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 70: Understanding God

My words are easy to understand and easy to follow ^a
Yet, the world does not understand and does not follow

My words are from the beginning of time ^b
My actions come from the One who sent me ^c
If people do not know this, they do not know me ^d

Those who understand me are few ^a
But it does not lessen my worth

Though the Son of God wears the rough clothes of a servant ^eHe carries a priceless treasure in His heart

^a Matthew 13:10-17; ^bJohn 1:1-2; ^c John 14:10; John 5:30;^d John 5:45-47; John 8:39-40; ^eMatthew 6:19-21.

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 in Understanding and Action

Line from the Chapter: My words are easy to understand and easy to follow, Yet, the world does not understand and does not follow.
Mindset: Approach life with humility, knowing that the message of Christ may be simple, but many will not understand or accept it. Accept that the world often rejects truth, and do not be discouraged by the lack of immediate recognition.
Explanation: Understanding and living according to Christ’s teachings requires humility, as they are not always embraced or understood by others. A mindset of patience and persistence is necessary, recognizing that the simplicity of the gospel may appear as foolishness to the world, but it is the truth of God.
Real-World Application: When we share the gospel or act according to Christian principles, we should expect that not everyone will agree or understand. This should not discourage us but motivate us to live faithfully and speak truthfully, trusting in God’s timing for understanding.
Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 1:18 – “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
- Matthew 10:14 – “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.”

2. Awareness of Divine Purpose

Line from the Chapter: My words are from the beginning of time. My actions come from the One who sent me.
Mindset: Cultivate an awareness that your actions and words are part of a greater divine purpose. Recognize that everything you do is part of God’s eternal plan and done through His guidance.
Explanation: The mindset here involves aligning your actions with God’s will. When you understand that everything you do is sourced in God, it becomes easier to live with intention and purpose. You are not acting on your own but in partnership with God’s mission for the world.
Real-World Application: Before taking action in any situation, consider how it aligns with God’s purpose for your life. Whether in business, relationships, or community service, ensure your decisions are guided by prayer, scripture, and a heart open to God’s direction.
Scriptures:
- Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
- John 5:19 – “Jesus gave them this answer: ‘Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.'”

3. Recognizing the True Identity of Christ

Line from the Chapter: If people do not know this, they do not know me.
Mindset: Approach every interaction and situation with the understanding that true knowledge of Christ comes from recognizing His divine nature and purpose. Be steadfast in your identity as a follower of Christ and invite others to discover His truth.
Explanation: True understanding of Christ is rooted in recognizing Him as the Son of God, sent by the Father for the salvation of humanity. This mindset acknowledges that knowing Christ is not just intellectual but deeply relational, transforming the way you live and interact with others.
Real-World Application: In conversations and actions, always be clear in your identity as a follower of Christ. Don’t shy away from opportunities to explain who Jesus is and the impact of His life and mission. Speak with confidence, not arrogance, but with the humility of knowing that you are sharing eternal truth.
Scriptures:
- John 14:7 – “If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
- John 8:24 – “I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”

4. Peace in the Face of Rejection

Line from the Chapter: Those who understand me are few, but it does not lessen my worth.
Mindset: Adopt a mindset of peace and contentment even when your actions or words are not widely accepted. Trust that your worth, and the worth of Christ’s message, is not determined by human approval or widespread understanding.
Explanation: Jesus acknowledges that few will understand His message, but that doesn’t take away from its eternal value. As followers of Christ, we should not be discouraged by the rejection of others but remain confident in the truth of God’s word and the worth of Christ’s teachings.
Real-World Application: In a world where success is often measured by popularity or approval, remain firm in your convictions and peaceful in your heart. Don’t be deterred by criticism or lack of understanding, and focus on being faithful to God’s call.
Scriptures:
- Matthew 7:13-14 – “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

5. Embracing Humility While Carrying God’s Treasure

Line from the Chapter: Though the Son of God wears the rough clothes of a servant, He carries a priceless treasure in His heart.
Mindset: Embrace humility in your actions, knowing that outward circumstances do not define your worth. Instead, carry the treasure of Christ’s love and salvation in your heart, understanding that true riches are spiritual and eternal.
Explanation: This mindset reflects the paradox of the Christian life: humility in outward appearances, while carrying the eternal truth of God’s love and salvation within. It challenges us to prioritize what is in the heart—righteousness, love, and humility—over material wealth, status, or comfort.
Real-World Application: In your daily life, focus on serving others with humility, knowing that the treasure you carry is far more valuable than anything this world offers. Whether in the workplace, community, or home, allow Christ’s love to guide your actions, not seeking recognition or reward.
Scriptures:
- 2 Corinthians 4:7 – “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
- Philippians 2:5-7 – “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

By adopting these mindsets, we align ourselves with the principles found in this chapter of the Christian Tao Te Ching, acting with divine purpose, humility, and peace in all we do.

AIM:

1. Aim for Clarity and Truth in Communication

Line from the Chapter: My words are easy to understand and easy to follow, Yet, the world does not understand and does not follow.
Aim: Aim to communicate clearly and truthfully, with the intent to be understood, even if others do not immediately accept or follow your message.
Explanation: In a world filled with confusion and misinformation, aim to speak the truth plainly, as Christ did. The message of God’s love and salvation is simple, but not everyone will receive it. Your focus should be on presenting the truth in a clear, accessible way, knowing that understanding may take time.
Real-World Application: When you are faced with opportunities to speak, whether in your personal life or in public settings, aim to speak truthfully and plainly. Be patient with others’ lack of understanding, and remember that your responsibility is to share, not to force acceptance.
Scriptures:
- 2 Corinthians 4:2 – “We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.”
- Matthew 5:37 – “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

2. Aim for Alignment with God’s Divine Plan

Line from the Chapter: My words are from the beginning of time. My actions come from the One who sent me.
Aim: Aim to align your actions with God’s eternal purposes and trust that every step you take is part of His divine plan.
Explanation: Jesus’ words and actions were perfectly aligned with God’s eternal plan, and you are called to do the same. Your aim should be to live in accordance with God’s will, which is revealed through scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. Aligning your actions with God’s plan will give your life greater meaning and purpose.
Real-World Application: In any decision-making process, whether it be in your career, relationships, or personal goals, aim to seek God’s will first. Regularly spend time in prayer and meditation to ensure that your actions are in alignment with His plan for your life.
Scriptures:
- Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
- 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.”

3. Aim to Know Christ Deeply and Share His Identity

Line from the Chapter: If people do not know this, they do not know me.
Aim: Aim to know Christ personally and deeply, and to share His true identity with others, pointing them toward His salvation.
Explanation: Knowing Christ deeply means understanding His divine nature, His sacrificial love, and His mission. The aim is not only to experience His love personally but to make Him known to others, so that they too can be reconciled with God. This knowledge shapes your actions and how you relate to others.
Real-World Application: Spend time daily studying scripture, praying, and reflecting on the nature of Christ. When interacting with others, aim to represent Christ accurately in both word and deed. Share His identity not just in words but through actions that reflect His love and grace.
Scriptures:
- Philippians 3:10 – “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”
- Matthew 16:15-16 – “‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'”

4. Aim for Peace and Confidence Despite Rejection

Line from the Chapter: Those who understand me are few, but it does not lessen my worth.
Aim: Aim for peace in your heart, knowing that the truth of God’s word and your purpose are not diminished by rejection or misunderstanding.
Explanation: Rejection or lack of understanding is part of the journey of following Christ. When people do not understand or accept the message, it does not lessen its worth. Your focus should be on peace and confidence in your purpose, recognizing that God’s truth is unshaken regardless of external responses.
Real-World Application: In situations where you face rejection, whether personally or in your ministry, aim to stay grounded in the truth that God’s value for you and your purpose is unchangeable. Don’t let negative reactions deter you from your calling. Keep moving forward with peace and trust that God is at work, even when results are not visible.
Scriptures:
- John 15:18-19 – “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”
- Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

5. Aim for Humility in Service While Reflecting God’s Glory

Line from the Chapter: Though the Son of God wears the rough clothes of a servant, He carries a priceless treasure in His heart.
Aim: Aim to live humbly, embracing your role as a servant while reflecting the priceless treasure of God’s truth and salvation in your heart and actions.
Explanation: Jesus modeled humility in His life on earth, even though He carried the most priceless treasure of all: the message of salvation. As followers of Christ, our aim should be to humbly serve others, focusing on God’s work in us and through us, rather than seeking recognition or praise.
Real-World Application: In every area of life, aim to serve others with humility and grace, whether at work, home, or in your community. Do not seek glory or recognition but focus on serving others selflessly. Recognize that your worth comes from God, not from human accolades, and your actions should reflect His love and purpose for the world.
Scriptures:
- Philippians 2:5-7 – “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.”
- Matthew 23:11-12 – “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

By keeping your eyes on these aims—clarity in communication, alignment with God’s will, a deep relationship with Christ, peace in rejection, and humility in service—you can fulfill your purpose according to the Way of God in today’s world.

Practice:

1. Embrace Simplicity and Clarity in Communication

Line from the Chapter: My words are easy to understand and easy to follow, Yet, the world does not understand and does not follow.
Practice: Speak and act with simplicity, clarity, and humility, knowing that while your message may be straightforward, it may not always be received by everyone.
Explanation: The gospel message is simple—love God, love others, and follow Jesus. However, not everyone will understand or accept it. Practicing simplicity in communication allows your message to be accessible, even if misunderstood. You are called to speak the truth with love, and it is not your responsibility to force acceptance but to remain faithful in delivering the message.
Real-World Application: When sharing your faith, strive for clarity in how you live and speak. Whether in your professional life, in ministry, or in personal relationships, avoid over-complicating your message. Speak the truth plainly, and trust God to work in others’ hearts, even when they do not immediately understand.
Scriptures:
- Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:2 – “We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.”

2. Align Your Actions with God’s Eternal Plan

Line from the Chapter: My words are from the beginning of time. My actions come from the One who sent me.
Practice: Constantly seek to align your actions with God’s will, acknowledging that your purpose is part of His eternal plan.
Explanation: Every action you take should be in line with God’s will, knowing that His plan has been unfolding since the beginning of time. Jesus was sent with a purpose, and you too have a unique role in God’s divine plan. Practicing this principle involves prayer, discernment, and reflection to ensure that your actions reflect the heart and purposes of God.
Real-World Application: Before making major decisions, practice seeking God’s guidance through prayer and scripture. Ask yourself if your choices align with biblical values and God’s purpose for your life. Trust that, even when facing challenges, your life is part of God’s greater story.
Scriptures:
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
- Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

3. Recognize and Share the True Identity of Christ

Line from the Chapter: If people do not know this, they do not know me.
Practice: Make it a priority to know Christ deeply and share His true identity with others.
Explanation: Understanding and sharing the true identity of Christ is central to fulfilling your purpose in God’s plan. Jesus is not just a moral teacher; He is the Son of God, the Savior of the world. Practicing this principle involves both deepening your personal relationship with Christ and being prepared to explain who He truly is to others, in a way that reveals the fullness of His divine nature and mission.
Real-World Application: Develop a deeper understanding of Christ through prayer, study, and reflection. When engaging with others, share Christ’s identity as the Savior, emphasizing His divinity, His sacrificial love, and His invitation to follow Him. Look for opportunities in conversations, both personal and professional, to reflect His identity.
Scriptures:
- John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
- Matthew 16:15-16 – “‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'”

4. Remain Steadfast Despite Rejection

Line from the Chapter: Those who understand me are few, but it does not lessen my worth.
Practice: Practice resilience and peace in the face of rejection, knowing that the worth of your purpose and the message you carry is not dependent on others’ acceptance.
Explanation: The message of Christ will not always be accepted, and the number of those who truly understand it may be few. However, your worth and the worth of the gospel remain unaffected by this. Practicing this principle means being able to move forward in faith and confidence, even when your message or actions are misunderstood or rejected by others.
Real-World Application: When facing criticism, indifference, or outright rejection, remind yourself of the eternal truth of God’s word. Do not be discouraged if your efforts are not immediately fruitful. Keep walking in faith, trusting that God is working even when you don’t see immediate results.
Scriptures:
- Matthew 7:14 – “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

5. Live with Humility, Carrying God’s Treasure

Line from the Chapter: Though the Son of God wears the rough clothes of a servant, He carries a priceless treasure in His heart.
Practice: Live humbly while recognizing the invaluable treasure of God’s love and salvation within you.
Explanation: Jesus, despite His divine nature, lived humbly, serving others and embodying the heart of a servant. Yet He carried the priceless treasure of God’s salvation. Practicing humility involves recognizing that, while your outward circumstances may not define your worth, the treasure of Christ’s love within you does. Humility in action means serving others selflessly, knowing the eternal value of the love and salvation you carry.
Real-World Application: In your interactions with others, focus on serving them with humility and selflessness, not seeking praise or recognition. Whether you are leading a team, teaching, or caring for others, your actions should reflect the treasure of God’s love that you carry within. Practice gratitude and avoid pride, understanding that the true treasure lies not in outward accolades but in your relationship with God.
Scriptures:
- 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.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:7 – “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

By practicing these principles, you align yourself with God’s divine purpose and the Way of Jesus in modern times, living with clarity, humility, and resilience while sharing the love and truth of Christ.

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. The Simplicity and Clarity of Divine Communication

Line from the Chapter: My words are easy to understand and easy to follow, Yet, the world does not understand and does not follow.
Parallel Religious Teachings:
- Christianity: Jesus taught with simplicity, using parables and plain language (Matthew 13:34-35).
- Buddhism: The Buddha’s teachings are simple and practical, focused on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
- Islam: The Quran emphasizes clarity in its message, often stating that it is meant to be easy to understand (Quran 54:40).
- Hinduism: The Bhagavad Gita presents profound truths in simple terms, such as the path of devotion (Bhakti) being accessible to all.
- Judaism: The Torah, while vast in knowledge, presents core principles that are straightforward, such as loving God and loving your neighbor (Deuteronomy 6:5).
How This Unites Us: This principle underscores that the divine message in all major religions is not meant to be complex or obscure. It emphasizes that, at its core, the truth is simple—God’s will is accessible to all who seek it. In each faith, the teachings point toward a life of love, compassion, and understanding, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries.
Real-World Application: When engaging with people from different faith traditions, focus on the simplicity of the common truths—love, peace, and compassion—rather than getting bogged down in complex theological differences. In your personal life, strive to communicate the essence of your faith clearly and humbly, recognizing that simplicity in action speaks volumes.
Scriptures:
- Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
- Quran 54:40 – “And We have certainly made the Qur’an easy to remember. But is there anyone who will be mindful?”

2. Aligning Actions with the Divine Will

Line from the Chapter: My words are from the beginning of time. My actions come from the One who sent me.
Parallel Religious Teachings:
- Christianity: Jesus consistently aligned His actions with the will of God the Father (John 5:19).
- Buddhism: The Buddha’s actions were in alignment with the Dharma, the cosmic law of truth and morality.
- Islam: Muslims are called to align their actions with Allah’s will through submission and following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Quran 3:32).
- Hinduism: In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna advises Arjuna to align his actions with divine will (Bhagavad Gita 3:16).
- Judaism: The Jewish people are called to live in accordance with God’s commandments, as outlined in the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).
How This Unites Us: This principle emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s actions with the higher will, whether that be God’s, the Dharma, or the divine law. Across all faiths, there is an understanding that living in accordance with divine will leads to fulfillment, peace, and spiritual growth.
Real-World Application: In daily life, seek to align your decisions and actions with a sense of divine purpose, whether through prayer, meditation, or reflection on sacred texts. This alignment brings greater peace and a sense of purpose, regardless of your religious background.
Scriptures:
- John 5:19 – “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing.”
- Quran 3:32 – “Say, ‘Obey Allah and the Messenger.’ But if they turn away, then indeed, Allah does not like the disbelievers.”

3. Understanding Christ and the Divine Nature

Line from the Chapter: If people do not know this, they do not know me.
Parallel Religious Teachings:
- Christianity: Jesus revealed His divine nature to His followers (John 14:9).
- Buddhism: The Buddha is understood as an enlightened being who fully embodies wisdom and compassion.
- Islam: In Islam, understanding the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad is central to the faith (Quran 3:18).
- Hinduism: Krishna reveals His divine nature in the Bhagavad Gita, showing that He is the Supreme Being (Bhagavad Gita 9:22).
- Judaism: The understanding of God’s nature is central to Judaism, with God revealed as one and indivisible (Deuteronomy 6:4).
How This Unites Us: The recognition of the divine nature of the central figures in each tradition—whether Christ, Buddha, Krishna, or Allah—reminds us that spirituality is rooted in the understanding of the divine presence in our lives. This knowledge invites followers of all religions to seek deeper understanding and connection with the divine.
Real-World Application: Strive to know the divine more deeply through study, prayer, and introspection. Be open to learning about the divine nature as expressed in other traditions, which can deepen your understanding and foster greater interfaith respect.
Scriptures:
- John 14:9 – “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
- Quran 3:18 – “Allah bears witness that there is no deity except Him, and so do the angels and those of knowledge, maintaining His creation.”

4. Resilience and Peace in the Face of Rejection

Line from the Chapter: Those who understand me are few, but it does not lessen my worth.
Parallel Religious Teachings:
- Christianity: Jesus faced rejection but remained steadfast in His purpose (Luke 9:22).
- Buddhism: The Buddha taught that suffering and rejection are part of the human experience, and practicing mindfulness helps one accept and move through it.
- Islam: The Prophet Muhammad experienced rejection but continued his mission with patience and perseverance (Quran 9:2).
- Hinduism: Krishna advises Arjuna to remain detached from the fruits of actions and to focus on the action itself (Bhagavad Gita 2:47).
- Judaism: The Jewish prophets often faced rejection but persisted in delivering God’s message (Jeremiah 1:19).
How This Unites Us: All major religions teach that rejection and misunderstanding are inevitable when one stands for truth, but they also encourage resilience, patience, and peace in the face of adversity. The teachings across faiths emphasize the inner strength required to remain true to one’s purpose, even when the world does not understand or accept.
Real-World Application: When you face rejection or criticism for your beliefs or actions, practice patience and resilience. Focus on staying true to your values, while remaining compassionate and understanding toward those who may not yet comprehend your truth.
Scriptures:
- Luke 9:22 – “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”
- Quran 9:2 – “So travel freely for four months throughout the land, but know that you cannot escape Allah.”

5. Humility and the Hidden Treasure Within

Line from the Chapter: Though the Son of God wears the rough clothes of a servant, He carries a priceless treasure in His heart.
Parallel Religious Teachings:
- Christianity: Jesus humbled Himself, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:7-8), while carrying the treasure of eternal life.
- Buddhism: The Buddha embodies humility and selflessness, teaching that true wisdom is found in simplicity and compassion.
- Islam: Humility is a key virtue in Islam, as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad’s simple lifestyle despite his leadership (Quran 33:21).
- Hinduism: In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna teaches that true power lies in humility and devotion to God (Bhagavad Gita 9:22).
- Judaism: The Torah emphasizes humility before God and others (Micah 6:8).
How This Unites Us: This principle of humility and inner treasure reflects the common understanding that the most valuable qualities in life—wisdom, peace, and salvation—are not outwardly visible but reside within. Across all major religions, the spiritual treasure is internal, found through devotion, humility, and service.
Real-World Application: Embrace humility in your actions, recognizing that true greatness comes from serving others and embodying love and wisdom in your heart. Be mindful of the inner treasures of peace, joy, and faith, and focus on sharing those with others rather than seeking external recognition.
Scriptures:
- Philippians 2:7-8 – “Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
- Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

These principles, drawn from the Christian version of the Tao Te Ching, reflect universal truths that resonate across major religions, uniting humanity through shared values of simplicity, humility, alignment with divine will, and perseverance in the face of adversity. The application of these principles helps us build a world rooted in mutual respect, compassion, and spiritual growth, fostering peace and understanding across cultures and beliefs.

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