quranic verse, “And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily…” (Quran 25:63). Hinduism places great importance on living according to dharma (righteousness), with the Bhagavad Gita urging individuals to perform their duties for the benefit of the divine and others, not for selfish gain (Bhagavad Gita 3:9). The Buddhist concept of Right Intention also emphasizes living for the benefit of others and seeking to do good without seeking reward.

  5. Non-Attachment to Outcomes
    The principle of non-attachment is central to the teachings of many religions. In Christianity, the Apostle Paul teaches in Philippians 4:11-12 that one should be content regardless of circumstances, showing non-attachment to material success or failure. Buddhism’s core teaching of anatta (non-self) and anicca (impermanence) encourages practitioners to release attachment to both success and failure, knowing they are temporary. Hinduism’s Bhagavad Gita advocates performing one’s duties without attachment to the results (Bhagavad Gita 2:47). Islam teaches in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286) that one should accept whatever happens in life as part of Allah’s divine plan, with trust in the outcome being ultimately in God’s hands.

In summary, the principles outlined in this chapter from the Christian version of the Tao Te Ching—humility in service, balance in life’s contrasts, trust in divine timing, living for the glory of God, and non-attachment—are universal truths shared across major religious traditions. They emphasize surrendering the self to the divine will, recognizing the interconnectedness of life’s opposites, and serving others selflessly. These teachings highlight that despite differences in religious doctrine, the core spiritual values of love, humility, and trust in God or the divine order are fundamentally the same across religions.

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