Chapter 7: Unity in Sacrifice

 

The Heavens and Earth are everlasting a
How can the Heavens and Earth last forever? 
Because they do not exist for themselves 
Thus they last forever

Therefore, the Son of God humbles Himself b
And in His humility is exalted
He sacrificed His life for everyone c
Yet His Spirit continues to live within us
Through acts of selfless love
This is how the Son of God fulfills His purpose

 

a 1 John 2:16-17; Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1; b Matthew 23:11-12; Philippians 2:5-11; c John 17:1-5; John 14:16-17; John 14:26;
John 15:12-13.



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 Over Self-Interest: Just as the Heavens and Earth endure because they do not exist for themselves, we are called to live with humility, not for our own gain but for the good of others. Christ’s example of humility, even in His divinity, teaches that putting others first is essential for fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives. In the modern world, where self-promotion and individualism are often emphasized, it’s crucial to remember that true greatness comes from serving others with a humble heart (Philippians 2:3-8, Matthew 23:11-12).

  2. Sacrificial Love as the Path to Purpose: Christ’s life and death for others are the ultimate acts of love and sacrifice. He didn’t live for Himself but gave His life to reconcile humanity to God (John 15:13). In today’s world, where instant gratification and selfish desires are prevalent, we are reminded that living according to God’s will often requires sacrificial love—whether it’s giving our time, resources, or forgiveness. Living a life of selflessness, as exemplified by Christ, is key to fulfilling our God-given purpose.

  3. Living Out the Spirit of God: Just as the Son of God humbly gave Himself for others and continues to live in His Spirit, we are called to let His Spirit guide our actions (Romans 8:11, Galatians 5:22-23). In modern times, this means actively seeking God’s presence in every aspect of life, from our relationships to our work, and responding with love, kindness, and grace.

The Right Mindset:

  • Focus on Selflessness and Service: Shift the mindset away from self-centered ambitions and toward a life dedicated to others. This aligns with the Will of God, which calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40).
  • Embrace Humility: True strength lies in humility. Let go of the desire to always be “right” or “first,” and instead focus on humbling yourself in service to others, as Christ did (Matthew 20:26-28).
  • Live with the Spirit of Love and Sacrifice: The ultimate purpose is to reflect God’s love to the world. Embrace love that is sacrificial, just as Christ’s love was (John 13:34-35). This means practicing love not only with those who love you but also with those who may oppose you or treat you unfairly (Matthew 5:44).

In today’s modern times, the principles from this chapter emphasize the importance of humility, selflessness, and sacrificial love. By cultivating these attitudes, you align your life more fully with God’s purpose, trusting that His will is to love others, act justly, and live humbly.

 

Aim:

  1. Seek Humility Over Self-Interest
    Aim to live not for your own glory, but for the benefit of others. Strive for a heart that prioritizes service over self-promotion. This is demonstrated by the way the Heavens and Earth endure because they do not exist for themselves (Matthew 23:11-12). Jesus, too, humbled Himself, setting the example of a life lived for others’ well-being (Philippians 2:5-8).

  2. Practice Selfless Love
    Aim to embody sacrificial love in every area of life. This love is not self-seeking but seeks to uplift others without expecting anything in return. Christ’s life and death were the ultimate acts of selfless love, meant to serve the greater good of reconciling humanity with God (John 15:13, Romans 5:8).

  3. Live with the Spirit of God
    Aim to allow the Spirit of God to dwell within you and guide your every action. When we live by the Spirit, we will produce fruit that mirrors God’s love, joy, peace, and kindness (Galatians 5:22-23). The Spirit empowers us to live a life of humility and sacrificial love, much like Jesus did (Romans 8:11).

  4. Surrender Control for the Greater Good
    Rather than living for personal gain, aim to live with the understanding that true fulfillment comes from surrendering control to God. The Son of God exemplified this through His submission to the Father’s will, leading to salvation for all (Luke 22:42).

Key Aims

  • Humility and Service: Prioritize others above yourself, following the example of Jesus (Matthew 20:26-28)
  • Sacrificial Love: Strive to love in a way that serves others selflessly, even at a personal cost (John 13:34-35)
  • Live with Divine Guidance: Let the Holy Spirit guide your thoughts, decisions, and actions, reflecting God’s character (Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:25)

Before implementing these principles, aim to cultivate a heart and mind focused on humility, sacrificial love, and divine guidance. This will set a strong foundation for putting these principles into practice in all aspects of life.

Practice:

  1. Live with Humility and Selflessness

    • What to Practice: The principle that Heaven and Earth last because they do not live for themselves teaches us to live humbly, not for self-glorification, but for the good of others. Your actions should reflect a selfless attitude, constantly placing others above yourself. Jesus is the perfect example of this humility, as He did not come to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28).
    • Scripture Reference: Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” This aligns with the idea that the greater purpose of life is to love and serve others, not ourselves.

  2. Sacrifice for the Greater Good

    • What to Practice: The Son of God sacrificed His life for everyone. Similarly, you should practice acts of sacrificial love—whether it’s giving time, resources, or support to those in need. Living out this sacrifice may not always be comfortable, but it is necessary for the greater good. Just as Jesus’ death was not for His own benefit, but for the salvation of mankind (John 15:13), so your sacrifices should be made with the mindset of serving others and bringing God’s light into the world.
    • Scripture Reference: Romans 12:1 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” This teaches that your daily actions and sacrifices are an offering to God.

  3. Service Without Expectation of Glory

    • What to Practice: Jesus shows that true greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking recognition (Matthew 23:11-12). Just as the Son of God humbled Himself, you too should practice serving others without expecting anything in return. This could include small acts of kindness or more significant life decisions, but the key is to serve with pure motives, for the glory of God and not for personal gain.
    • Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:11-12 – “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” The Bible emphasizes that God’s kingdom works through a reversal of worldly values, where the humble are exalted.

  4. Focus on God’s Glory, Not Your Own

    • What to Practice: Just as Heaven and Earth exist for God’s purposes, so should you live in a way that seeks to bring glory to God rather than to yourself. This may mean reframing your ambitions and focusing on His Kingdom rather than personal accolades. Your work, relationships, and actions should serve as reflections of God’s love and purpose, just as the universe reflects His greatness.
    • Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” By living for God’s glory, your life will bear eternal significance, and you will remain aligned with His divine purpose.

  5. Trust and Surrender to God’s Will

    • What to Practice: To fulfill your purpose, you must trust in God’s plan for you, even when it challenges your own desires or understanding. Just as the Son of God surrendered His will to the Father (Luke 22:42), you should aim to do the same, trusting that God knows what is best for you. Practicing this surrender is not passive but requires active faith—believing that God’s ways are higher than your own (Isaiah 55:9).
    • Scripture Reference: Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” By surrendering your will, you align yourself with God’s greater plan, which leads to fulfillment of your divine purpose.

In summary, these principles guide you to live in a way that reflects God’s Will: through humility, sacrificial love, service without seeking glory, living for His glory, and trusting in His greater plan. This approach ensures that your actions are aligned with your divine purpose, allowing you to fulfill the mission God has entrusted to you.



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 Selflessness

    • Christianity: Jesus’ teachings emphasize humility and the idea that greatness comes from serving others, as seen in Matthew 23:11-12, where Jesus says, “The greatest among you shall be your servant.” Christians believe that living humbly is a reflection of Christ’s sacrifice and love.
    • Buddhism: The Buddhist path emphasizes selflessness and the importance of letting go of ego. The practice of “right action” (part of the Noble Eightfold Path) requires humility and serving others without attachment.
    • Islam: In Islam, humility is also a key tenet. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “No one who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise” (Sahih Muslim). This aligns with the Christian and Buddhist principles of humility and self-sacrifice.
    • Hinduism: In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna advises Arjuna to perform selfless actions, saying in Chapter 3, verse 16, “He who does not follow the wheel of creation set of going in this world (i.e., does not act selflessly) sinful and sensual; he lives in vain.”

  2. Sacrifice for the Greater Good

    • Christianity: Jesus’ sacrificial love for humanity (John 15:13) serves as the ultimate example of giving for the greater good. This concept is echoed in the practice of self-sacrifice for others in many Christian traditions.
    • Buddhism: The concept of “compassionate action” involves working for the well-being of others, sometimes at the expense of one’s own comfort. The Buddha’s own life is a testament to renunciation for the benefit of all beings.
    • Islam: In Islam, the idea of sacrifice is prevalent, particularly during the observance of Eid al-Adha, where Muslims sacrifice an animal to share the blessing with others, reflecting the willingness to give to others selflessly.
    • Judaism: Sacrifice in Judaism can be seen in the acts of charity (Tzedakah) and in the lives of those who commit to justice and peace, such as the prophets, who called for self-sacrifice to create a better society.

  3. Living for God’s Glory, Not Your Own

    • Christianity: The idea of living for God’s glory is central in Christianity, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Christians are encouraged to place God’s will above personal gain.
    • Buddhism: The goal of Buddhists is to achieve Nirvana, a state beyond selfish desires and attachments. This can be seen as a form of living not for self but for the realization of the highest good.
    • Islam: The concept of “Ikhlas” (sincerity) in Islam emphasizes doing everything with the pure intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure, mirroring the Christian concept of living for God’s glory.
    • Hinduism: The Bhagavad Gita speaks of the importance of acting selflessly for the divine cause. In Chapter 9, verse 22, Krishna says, “To those who are constantly devoted and who always remember Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.”

  4. Trusting and Surrendering to God’s Will

    • Christianity: Surrendering to God’s will is essential in Christian spirituality. Jesus exemplified this in the Garden of Gethsemane, saying, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). This speaks to trusting God’s plan, even when it is difficult.
    • Buddhism: In Buddhism, the concept of surrender is not to a deity but to the flow of existence and the cessation of personal desire. The practice of non-attachment can be viewed as surrendering to the natural order of life.
    • Islam: The word “Islam” itself means submission to the will of Allah. The Quran teaches that one should trust in Allah’s plan, as in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286: “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.”
    • Hinduism: In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna urges Arjuna to surrender to Him completely, stating that He will take care of all Arjuna’s burdens (Chapter 18, verse 66). Trusting in God’s guidance and surrendering to divine will is key to Hindu teachings.

  5. Service Without Expectation of Glory

    • Christianity: In Christianity, serving others without seeking personal gain is crucial. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, setting an example of humble service (John 13:12-17).
    • Buddhism: The Bodhisattva ideal in Mahayana Buddhism revolves around the idea of selflessly helping others to achieve enlightenment without seeking any reward or recognition.
    • Islam: The Quran teaches the value of charity and helping others, with the focus being on sincere, unseen actions. Surah Al-Baqarah 2:273: “Charity is for those in need, and Allah knows your intentions.”
    • Judaism: In Jewish tradition, acts of kindness and charity are valued above all else, and serving others without expecting recognition is considered a righteous act.

The principles found in your Christian version of the Tao Te Ching chapter can resonate deeply across all major religions because they emphasize universal values that transcend specific religious doctrines. These values are central to how various faith traditions view the nature of God, humanity, and the path to spiritual fulfillment. These principles align with values found in major world religions: selflessness, sacrifice for others, humility, living for the greater good, and surrendering to a divine will. These ideas echo through Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, demonstrating a shared understanding of spiritual wisdom that transcends any single tradition.

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