Page 199 - Built For God Handbook (Annotated and Explained Edition) - The Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching - The New Evangelization - Pope John Paul II

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The intriguing title for this chapter, addressed primarily to those in positions
of authority, suggests that love expresses itself best in humble, servant
leadership. Humility can be considered the king or queen of all virtues,
serving as a foundation for them all. It can very naturally be compared to
water, which always seeks the lowest place, enriching and giving life to all
and everything along the way.

Like that water, those who would rule are advised to be like Jesus the
Master, who as the Son of God and creator of all things, came into his own
creation humbly, not to be served but to serve, seeking the lowest place.
Within his kingdom, those who want to excel do so by excelling in humility
and serving others. That kind of leadership, modeled by Jesus, never
dominates or coerces; it operates by attraction, not promotion.

In a mysterious way that lies beyond rational and worldly expectations,
those who praise and give glory to the One who is humble, love, and most
glorious are not diminished at all. Instead, they are filled with a sense of
being fully loved and so blessed that they feel no need at all to compete for
recognition, grasp for possessions, cling to power, or indulge in selfish
pleasure. They can just rest in who they are, beloved sons and daughters of
God.

b
c
a Luke 14:10-11; John 13:12-17; Mark 9:35; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-7;
d
Acts 20:24; Philippians 2:3-4; Galatians 6:4.
e