RESTORE

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

Chapter 51: Mysterious Power of the Spirit

 

God creates all living things
Spirit nurtures them a
Matter shapes them b
Nature completes them c
Therefore, all things honor God and value the Spirit d
The honor to God, the value of Spirit 
Is not by force but is spontaneously natural

Thus God created them b
Spirit nurtures them, grows them, protects them, comforts them, educates them, shelters them e
Creates without possessing them f 
Acts without taking credit g
Nurtures without dominating a
This is the mysterious power of the Spirit h

 

a Romans 8:26-27; b Revelation 4:11; Genesis 2:7; Genesis 28:14; c Genesis 1:26; d 1 John 3:24; 1 John 4:7-12; e Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Corinthians 12:1-7; James 2:26; f 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:13, Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:1 g Luke 6:32-36; h 1 Corinthians 2:7-11.



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. Mindset of Reverence and Alignment with God’s Purpose

  • Line from the chapter: Therefore, all things honor God and value the Spirit. The honor to God, the value of Spirit is not by force but is spontaneously natural.
  • Mindset: Cultivate a mindset of deep reverence for God’s presence in all things, acknowledging that honoring Him is a natural response to His divine will.
  • Explanation: Before taking action, our mindset should reflect an understanding that everything we do should align with God’s will. This requires a humble and authentic reverence for God’s purpose in creation. We must recognize that honoring God and valuing the Spirit should flow naturally from the heart, not be forced or out of obligation. When we live in harmony with God’s design, our actions will naturally honor Him.
  • Real-World Application: In today’s world, it’s easy to become distracted by external pressures or worldly success. Before acting, take a moment to reflect on whether your actions align with God’s will. Whether it’s in your work, relationships, or personal decisions, ensure your choices honor God. For example, when making business decisions, consider the ethical and moral implications and how they align with God’s principles of justice, love, and integrity.
  • Scripture Verses:
    • Matthew 6:10:
      “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
    • Romans 12:1:
      “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

2. Mindset of Selfless Service and Humility

  • Line from the chapter: Creates without possessing them. Acts without taking credit. Nurtures without dominating.
  • Mindset: Approach life with humility, focusing on selfless service to others without the need for recognition or control.
  • Explanation: Our mindset should be one of humility, recognizing that we are here to serve and not to dominate. We should practice creating, nurturing, and leading without selfish ambition or a desire for ownership. God’s way of leadership is based on serving others, not ruling over them. True fulfillment comes from acting in ways that benefit others, reflecting Christ’s selflessness and love.
  • Real-World Application: In your work, relationships, or community involvement, focus on serving others rather than seeking personal gain or recognition. For example, in leadership roles, seek to empower those around you, providing them with opportunities to grow and succeed. When helping others, do so with a heart of love and generosity, not to get credit for your actions.
  • Scripture Verses:
    • Mark 9:35:
      “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.'”
    • Philippians 2:3-4:
      “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

3. Mindset of Trusting in the Spirit’s Unseen Work

  • Line from the chapter: This is the mysterious power of the Spirit.
  • Mindset: Cultivate a mindset of trust in the Spirit, understanding that God is at work in ways we may not fully see or understand.
  • Explanation: Before acting, we need to trust that God’s Spirit is actively working behind the scenes in all aspects of our lives. This mindset involves faith in the unseen—believing that the Spirit is guiding, shaping, and empowering us even when we cannot perceive it directly. Trusting in this power requires letting go of control and believing that God’s plan is unfolding in ways that we may not immediately comprehend.
  • Real-World Application: In difficult situations or when making decisions, trust that the Spirit is guiding you, even if the path ahead is unclear. Pray for discernment, and have faith that God is working behind the scenes. For example, if you are faced with a challenge in your business or personal life, trust that God’s Spirit will provide the wisdom, peace, and strength you need to navigate the situation.
  • Scripture Verses:
    • Romans 8:14:
      “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
    • John 16:13:
      “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

4. Mindset of Responsibility in Stewardship

  • Line from the chapter: God creates all living things, Spirit nurtures them, Matter shapes them, Nature completes them.
  • Mindset: Develop a mindset of responsibility and stewardship, recognizing that everything you have is a gift from God and must be cared for and nurtured.
  • Explanation: Our mindset should include a deep awareness that we are stewards of God’s creation. This means that everything we have—our talents, resources, relationships, and even the environment—must be used and cared for in a way that honors God. We are entrusted with these gifts to nurture, protect, and use them wisely for His purposes.
  • Real-World Application: In your daily life, take practical steps to be a good steward of what God has entrusted to you. This might mean managing your finances wisely, caring for the environment, or being a loving and responsible leader or parent. Recognize that your role is to nurture and protect all aspects of creation, from your family to the planet.
  • Scripture Verses:
    • Genesis 2:15:
      “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
    • Psalm 24:1:
      “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;”

By adopting these mindsets before taking action, we align ourselves with the principles of God’s Way, ensuring that our choices reflect His will and bring honor to His name in today’s world.

AIM:

1. Aim for Alignment with God’s Divine Will

  • Line from the chapter: Therefore, all things honor God and value the Spirit. The honor to God, the value of Spirit is not by force but is spontaneously natural.
  • Aim: To ensure that all your actions and decisions are in alignment with God’s will, reflecting a natural honor for Him in everything you do.
  • Explanation: Before taking action, aim to reflect God’s will in every aspect of your life. This requires a mindset that prioritizes God’s purpose above personal desires. Aligning with God’s divine purpose brings peace and fulfillment as your actions become part of a greater plan. It’s about recognizing that all things—your work, relationships, and even challenges—are opportunities to honor God and follow His guidance.
  • Real-World Application: When faced with decisions in your career, relationships, or finances, ask yourself, “Is this decision aligned with God’s purpose for my life?” For example, when running a business, focus on serving others, practicing integrity, and ensuring your actions promote justice and love, rather than solely seeking profit or recognition.
  • Scripture Verses:
    • Matthew 6:10:
      “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
    • Romans 12:2:
      “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

2. Aim for Selfless Service and Humble Leadership

  • Line from the chapter: Creates without possessing them. Acts without taking credit. Nurtures without dominating.
  • Aim: To lead and act with humility, focusing on serving others without seeking power, control, or recognition.
  • Explanation: The goal should be to act in a way that uplifts others rather than exalts yourself. Leadership and influence should be exercised in the spirit of service, reflecting the humility and selflessness demonstrated by Jesus. By aiming for selfless service, we demonstrate true greatness, which is found in serving others rather than in seeking personal advancement or recognition.
  • Real-World Application: In every role you have—whether as a business leader, parent, or friend—aim to serve others without expectation of recognition. For example, in your workplace, you might focus on mentoring others and ensuring their success, rather than seeking the spotlight for your own achievements. Practice gratitude and humility in all areas of life, leading by example.
  • Scripture Verses:
    • Mark 9:35:
      “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.'”
    • Philippians 2:3-4:
      “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

3. Aim for Trust and Faith in the Unseen Work of the Spirit

  • Line from the chapter: This is the mysterious power of the Spirit.
  • Aim: To trust in the invisible work of the Holy Spirit, acknowledging that God’s Spirit is constantly at work in and around us, even when we cannot see it.
  • Explanation: Trusting in the Spirit involves believing that God is guiding you and working in your life, even when circumstances may not make it clear. By keeping your eyes on the Spirit’s power, you focus on the unseen forces that are shaping your life and your world for good. This requires faith and a willingness to surrender control, knowing that God’s timing and methods are perfect.
  • Real-World Application: In moments of uncertainty, instead of trying to control everything, take a step back and trust that the Spirit is guiding you. For example, in business or personal challenges, trust that God is working in ways that are not immediately visible, and remain patient as His plan unfolds. Pray for discernment and rely on the Spirit to guide you, especially in complex or difficult decisions.
  • Scripture Verses:
    • Romans 8:14:
      “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
    • John 16:13:
      “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

4. Aim for Stewardship and Responsibility Over God’s Creation

  • Line from the chapter: God creates all living things, Spirit nurtures them, Matter shapes them, Nature completes them.
  • Aim: To be a responsible steward of all that God has entrusted to you, recognizing that everything in your life—resources, relationships, and the environment—is a gift to be cared for.
  • Explanation: Aim to manage all aspects of your life with a sense of responsibility and reverence, remembering that everything belongs to God. This includes taking care of the environment, using resources wisely, and nurturing relationships. Stewardship means recognizing your role as a caretaker who is responsible for ensuring that what you have is used for the glory of God and the well-being of others.
  • Real-World Application: In today’s world, aim to make choices that promote sustainability and care for the earth. In your relationships, aim to nurture and protect what God has entrusted to you—whether that’s your family, your friendships, or your community. Make responsible choices in your work, finances, and health, understanding that these are all gifts to be managed for God’s glory.
  • Scripture Verses:
    • Genesis 2:15:
      “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
    • Psalm 24:1:
      “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;”

By keeping these aims in mind, you set yourself on a path of divine purpose and fulfillment. Aiming to align with God’s will, lead with humility, trust in the Spirit, and be responsible stewards helps you fulfill your role in God’s greater plan for creation.

Practice:

1. Practice Alignment with God’s Will

  • Line from the chapter: Therefore, all things honor God and value the Spirit. The honor to God, the value of Spirit is not by force but is spontaneously natural.
  • Practice: Actively seek to align your actions with God’s will, recognizing that true honor to God comes from a natural, internal desire to serve Him and follow His guidance.
  • Explanation: Practicing alignment with God’s will requires intentionality in your thoughts, decisions, and actions. It is about cultivating a deep awareness that everything you do should reflect God’s purpose. This principle encourages you to act not from obligation but from a genuine desire to honor God and follow His guidance in all areas of life, whether it’s in work, relationships, or personal challenges.
  • Real-World Application: Before making any major decisions—whether in your personal or professional life—pause to reflect on what aligns with God’s will. Ask yourself questions like: “Is this choice honoring to God? Is this action aligned with my Christian values?” For example, in business, ensure your practices are ethical and reflect love and integrity. In personal decisions, consider the impact on your faith, family, and community.
  • Scripture Verses:
    • Matthew 6:10:
      “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
    • Romans 12:2:
      “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

2. Practice Humble Service and Selflessness

  • Line from the chapter: Creates without possessing them. Acts without taking credit. Nurtures without dominating.
  • Practice: Practice humility by serving others selflessly, without seeking personal gain, recognition, or control.
  • Explanation: This principle calls you to lead with humility, recognizing that true greatness is found in serving others, not in controlling or owning them. Selfless service reflects Christ’s love and humility, where the focus is not on personal achievement but on uplifting others. It challenges the idea of seeking recognition for your actions, urging you to work for the benefit of others rather than personal glory.
  • Real-World Application: In your daily interactions, focus on meeting others’ needs without expecting anything in return. For instance, in the workplace, offer help to a colleague without expecting praise, or mentor someone without seeking any rewards. In your community, volunteer for causes without public acknowledgment. Practice this humility in all areas, knowing that your value is in your service to others.
  • Scripture Verses:
    • Mark 9:35:
      “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.'”
    • Philippians 2:3-4:
      “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

3. Practice Trust in the Spirit’s Leading

  • Line from the chapter: This is the mysterious power of the Spirit.
  • Practice: Practice trusting in the Holy Spirit’s guidance, acknowledging that God’s Spirit is at work even when it is not immediately visible.
  • Explanation: Trusting in the Holy Spirit involves surrendering control and believing that God is leading you through the Spirit, even when you cannot see the full picture. This practice requires faith in God’s timing and methods, knowing that His plan is perfect. By relying on the Spirit, you acknowledge that you do not need to do everything in your own strength or understanding but can trust God’s unseen work in your life.
  • Real-World Application: In moments of uncertainty, pause and rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. For example, when you are facing a difficult decision at work or in your personal life, pray for wisdom and trust that the Spirit is at work, even if the answer isn’t immediately clear. Allow space for God to lead you and trust that He is guiding your steps in the right direction.
  • Scripture Verses:
    • Romans 8:14:
      “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
    • John 16:13:
      “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

4. Practice Stewardship and Responsibility

  • Line from the chapter: God creates all living things, Spirit nurtures them, Matter shapes them, Nature completes them.
  • Practice: Practice stewardship of all the resources God has entrusted to you, recognizing your responsibility to care for and nurture what He has created.
  • Explanation: Stewardship involves recognizing that everything you have—your time, talents, finances, relationships, and the environment—is a gift from God. Practicing responsible stewardship means using these gifts wisely, caring for them, and ensuring they serve God’s purposes. It requires being conscious of how your actions impact the world around you and ensuring that your choices honor God and contribute to His kingdom.
  • Real-World Application: In practical terms, this might look like managing your finances wisely, caring for the earth by being eco-conscious, or nurturing relationships by investing time and energy into them. As a business owner, ensure your practices are sustainable and ethical. As a family member or friend, invest in nurturing those relationships with love and care. Whether managing your career, your health, or your finances, practice responsibility and care for what God has entrusted to you.
  • Scripture Verses:
    • Genesis 2:15:
      “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
    • 1 Peter 4:10:
      “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

By practicing these principles—aligning with God’s will, serving with humility, trusting the Spirit’s guidance, and practicing responsible stewardship—you can fulfill your purpose according to the Way of God in today’s world. These practices will help you live out your faith authentically and make a meaningful impact in your life and the lives of others.



RESPOND

Renewal brings the transformation of our spirit with ardor, empowering us to RESPOND to the call of holiness and make disciples of all nations.

1. God’s Divine Will and Creation as the Source of All Life

  • Line from the chapter: God creates all living things, Spirit nurtures them, Matter shapes them, Nature completes them.

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
    • Islam: “It is Allah who created the heavens and the earth and everything between them in six days.” (Quran 32:4)
    • Hinduism: “From the Supreme Being, all living beings and the universe have emanated.” (Bhagavad Gita 10:20)
    • Buddhism: The concept of dependent origination, which states that all things arise due to causes and conditions, reflects the idea that life is interconnected and originates from a source.
    • Judaism: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

  • How This Unites Us: This principle unites all religions by recognizing a divine source behind the creation of the universe and all life. Whether in the Christian God, the Islamic Allah, the Hindu Brahman, or the universal interconnectedness in Buddhism, there is a shared understanding that life and the world we live in stem from a divine or sacred origin. This creates a common ground for all religions in acknowledging a higher power or creative force at work in the world.

  • Real-World Application: Recognizing the divine source of all life encourages respect for the natural world and all living beings, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility. In everyday life, this could lead to actions such as practicing environmental sustainability, promoting social justice, and treating others with dignity and respect because all are created by the same divine force.

  • Scripture Verses:

    • Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
    • Quran 32:4: “It is Allah who created the heavens and the earth and everything between them in six days.”
    • Bhagavad Gita 10:20: “I am the Self, O Gudakesha, seated in the hearts of all creatures.”
    • Acts 17:24: “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth.”

2. Humility in Leadership and Selfless Service

  • Line from the chapter: Creates without possessing them. Acts without taking credit. Nurtures without dominating.

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26)
    • Islam: “And your Lord says: ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.’” (Quran 40:60)—Humility before God is encouraged.
    • Hinduism: “The one who serves selflessly is free from the bonds of ego.” (Bhagavad Gita 3:19)
    • Buddhism: “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” (Dalai Lama)
    • Judaism: “The greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11)

  • How This Unites Us: This principle calls for selfless service and humility, a value found across all major religions. Whether it is through serving others without seeking recognition (Christianity), practicing humility before Allah (Islam), or renouncing the ego in Hinduism and Buddhism, all major faiths emphasize humility as a virtue. In serving others, regardless of religion, we express universal respect for the inherent dignity of each person, fostering unity through mutual care.

  • Real-World Application: In your personal and professional life, aim to serve others selflessly without expecting anything in return. For example, if you’re a business leader, mentor employees not to rise in their own stature but to help them realize their potential. In family life, serve your loved ones with unconditional love and care, not seeking praise but to honor their needs. This selflessness and humility can be applied in everyday acts of kindness, volunteerism, and leadership.

  • Scripture Verses:

    • Matthew 20:26: “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.”
    • Quran 40:60: “And your Lord says: ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.’”
    • Bhagavad Gita 3:19: “The one who serves selflessly is free from the bonds of ego.”
    • Matthew 23:11: “The greatest among you shall be your servant.”

3. Trusting in the Unseen Power of the Divine

  • Line from the chapter: This is the mysterious power of the Spirit.

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: “For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
    • Islam: “And put your trust in the Ever-Living One who does not die.” (Quran 25:58)
    • Hinduism: “Trust in the Divine, for everything is happening according to its will.” (Bhagavad Gita 9:22)
    • Buddhism: The practice of mindfulness and trust in the process of life’s unfolding reflects faith in the unseen forces guiding existence.
    • Judaism: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

  • How This Unites Us: Across all major religions, there is a recognition of an unseen, mysterious force—whether it’s the Holy Spirit in Christianity, Allah’s will in Islam, or the Divine will in Hinduism—that guides and shapes reality. This shared faith in a higher power and unseen forces in the universe encourages humility, trust, and surrender to divine wisdom, uniting us in our shared belief that there is more than meets the eye.

  • Real-World Application: Practicing trust in the unseen requires surrendering control in difficult situations and being patient, knowing that things are unfolding according to a greater plan. In moments of uncertainty, whether in personal, professional, or global challenges, practice trust by letting go of anxiety and embracing faith. Pray for discernment and peace, knowing that God, Allah, or the Divine is guiding the way.

  • Scripture Verses:

    • 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
    • Quran 25:58: “And put your trust in the Ever-Living One who does not die.”
    • Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

4. Stewardship and Responsibility for the Earth and All Life

  • Line from the chapter: God creates all living things, Spirit nurtures them, Matter shapes them, Nature completes them.

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” (Psalm 24:1)
    • Islam: “It is He who has made everything on earth subservient to you.” (Quran 45:13)
    • Hinduism: “All beings are a manifestation of God; serve all beings with respect.” (Bhagavad Gita 12:13-14)
    • Buddhism: “The earth is not a place to consume, but a place to care for.” (Buddha)
    • Judaism: “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)

  • How This Unites Us: The shared understanding of stewardship across these religions unites humanity in the responsibility of caring for creation. Whether it is the belief that the earth belongs to God (Christianity and Judaism), that nature is a gift to be nurtured (Islam and Hinduism), or the Buddhist view of respecting all life, there is a common commitment to environmental stewardship and the protection of all beings. This responsibility leads to a global sense of unity in care for the planet and one another.

  • Real-World Application: Actively practice care for the environment by making sustainable choices, reducing waste, and protecting natural resources. In your workplace, incorporate practices that reflect care for the planet, such as recycling or adopting energy-efficient practices. As a global citizen, advocate for policies that protect the environment and support initiatives that reduce harm to ecosystems.

  • Scripture Verses:

    • Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
    • Quran 45:13: “It is He who has made everything on earth subservient to you.”
    • Genesis 2:15: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

By recognizing these shared principles across the world’s major religions, we see that our faiths, though different, align in many fundamental ways. These principles teach us to honor the divine, serve others selflessly, trust in the unseen guidance of the Spirit, and care for the world. These shared values create a foundation for unity, cooperation, and mutual respect in our world today.

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