Page 85 - 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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This chapter brings to mind the whole realm of addiction awareness,
suggesting another definition of the addictive process – that of over-
indulging in some addictive behavior aimed at numbing some unresolved
inner pain. Some would say addiction is trying to solve a problem inside of
ourselves with something outside of ourselves. That inner pain or hole in our
soul can be so extreme at times that some will resort to cutting themselves,
creating physical pain in an attempt to distract themselves from an issue
they are unable to handle emotionally.

Alongside over-indulging, the concept of always sharpening our swords to
the breaking point brings in the idea of over-attaching to something or
someone in a way that is not healthy for us, or of over-identifying with and
over-relying on one of our gifts. This then becomes a liability, or our Achille’s
heel. Someone who is very organized would thus slide into becoming a
controller; someone who is articulate will start to dominate conversations
and so on.

The tendency to be excessive brings into play the four goods God has given
us, possessions, prestige, power, and pleasure. Over-attaching ourselves to
these leads us to turn them into ends in themselves. That morphs them into
false gods in our lives which we end up worshipping instead of worshipping
the one God who properly deserves our allegiance, love, and respect.

The answer, in the end, as it is stated in this chapter, is the virtue of
humility, of living in the truth of our assets and limitations, in the truth of
God’s love for us. This sets us free to just be ourselves, without having to
accumulate possessions or prove anything to anyone.

c
b
a Proverbs 23:1-8; Matthew 26:51-52; Psalm 7:12-16; 1 Timothy 6:6-10;
d Matthew 23:5-8; Habakkuk 2:5; Matthew 23:12; Sirach 3:18-20.
e