Chapter 4: Nature of God

 

The Way is an endless well a
Used by everyone but never filled up 

So unfathomable! 
The infinite source of all creation

It softens sharp edges
Untangles the knots
Harmonizes the light 
And unites the dust of the Earth 

Invisible, yet always present b
You may ask whose child it is c
I say He is the Son of the Living God before existence


a John 14:4-6; Genesis 2:1-9; Romans 11:33-34; Isaiah 40:13-14; 1 Corinthians 2:1; b Colossians 1:15-20; John 14:20; c Matthew 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-29.



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. Embrace Humility and Trust in the Unseen
    Just as the “Way” is described as an endless well, infinite and unfathomable, God’s presence is both invisible and always present, even when unseen. To align with God’s will, cultivate humility by acknowledging that not everything can be fully understood or controlled by human effort. Instead, trust in God’s eternal wisdom, which, like the “Way,” is both a mystery and a source of all creation. The Bible teaches us that God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9), and we are called to trust in His divine plan even when we can’t fully comprehend it (Proverbs 3:5-6).

  2. Practice the Art of Surrender
    The “Way” softens sharp edges and untangles knots, symbolizing the power of surrender and allowing God’s grace to flow through. To align with the Will of God, practice letting go of personal ambitions, fears, or desires that conflict with God’s purpose for you. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us to take His yoke upon us and learn from Him, for He is gentle and humble in heart. This call to surrender invites peace and alignment with God’s will. Surrender doesn’t mean passivity but recognizing God’s guidance and aligning our actions with His purpose.

  3. Be Present in the Moment and Seek Harmony
    The “Way” harmonizes light and unites the dust of the Earth, symbolizing the importance of bringing unity and peace into all aspects of life. To align with God’s will, focus on being present in the moment, seeking His guidance in everyday situations. Ephesians 4:3 reminds us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” This teaches us that living in harmony with others and God’s creation is key to fulfilling His purpose. By being still and attuned to God’s presence, we can begin to see the “light” He brings into our lives, even in the midst of challenges.

  4. Acknowledge Christ as the Eternal Source
    The chapter ends with the statement that the “Way” is the Son of the Living God, the source before existence. To align with God’s will, remember that Jesus Christ is both the beginning and the end, the creator and sustainer of all things (John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16-17). Knowing Christ as the eternal source helps us understand that everything we do should reflect His love, humility, and purpose. As we live with this awareness, we are reminded that we are not the origin of our own strength or purpose; instead, we draw our life from God alone.

By embracing humility, surrendering to God’s will, seeking harmony in our relationships, and acknowledging Christ as the eternal source, we can cultivate a mindset that aligns with God’s will. This mindset frees us from unnecessary desires, allowing God’s grace to flow more freely in our lives, leading to peace, purpose, and fulfillment.

 

AIM:

  1. Align with the Infinite and Unfathomable Source of Creation
    Our first goal should be to recognize the infinite, mysterious nature of God’s will. Just as the “Way” is described as an endless, unfathomable well, God’s guidance is boundless, beyond our full comprehension. We should strive to develop an openness and humility toward God’s wisdom, acknowledging that His ways are not fully grasped by human understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). Aiming to live in humility means accepting that not everything can be known, but we trust in God’s plan for us, which is far greater than our limited perception.

  2. Seek Harmony in All Aspects of Life
    The “Way” brings harmony, softening sharp edges and uniting everything, including the contrasts of life (light and darkness, high and low). Our aim should be to live in harmony with God, others, and creation. This involves seeking peace in our relationships and environments, reflecting Christ’s message of unity. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39) and to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Aiming for harmony also means striving for inner peace, balancing our desires, and aligning our actions with God’s will.

  3. Embrace Stillness and Presence with God
    The “Way” is both invisible and always present, which points to the importance of stillness and being present in the moment. In life, we should aim to cultivate quietude in our hearts and minds to listen for God’s voice. Psalm 46:10 encourages us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” By creating moments of silence and reflection, we allow God’s Spirit to guide us. This practice helps us align with His will in every situation and opens our hearts to His presence.

  4. Acknowledge Christ as the Eternal Source
    Recognizing that the “Way” is the Son of the Living God before existence calls us to acknowledge Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of life and purpose. Before practicing these principles, we should aim to accept Christ’s eternal nature and His role as the foundation of all creation (John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16-17). Understanding Christ as the eternal source helps us live out our faith in every area of life, pointing us toward a deeper relationship with God.

  5. Live Out the Principles of Grace and Love
    Just as the “Way” softens, untangles, and unites, we should aim to live by grace and love in all our actions. The gospel teaches us that love is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-39), and this love should be reflected in our relationships with God, others, and ourselves. Before we act, we should aim to root our actions in God’s love, allowing His grace to soften our hearts and guide our decisions.

In summary, before practicing the principles, aim to align your life with God’s infinite wisdom, seek peace and harmony in your relationships, embrace stillness to hear God’s voice, acknowledge Christ as the source of life, and live out love and grace in all things. This mindset sets the foundation for living according to God’s will.

 

Practice:

  1. Align with God’s Infinite Wisdom and Presence
    Embrace the understanding that God’s ways are far beyond human comprehension, much like the “Way” described as an endless, unfathomable well. This aligns with the biblical truth that God’s wisdom is beyond measure (Romans 11:33). To live in accordance with His Will, practice humility and surrender, acknowledging that your understanding is limited but trusting that God’s plan is perfect. Quiet your heart and mind to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, allowing His infinite presence to guide your actions (Psalm 46:10, Isaiah 55:8-9).

  2. Seek Harmony in Life and Relationships
    Like the “Way” that softens edges and unites, you are called to bring harmony into your life, reflecting Christ’s call for peace and unity. Practice this by cultivating peace in your relationships—whether in your family, community, or workplace. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), and this principle invites you to act with love and reconciliation, bringing healing to divided situations. Ensure that your actions and attitudes reflect His love and grace, promoting understanding over conflict.

  3. Embrace Stillness and Seek God’s Voice
    The “Way” is both invisible and always present, which teaches the importance of stillness and attentiveness to God’s voice. Practice daily stillness, making time to pray, meditate on Scripture, and reflect on His presence in your life (Psalm 46:10). By practicing this quiet time, you open yourself to hearing from God and discerning His guidance in every moment, allowing His Spirit to lead your thoughts and decisions.

  4. Acknowledge Christ as the Source of Your Life and Purpose
    The “Way” is identified as the Son of the Living God before existence. To fulfill your purpose according to God’s will, you must acknowledge Jesus Christ as the source of your life and purpose. Practice submitting your life to Him as the foundation of all things (John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16-17). In doing so, you live with the knowledge that your purpose is anchored in Him, and all actions flow from His grace and love.

  5. Live Out the Principles of Grace and Love
    The chapter emphasizes how the “Way” harmonizes and unites. For you, this means living out the principles of grace and love in your daily life. Show compassion and mercy to others, just as Christ has shown to you (Ephesians 4:32). Practicing forgiveness and service will align you with God’s heart for others, allowing His love to be seen through your actions (John 13:34-35).

By practicing these principles—humility, harmony, stillness, acknowledging Christ as the source, and living in grace and love—you align with the Will of God and fulfill your purpose in His Kingdom.



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 and Surrender
    The concept of surrendering to a higher power and acknowledging one’s limitations is central to many religions. In Christianity, Jesus teaches humility, particularly in His example of submitting to God’s will (Luke 22:42). The Buddhist concept of “non-self” (anatta) encourages letting go of ego, while in Hinduism, the path of devotion (bhakti) calls for surrendering to God with a humble heart. Islam emphasizes submission to the will of Allah (Islamic term “Islam” means surrender), teaching that true strength lies in humility before God (Quran 3:133-135). This aligns with the Christian principle of acknowledging God’s infinite wisdom and the idea of living in humility, trusting His plan.

  2. Unity and Harmony
    The emphasis on harmony, such as softening sharp edges and uniting divisions, resonates deeply with teachings in multiple religions. Christianity calls for peace and reconciliation (Matthew 5:9), which echoes the Buddhist teaching of compassion and loving-kindness (Metta). Hinduism teaches the interconnectedness of all things through the concept of yoga and dharma, emphasizing unity with the divine and the world. The Islamic teachings on community and solidarity (Ummah) also reflect this principle. Each religion promotes living in peace with others and fostering harmony, which mirrors the idea of uniting opposing forces and living in balance with God’s will.

  3. Stillness and the Presence of God
    The chapter’s principle of stillness and being receptive to the “Way” mirrors the Christian practice of contemplative prayer and seeking God’s presence in silence (Psalm 46:10). In Buddhism, mindfulness and meditation are central to cultivating an awareness of the present moment and the inner workings of the mind. In Hinduism, practices such as dhyana (meditation) help one attune to the divine presence. The Sufi tradition within Islam also emphasizes quieting the mind to experience closeness to Allah, particularly through the practice of dhikr (remembrance of God). These practices across religions highlight the universal truth that stillness and quietude are vital for connecting with the divine.

  4. The Source of Life and Purpose
    The notion that the “Way” is the source of all creation and purpose aligns with religious concepts of God or a divine essence as the source of life. In Christianity, God is the Creator of all things (John 1:1-3). In Hinduism, the idea of Brahman as the ultimate reality from which all creation flows mirrors this view. In Taoism itself, the Tao is the eternal source of the universe. Islam acknowledges Allah as the Creator of all (Quran 2:164). This universal principle underscores that a connection with the divine is foundational to understanding one’s purpose in life.

  5. Grace, Love, and Compassion
    The principles of grace, love, and compassion found in the Christian version of this chapter are central in virtually every major religion. Christianity teaches love as the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-39), and Jesus’ life exemplified compassion and mercy. Similarly, Buddhism emphasizes compassion (karuna) as essential to the path of enlightenment. Hinduism’s practice of loving devotion (bhakti) directs individuals to serve God with an open heart. Islam emphasizes mercy and compassion as core attributes of Allah, with the Quran frequently calling for acts of kindness (Quran 16:90). These themes are consistent across all religions, showing that love and grace are universal principles that guide followers to align with the divine.

In summary, the principles of humility, harmony, stillness, the source of life, and love outlined in your Christian version of the Tao Te Ching reflect universal truths that appear in many religious traditions. These core ideas—surrendering to a higher power, fostering peace, connecting with the divine in stillness, recognizing God as the source of purpose, and living a life of grace and love—are present in Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and many other spiritual teachings. They remind us that the path to understanding and fulfilling our purpose is rooted in principles that transcend individual religions, pointing to the shared human pursuit of aligning with the divine.

 

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