Chapter 20: Disciple of Jesus

 

Refrain from pointless learning
And your troubles will end a

What if people agree or disagree? b
What if people are good or bad? 
Must you fear what others fear? 
Such nonsense! How limitless! 

Other people take enjoyment c
As if they are at a sacrificial feast 
As if climbing up to the high terrace in spring 

I alone am still and quiet d
Like a weaned child not yet smiling 
So weary, drifting in the wind wherever it pleases e

The people have all they want f
I have nothing others possess 
I alone am a fool for God
Ordinary people display intelligence 
I alone appear muddled 
Ordinary people are sharp and clever 
I alone appear slow and dim 

I drift along the waves of the sea e
Blown aimless in the wind without boundaries 

Ordinary people are busy with goals rooted in this world f
I alone am stubborn and refuse the world
Indeed, I alone am different from the world 
And favor nourishment from God above

 

a 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; 1 Corinthians 3:19; Proverbs 14:7-8; b Galatians 2:6; Ecclesiastes 9:1-2; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Matthew 5:43-48; c 1 Corinthians 8:7-8; Exodus 32:18-21; d Psalm 131:1-3; e Isaiah 48:18-19; Psalm 107:23-30; John 3:8; f John 15:18-19; 1 John 2:15-17; 1 Corinthians 4:1-20.



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. Refrain from Pointless Learning
    In the modern world, we are bombarded with constant information, opinions, and distractions. However, to align with God’s will, it is important to seek knowledge that enriches your soul, focuses on the essentials, and leads to deeper understanding of God’s truth. Avoid being swept away by trivial pursuits or superficial wisdom that leads to confusion. This principle reflects the Bible’s teachings in Philippians 4:8—to focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy.

  2. Let Go of Fear and External Opinions
    The chapter stresses that it’s futile to worry about how others behave or what they fear. In our current times, society often places pressure on individuals to conform to cultural norms or pursue worldly success. To live in God’s will, however, is to trust in His plan for you without concern for others’ approval or judgment. As Jesus taught in Matthew 6:34, do not be anxious about tomorrow but trust in God’s provision today.

  3. Embrace Stillness and Simplicity
    The chapter suggests living in stillness, much like a weaned child, not yet striving for worldly things but fully content. In today’s fast-paced world, we often feel pressured to constantly perform or achieve. To align with God’s will, practice stillness—taking time to meditate, pray, and listen to God’s voice. Psalm 46:10 teaches, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This stillness creates space for God to lead you, guiding your actions and decisions.

  4. Detach from Worldly Ambitions
    The text emphasizes the freedom that comes from not chasing after worldly success or possessions. In the modern world, the pursuit of wealth, status, or personal success is often glorified, but Jesus warned against laying up treasures on earth, where they can decay (Matthew 6:19-21). Aligning with God’s will requires a heart free from these distractions, focused instead on fulfilling your God-given purpose, which may not always align with the world’s measures of success.

  5. Trust in God’s Guidance, Not Human Cleverness
    The chapter also contrasts worldly cleverness with the simplicity of trusting in God. In today’s world, many rely on their own understanding, intelligence, or manipulation to navigate challenges. However, Scripture advises us to lean not on our own understanding but to trust God with all our heart (Proverbs 3:5-6). By surrendering your cleverness and self-sufficiency, you make room for God to guide you with wisdom.

  6. Live Differently from the World
    Finally, the chapter suggests that the one who aligns with God’s will may appear “different” from the world. In modern society, this could mean living counter to popular culture—prioritizing love, compassion, and integrity over selfish ambition and materialism. In Romans 12:2, we are called not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewal of our minds.

By embodying these principles—stillness, humility, detachment from the world, and complete trust in God’s sovereignty—you can align your mindset with His will. This allows you to act in accordance with divine guidance and fulfill your purpose in today’s world.

AIM:

  1. Seek Simplicity and Humility
    Focus on living a simple life that is grounded in humility, rather than pursuing the complex or superficial. This means avoiding unnecessary distractions and noise, and instead, embracing the quiet that comes from knowing God’s peace. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus invites us to “take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” The aim here is to prioritize humility over the constant striving for achievement.

  2. Align with Divine Wisdom, Not Worldly Wisdom
    Keep your eyes on the wisdom that comes from God, which may often seem foolish to the world. Avoid chasing after worldly achievements or cleverness that leads to deception. As James 3:17 teaches, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” In today’s world, this means rejecting worldly cleverness and instead focusing on a wisdom rooted in love, patience, and peace.

  3. Live with Peaceful Detachment from Worldly Desires
    Aim to live free from the excessive desires that the world values, such as wealth, status, or personal gain. In doing so, you will avoid the restlessness that comes from constantly seeking what is temporary. Luke 12:15 says, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Keep your eyes on the eternal, rather than the fleeting rewards of this world.

  4. Embrace Stillness and Divine Trust
    Make stillness your goal. This stillness allows God’s wisdom to guide your actions. When you align your actions with God’s will, you will find that the right path becomes clear. In Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” the verse calls us to recognize God’s sovereignty and to trust Him in all things. In the busy, action-oriented world we live in, this can be countercultural, but it is a path to inner peace and correct alignment with divine purpose.

  5. Live Counter to the World’s Ambitions
    In a world driven by competition, success, and self-promotion, aim to live differently, by embracing values like meekness, contentment, and trust in God’s provision. The world may view such an approach as foolish or slow, but it aligns with Christ’s teachings in Matthew 5:3-12, where He blesses the meek and the poor in spirit. Keep your eyes fixed on God’s kingdom, which values eternal things over temporary success.

By keeping these principles in mind—simplicity, humility, divine wisdom, detachment from worldly desires, stillness, and living counter to the world’s ambitions—you will align yourself with God’s will and be able to fulfill your purpose in a way that transcends worldly concerns.

Practice:

  1. Embrace Simplicity and Humility
    Rather than pursuing status or complexity, focus on the simplicity of life and humility before God. Practice surrendering the need to be recognized, accepted, or admired, and instead, let God’s approval guide your actions. Matthew 5:3-5 teaches us that “Blessed are the poor in spirit… Blessed are the meek…”—those who rely on God’s grace and walk humbly will inherit the earth. Practically, you can engage in daily self-reflection to recognize where pride or self-righteousness might be taking over and correct that with actions of humility and service.

  2. Seek God’s Wisdom, Not Worldly Cleverness
    In today’s world, there is a constant temptation to rely on cleverness, schemes, or worldly knowledge to achieve success. However, God’s wisdom is different—it is peaceful, pure, and leads to righteous living. James 3:17 emphasizes, “The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving…” In daily life, this means leaning into prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than seeking worldly shortcuts or deceptive solutions. Seek peace and purity in your decision-making.

  3. Let Go of Worldly Desires
    Practice contentment and detachment from the desire for material possessions, success, or recognition. Jesus teaches in Luke 12:15, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” By living simply and focusing on the needs of others rather than the accumulation of wealth or status, you practice detachment. Start small—perhaps by serving others with no expectation of return or reassessing where your time and energy are focused.

  4. Cultivate Stillness and Trust in God
    In a world of constant busyness and noise, aim to create still moments where you can hear God’s voice. The stillness fosters trust and allows you to act according to God’s will rather than your own impulses. Psalm 46:10 calls us to “Be still and know that I am God.” Start by setting aside quiet moments for prayer and meditation, where you rest in God’s presence, trusting that He is in control, and aligning yourself with His will.

  5. Live Counter to the World’s Values
    Live a life that is counter-cultural, where success is measured not by what the world values, but by faithfulness to God’s commands. This often involves embracing meekness, patience, and service, rather than ambition, success, and competition. Matthew 20:26-28 highlights Jesus’ teaching that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” This means, in practice, focusing on serving others, loving your neighbors, and seeking God’s kingdom first rather than pursuing selfish goals.

By embodying these practices in your life, you will align more closely with God’s purpose for you. These principles—simplicity, humility, divine wisdom, contentment, stillness, and countercultural living—help you not only fulfill your purpose but do so in a way that glorifies God and brings peace to your heart.



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 Simplicity
    Humility and simplicity are central to many religious teachings. In Christianity, Matthew 5:3 (“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”) calls for a humble heart, void of self-exaltation. In Buddhism, the Dhammapada teaches, “The humble person is the wise one, for humility leads to enlightenment.” Hinduism, too, stresses the value of simplicity and humility as necessary for spiritual growth in the Bhagavad Gita (2:47), where Lord Krishna advises detachment from material success and pride.

  2. Divine Wisdom Over Worldly Knowledge
    The principle of seeking divine wisdom over worldly cleverness is reflected in numerous traditions. In Christianity, James 3:17 defines true wisdom as “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere,” highlighting the distinction between heavenly and earthly wisdom. In Islam, the Quran (2:269) affirms that true knowledge comes from Allah, and human knowledge is limited and humble. In Taoism, this principle is central, as it contrasts the wise sage who seeks alignment with the Tao (the divine principle) with those who rely on superficial intellect or knowledge.

  3. Contentment and Detachment from Materialism
    The concept of being content and detached from material desires appears in many religious scriptures. Christianity teaches contentment in Philippians 4:11 (“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances”), and warns against the dangers of greed in Luke 12:15. Similarly, in Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths address the suffering that comes from attachment and craving. Hinduism’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita (2:47) similarly advise detachment from the fruits of one’s labor, while Taoism consistently teaches letting go of desires in order to live harmoniously with the Tao.

  4. Stillness and Trust in God
    Trusting in God and living with stillness or surrender is a key practice in multiple religions. In Christianity, Psalm 46:10 instructs, “Be still and know that I am God.” Buddhism’s practice of meditation leads to stillness in mind, allowing for insight and spiritual understanding. In Hinduism, meditation (dhyana) leads to self-realization and communion with the divine. Taoism places great emphasis on quietude and aligning one’s will with the Tao, which allows for peace and the effortless flow of life. In all these traditions, the practice of stillness aligns with a deeper trust in the divine order.

  5. Living Counter to Worldly Values
    The Christian ideal of living counter to worldly values is expressed in Romans 12:2, where Paul exhorts believers, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Similarly, the Buddha rejected worldly attachments in favor of enlightenment, teaching that true happiness comes from liberation from desire. In Islam, believers are urged to prioritize the afterlife over the transient pleasures of this world (Quran 57:20). Hinduism’s Bhagavad Gita (3:36) advises detachment from worldly desires as a means of achieving spiritual fulfillment. Taoism also emphasizes non-attachment, guiding individuals to live naturally and authentically, unaffected by the fleeting concerns of the material world.

Across all these traditions, there is a common thread: true fulfillment and spiritual growth come not from external achievements, but from cultivating inner peace, humility, wisdom, and detachment. The Christian Tao Te Ching echoes universal spiritual truths that align with these teachings, promoting an inward, peaceful life rooted in a deep connection to the divine.

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