RESTORE

This chapter from the BFG Handbook (Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching) presents the gospel with a new "Expression" of God’s Love to restore the Truth.

Chapter 25: The Great

 

There is something formless and eternal a
Before the Heavens and Earth were created 

So silent! So unfathomable! 
Independent and unchanging 
Omnipresent and inexhaustible 
Maker of the Heavens and Earth 

I do not know His name b
For lack of a name, I call Him God 
Forced to name God further; I call Him “Great” 

Being Great, God flows through all things c
Flowing everywhere, far and deep 
Reaching far and deep, He returns 

Hence, God is Great a
He makes the Heavens Great 
He makes the Earth Great 
He makes the Master Great 
The four Greats in the universe 
Thus the Master is one of the Great 

Man follows the natural laws of Earth d
Earth follows the natural laws of the Heavens 
The Heavens follow the natural laws of God 
God follows the laws of His own nature

 

a Genesis 1:1-31; Colossians 1:15-20; b Exodus 3:13-14; c Psalm 139:7-10; d Romans 1:18-21.



RENEWAL

The Trinitarian Method (M.A.P.) is the framework for Renewal, where God’s Love shapes our MINDSET, Trust in the Son directs our AIM, and Faith in the Holy Spirit guides our PRACTICE.

Mindset:

1. Humility Before the Eternal and Formless God

  • Line from the Chapter: “There is something formless and eternal before the Heavens and Earth were created.”
  • Mindset: Embrace humility by acknowledging the unfathomable nature of God, recognizing that His wisdom and ways far exceed human understanding.
  • Explanation: This mindset involves recognizing that God’s ways and nature are beyond our full comprehension. We should approach God with humility, acknowledging that we do not have all the answers and that His eternal wisdom guides everything.
  • Real-world Application: In today’s world, where there is often a focus on self-sufficiency and individualism, cultivate a mindset of surrender to God’s will. Approach challenges and decisions with a heart open to God’s guidance, trusting that His eternal wisdom will lead you.
  • Scripture Reference: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. – Isaiah 55:8.

2. Stillness and Trust in God’s Plan

  • Line from the Chapter: “So silent! So unfathomable! Independent and unchanging.”
  • Mindset: Cultivate stillness in your heart, trusting in God’s unchanging and dependable nature.
  • Explanation: In a world that is constantly changing and filled with noise, this mindset encourages us to find stillness in God’s presence. We must trust that, even when we cannot hear or understand God’s voice, He is steadfast and His plans are always for our good.
  • Real-world Application: Practice moments of stillness in your daily life—whether through prayer, meditation, or simply taking time to reflect. Trust that, even in times of silence, God is working behind the scenes, and we must learn to be patient and trust His timing.
  • Scripture Reference: “Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10.

3. Awareness of God’s Omnipresence in All Things

  • Line from the Chapter: “Being Great, God flows through all things, flowing everywhere, far and deep, reaching far and deep, He returns.”
  • Mindset: Cultivate an awareness of God’s presence in all aspects of life, recognizing that He is actively involved in everything.
  • Explanation: This mindset emphasizes recognizing that God’s presence is in every part of creation, including our own lives. We are called to be mindful of His omnipresence, which should encourage us to live with a heightened awareness of His guiding presence and influence in all that we do.
  • Real-world Application: Start practicing mindfulness by acknowledging God’s presence in every situation—whether in work, relationships, or personal moments. This mindset helps cultivate a deeper connection with God and encourages living with intentionality and purpose.
  • Scripture Reference: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” – 1 Corinthians 3:16.

4. Reverence for God’s Creation and His Order

  • Line from the Chapter: “Hence, God is Great. He makes the Heavens Great. He makes the Earth Great.”
  • Mindset: Foster a mindset of reverence for God’s creation, acknowledging His greatness in everything around us.
  • Explanation: This mindset calls us to view the natural world with awe and reverence, recognizing that everything in creation is a reflection of God’s greatness. We must understand that the order and beauty of the world are expressions of God’s divine nature and should lead us to honor and care for creation.
  • Real-world Application: Adopt a lifestyle of stewardship—taking care of the environment, respecting the people around you, and honoring the natural resources God has given us. When we live with a sense of reverence, we are more likely to make choices that align with God’s will for creation.
  • Scripture Reference: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” – Psalm 24:1.

5. Alignment with God’s Laws and Divine Order

  • Line from the Chapter: “Man follows the natural laws of Earth. Earth follows the natural laws of the Heavens. The Heavens follow the natural laws of God. God follows the laws of His own nature.”
  • Mindset: Cultivate a mindset of submission to God’s laws, recognizing that God’s divine order is perfect and unchanging.
  • Explanation: This mindset emphasizes the need to live in alignment with God’s divine order, as everything in creation follows His perfect laws. As humans, we are called to align our actions, decisions, and life goals with the will of God, understanding that His laws reflect His goodness and wisdom.
  • Real-world Application: In every area of life—whether in business, relationships, or personal conduct—strive to align your choices with God’s principles. This means living according to His commandments, loving others, and upholding justice and truth.
  • Scripture Reference: “But the one who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” – James 1:25.

6. Understanding the Role of Humanity in God’s Creation

  • Line from the Chapter: “God follows the laws of His own nature.”
  • Mindset: Adopt a mindset of humility and responsibility, recognizing our role in God’s grand design.
  • Explanation: This mindset calls for understanding that, just as God follows His own laws, we too are called to follow His divine guidance in order to live according to our true purpose. By embracing our role as stewards of creation, we acknowledge that we are co-workers with God in fulfilling His plan.
  • Real-world Application: Practice living in alignment with God’s will by being responsible in your actions, recognizing that your life has a purpose in the greater design of creation. Live intentionally, seeking to be a faithful servant of God in all you do.
  • Scripture Reference: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” – Genesis 2:15.

Cultivating a Mindset of Reverence, Humility, and Alignment

In order to practice the principles from this chapter of the Christian version of the Tao Te Ching, we must first adopt a mindset that is humble, still, and aware of God’s omnipresence and greatness. We are called to live in alignment with His divine order, respecting both His creation and the laws He has set in place. This mindset, when embraced, transforms how we approach every decision and action in our daily lives, leading to a deeper connection with God and a life that reflects His glory.

AIM:

1. Aim for Humility Before God’s Eternal Nature

  • Line from the Chapter: “There is something formless and eternal before the Heavens and Earth were created.”
  • Aim: Aim for humility in recognizing God’s eternal and formless nature. Acknowledge that we are finite and dependent on His infinite wisdom.
  • Explanation: Humility is the foundational attitude in acknowledging that God is eternal, uncreated, and far beyond our understanding. This mindset requires us to let go of pride and self-reliance, recognizing that we must depend on God in every aspect of life.
  • Real-world Application: In today’s world, where self-promotion and independence are often emphasized, we should aim to stay humble in the knowledge that we are not the center of the universe. Acknowledge that God’s eternal wisdom is what guides our decisions, not our own limited understanding.
  • Scripture Reference: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6.

2. Aim for Stillness and Trust in God’s Timing

  • Line from the Chapter: “So silent! So unfathomable! Independent and unchanging.”
  • Aim: Aim for stillness and trust, knowing that God’s silence or seeming absence does not equate to inaction. Trust that His timing is perfect, even when it feels like nothing is happening.
  • Explanation: The aim here is to practice patience and trust in God’s unchanging nature. Despite the noise and busyness of life, God’s perfect plan is always unfolding in His time. We must aim to be still, trusting that even in silence, He is at work.
  • Real-world Application: In a world that values speed and instant gratification, aim to cultivate patience. When faced with difficult situations or when answers seem delayed, remind yourself to trust in God’s perfect timing. Take moments to pause and reflect, listening for His guidance.
  • Scripture Reference: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9.

3. Aim for Awareness of God’s Omnipresence

  • Line from the Chapter: “Being Great, God flows through all things, flowing everywhere, far and deep, reaching far and deep, He returns.”
  • Aim: Aim for an increased awareness of God’s presence in all aspects of life, understanding that He is always at work around us.
  • Explanation: This principle encourages us to keep our focus on God’s omnipresence. Aim to see His hand in every situation, no matter how big or small, and be attuned to how He is working in and through all things.
  • Real-world Application: Make a conscious effort to recognize God’s presence in your day-to-day activities. Whether in work, relationships, or nature, practice noticing where God is at work. This can be as simple as pausing to pray when you encounter difficulties or feeling grateful for moments of peace.
  • Scripture Reference: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” – Psalm 24:1.

4. Aim for Reverence and Gratitude for God’s Creation

  • Line from the Chapter: “Hence, God is Great. He makes the Heavens Great. He makes the Earth Great.”
  • Aim: Aim for reverence and gratitude for all of God’s creation, understanding that everything in the universe reflects His greatness.
  • Explanation: This principle emphasizes recognizing the divine in creation. By acknowledging the beauty and complexity of the natural world, we honor God as the Creator and sustain our relationship with Him through gratitude and stewardship.
  • Real-world Application: In our consumer-driven society, it’s important to shift our mindset toward valuing the environment, people, and resources as sacred gifts from God. Be mindful in how you consume and interact with the world, striving to protect and care for creation in a way that reflects reverence for the Creator.
  • Scripture Reference: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20.

5. Aim for Alignment with God’s Divine Order

  • Line from the Chapter: “Man follows the natural laws of Earth. Earth follows the natural laws of the Heavens. The Heavens follow the natural laws of God.”
  • Aim: Aim to live in alignment with God’s divine order, recognizing that everything in creation has its rightful place and purpose according to His will.
  • Explanation: This principle encourages us to align our lives with God’s perfect order. Just as the natural world follows divine laws, we are called to follow God’s commandments and His guidance. This alignment brings peace, purpose, and fulfillment.
  • Real-world Application: In today’s complex world, we can often feel disconnected from a sense of order. Aim to make decisions that align with God’s will by prioritizing His commands and seeking His guidance. Whether in relationships, work, or personal life, choose paths that reflect God’s wisdom and order.
  • Scripture Reference: “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” – 1 Corinthians 14:33.

6. Aim for the Ultimate Glory of God

  • Line from the Chapter: “God follows the laws of His own nature.”
  • Aim: Aim to live in such a way that everything you do points back to God’s glory, reflecting His perfect nature through your actions.
  • Explanation: This mindset emphasizes that God’s nature is holy and righteous. As we aim to reflect His nature, we live in a way that brings glory to Him. This means aligning our actions with His goodness and serving others in a way that honors God.
  • Real-world Application: Focus on actions that glorify God, whether big or small. In your work, relationships, or community service, ask yourself how your actions reflect God’s love, justice, and grace. Make decisions that lead others to see the goodness of God through your life.
  • Scripture Reference: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Keeping Our Eyes on Divine Purpose

To live in accordance with the principles from this chapter, we must aim for humility, stillness, awareness of God’s omnipresence, reverence for creation, alignment with divine order, and living for God’s glory. These aims guide our actions and decisions, ensuring that we live purposefully and reflect the greatness of God in our lives. In a world full of distractions, these aims help us focus on the divine purpose, leading to a life that is aligned with God’s will.

Practice:

1. Practice Humility Before God’s Eternal Nature

  • Line from the Chapter: “There is something formless and eternal before the Heavens and Earth were created.”
  • Practice: Develop a habit of humility in your daily life by recognizing that God’s wisdom is beyond comprehension. Begin your day with a prayer of surrender, acknowledging that you are dependent on His wisdom and guidance for every decision.
  • Explanation: Humility before God’s eternal nature means acknowledging that our understanding is limited and that we must trust in His infinite wisdom and perfect plans. It’s about letting go of self-reliance and submitting to God’s greater purpose.
  • Real-world Application: In our modern, self-driven world, practicing humility can involve listening more than speaking, being open to advice, and acknowledging that we do not know everything. When faced with challenges, instead of relying on your own strength, turn to God for wisdom and guidance.
  • Scripture Reference: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6.

2. Practice Stillness and Trust in God’s Timing

  • Line from the Chapter: “So silent! So unfathomable! Independent and unchanging.”
  • Practice: Set aside time each day for stillness and quiet reflection. Practice the discipline of waiting in silence, trusting that even when God seems silent, He is still working in your life.
  • Explanation: Practicing stillness means quieting the noise of the world to hear God’s voice. Trusting in God’s timing involves patience, believing that His timing is perfect even when it doesn’t align with our expectations.
  • Real-world Application: In today’s fast-paced world, where immediate results are often expected, it’s important to pause and trust that God’s timing is perfect. When you face difficult decisions or situations, resist the urge to rush or force outcomes. Trust that God’s plan will unfold in His perfect time.
  • Scripture Reference: “Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10.

3. Practice Awareness of God’s Omnipresence

  • Line from the Chapter: “Being Great, God flows through all things, flowing everywhere, far and deep, reaching far and deep, He returns.”
  • Practice: Cultivate mindfulness of God’s presence throughout the day. In every situation, remind yourself that God is present and active in all things.
  • Explanation: Practicing awareness of God’s omnipresence means recognizing that He is in all aspects of life, guiding, sustaining, and interacting with creation. This practice invites a constant awareness that God is always near, helping us align our thoughts and actions with His will.
  • Real-world Application: In daily life, from work to family to leisure, practice being mindful of God’s presence. Whether you’re facing a challenging meeting or spending time with loved ones, acknowledge that God is there with you. This practice helps maintain peace and ensures that your actions reflect God’s love.
  • Scripture Reference: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” – 1 Corinthians 3:16.

4. Practice Reverence and Gratitude for Creation

  • Line from the Chapter: “Hence, God is Great. He makes the Heavens Great. He makes the Earth Great.”
  • Practice: Develop a habit of gratitude for the natural world and all of God’s creation. Regularly reflect on the beauty and complexity of creation, and take steps to care for the environment and resources God has entrusted to you.
  • Explanation: Reverence for creation involves recognizing the divine in everything God has made. It calls us to honor God as the Creator by caring for the world around us and acknowledging the beauty and wisdom in all that He has created.
  • Real-world Application: Engage in environmental stewardship—reduce waste, recycle, conserve water, and protect the natural world. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by thanking God for the beauty of nature. This practice helps us live in harmony with creation and reminds us of God’s greatness.
  • Scripture Reference: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” – Psalm 24:1.

5. Practice Alignment with Divine Order

  • Line from the Chapter: “Man follows the natural laws of Earth. Earth follows the natural laws of the Heavens. The Heavens follow the natural laws of God.”
  • Practice: Consciously align your life with God’s will by following His commandments and His divine order. Make decisions that reflect the principles of justice, mercy, and truth, as outlined in Scripture.
  • Explanation: This practice involves living in accordance with the natural laws God has set in place—whether in creation or moral law. When we align our actions with God’s will, we live in harmony with His purpose for our lives.
  • Real-world Application: In your personal and professional life, seek to live according to biblical principles. This means making ethical choices, practicing justice and mercy, and living in peace with others. Each decision, no matter how small, should reflect the divine order that God has established.
  • Scripture Reference: “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” – 1 Corinthians 14:33.

6. Practice Glorifying God in All Things

  • Line from the Chapter: “God follows the laws of His own nature.”
  • Practice: Make it a habit to glorify God in everything you do. Whether working, spending time with family, or engaging in leisure activities, do everything for the glory of God.
  • Explanation: This practice involves aligning our actions with God’s nature, reflecting His holiness and goodness in all we do. By doing so, we bring glory to God and fulfill our purpose as His creation.
  • Real-world Application: In every aspect of life, ask yourself how you can reflect God’s glory through your actions. This might mean showing kindness to others, working with excellence, or living with integrity. The goal is to make every action a reflection of God’s greatness and holiness.
  • Scripture Reference: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Practicing the Way of God in Today’s World

To fulfill your purpose according to the Way of God, you should practice humility, stillness, awareness of God’s presence, reverence for creation, alignment with divine order, and glorifying God in all things. These practices help you live in harmony with God’s eternal wisdom and will, aligning your life with His divine purpose. By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can fulfill your purpose with peace, purpose, and alignment to God’s will.



RESPOND

Spiritual renewal empowers us to respond to the call of holiness and share the Joy of the Gospel confidently. In this unity of transformation, we reflect God’s presence, illuminating His light to make disciples of all nations."

1. The Divine is Eternal, Formless, and Omnipresent

  • Line from the Chapter: “There is something formless and eternal before the Heavens and Earth were created.”

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: God is eternal, without beginning or end, and omnipresent (Psalm 90:2).
    • Islam: Allah is eternal and without form, transcending all time and space (Qur’an 2:255).
    • Hinduism: Brahman, the supreme reality, is formless, eternal, and beyond human comprehension (Bhagavad Gita 10:20).
    • Buddhism: The ultimate reality, Nirvana, is formless and timeless, beyond dualistic concepts (Dhammapada 153).

  • How This Unites Us: Across all major religions, we see the recognition of a Divine presence that transcends human understanding, beyond form and bound by no physical limits. This universal truth emphasizes that the Divine is not contained by time or space, but is omnipresent and eternal, reminding us of our connection to the divine source.

  • Real-world Application: This principle invites us to approach life with humility, understanding that the Divine is beyond our grasp yet intimately involved in all of creation. By embracing this truth, we can relinquish our need for control and trust in the higher power guiding our lives.

  • Scripture Reference:

    • Christianity: “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” – Psalm 90:2.
    • Islam: “Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence.” – Qur’an 2:255.
    • Hinduism: “I am the Self, O Gudakesha, seated in the hearts of all creatures. I am the beginning, the middle and the end of all creatures.” – Bhagavad Gita 10:20.
    • Buddhism: “Nirvana is the ultimate reality, the cessation of all suffering, beyond birth and death.” – Dhammapada 153.

2. God Flows Through All Things, Guiding Creation

  • Line from the Chapter: “Being Great, God flows through all things, flowing everywhere, far and deep, reaching far and deep, He returns.”

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: The Holy Spirit is present and active in all creation, guiding, empowering, and sustaining life (Acts 17:28).
    • Islam: Allah’s presence is in all things, sustaining and guiding creation (Qur’an 57:4).
    • Hinduism: Vishnu, as the sustainer, pervades and guides the universe, ensuring the flow of life and harmony (Bhagavad Gita 9:4).
    • Buddhism: The interdependent nature of all things reflects a unified flow of energy and life that connects all beings (The Heart Sutra).

  • How This Unites Us: All religions recognize the divine presence that sustains and guides creation. Whether through the Holy Spirit in Christianity, Allah’s guiding force in Islam, Vishnu’s sustaining role in Hinduism, or the interdependent nature in Buddhism, the divine is seen as flowing through everything, creating unity and interconnectedness in the world.

  • Real-world Application: We can practice this awareness of the Divine’s flow in our lives by embracing interconnectedness, cultivating compassion, and striving for harmony with all beings. By recognizing that the Divine permeates everything, we can foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship in our actions and relationships.

  • Scripture Reference:

    • Christianity: “For in him we live and move and have our being.” – Acts 17:28.
    • Islam: “It is Allah who created the heavens and the earth and everything in between in six days; then He established Himself above the Throne.” – Qur’an 57:4.
    • Hinduism: “By Me, in My unmanifested form, this entire universe is pervaded. All beings are in Me, but I am not in them.” – Bhagavad Gita 9:4.
    • Buddhism: “Form is emptiness, and emptiness is form.” – Heart Sutra.

3. Humility and Submission to Divine Laws

  • Line from the Chapter: “Man follows the natural laws of Earth. Earth follows the natural laws of the Heavens. The Heavens follow the natural laws of God.”

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: Humans are called to live according to God’s commandments and divine order (Matthew 6:10).
    • Islam: The laws of nature are created by Allah, and submission to His will brings peace and harmony (Qur’an 3:19).
    • Hinduism: Dharma, or righteousness, is the natural law that governs all of creation, and humans are called to live in accordance with it (Bhagavad Gita 3:35).
    • Buddhism: The Eightfold Path represents the natural law of living rightly in the world, harmonizing with the laws of nature (Dhammapada 183).

  • How This Unites Us: Across all religions, there is a call for submission to a higher order or divine law. Whether it’s God’s commandments in Christianity, Allah’s will in Islam, Dharma in Hinduism, or the teachings of the Eightfold Path in Buddhism, each tradition emphasizes living in accordance with divine law to find peace and fulfillment.

  • Real-world Application: In modern life, practicing humility before divine laws means making ethical choices, respecting the natural order, and striving to live in a way that aligns with moral and spiritual truths. This can be seen in how we treat others, care for the environment, and honor our responsibilities.

  • Scripture Reference:

    • Christianity: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” – Matthew 6:10.
    • Islam: “Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.” – Qur’an 3:19.
    • Hinduism: “It is better to fail in one’s own Dharma than to succeed in another’s.” – Bhagavad Gita 3:35.
    • Buddhism: “There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path.” – Dhammapada 183.

4. The Greatness of God is Reflected in Creation

  • Line from the Chapter: “God is Great. He makes the Heavens Great. He makes the Earth Great.”

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: God’s greatness is revealed in the majesty of creation (Psalm 19:1).
    • Islam: The greatness of Allah is evident in the magnificence of the universe (Qur’an 55:13).
    • Hinduism: The greatness of the Divine is reflected in the splendor of creation (Bhagavad Gita 11:10-13).
    • Buddhism: The interconnectedness and impermanence of all things reflect the wisdom and greatness of the Buddha’s teachings (Dhammapada 279).

  • How This Unites Us: All religions recognize that creation reveals the greatness of the Divine. Whether through the heavens, earth, or life itself, every tradition sees creation as a reflection of divine greatness, calling us to reverence and awe for the world around us.

  • Real-world Application: In our busy, materialistic world, we can practice reverence by taking time to appreciate and care for creation. Whether through moments of awe in nature or by living responsibly with resources, this practice reminds us that everything reflects the greatness of God.

  • Scripture Reference:

    • Christianity: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” – Psalm 19:1.
    • Islam: “It is Allah who created the heavens and the earth and everything in between in six days.” – Qur’an 55:13.
    • Hinduism: “I am the self, O Gudakesha, seated in the hearts of all creatures. I am the beginning, the middle and the end of all creatures.” – Bhagavad Gita 11:10-13.
    • Buddhism: “May all beings be happy; may all beings be without disease.” – Dhammapada 279.

A Shared Divine Truth for All Faiths

These principles from the Christian Tao Te Ching align with universal truths that transcend religious boundaries. Whether through the recognition of the formless, omnipresent Divine, the interconnectedness of all life, the call for humility before divine order, or the reverence for creation, these teachings echo the wisdom found in the sacred texts of every major religion. They unite us in the shared truth that we are all connected to a higher power, living according to divine laws, and called to live with humility, reverence, and gratitude for the world around us.

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