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 19: Living The Way of Truth

 

Do away with your display of sainthood, abandon cleverness a
So people can benefit a hundredfold 

Do away with your display of kindness, abandon self-righteousness

So people can return to faithfulness and love 

Do away with your display of cleverness, abandon profiteering 
So bandits and thieves will no longer exist 

These three things are superficial and not sufficient in themselves
Hence, know these higher principles: b

Show your true nature and embrace simplicity c
Diminish selfishness and reduce desire

 

a Matthew 23:27-28; James 3:13-18; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5; James 1:21; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; b 2 Timothy 3:16-17; c Philippians 2:3-8; Romans 8:5; Galatians 5:17, Mark 4:19.

Chapter 19 of the Christian edition of the Tao Te Ching emphasizes the importance of living authentically and humbly, and the consequences of relying on outward displays of righteousness, kindness, or cleverness. The chapter begins by advising to “do away with your display of sainthood, abandon cleverness,” suggesting that when people display an artificial sense of holiness or rely on their own cleverness, they create barriers that prevent others from experiencing true benefit. This aligns with Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 23:27-28, where He criticizes the Pharisees for outward displays of righteousness that do not reflect inward purity. In Christianity, true righteousness is rooted in humility and sincerity, not in self-promotion or external appearances.

The next part of the chapter advises to “do away with your display of kindness, abandon self-righteousness,” emphasizing that the show of kindness that seeks recognition is hollow. It contrasts true kindness with the self-righteousness that seeks to elevate oneself above others, much like what Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 and James 3:13-18. True kindness comes from a heart transformed by God, rather than a superficial effort to appear good. This reflects the idea that faithfulness and love are the foundational virtues that draw people closer to God, and these can only be sustained when they are genuine and not motivated by the desire for self-glorification.

The chapter also advises to “do away with your display of cleverness, abandon profiteering,” which calls for rejecting selfish ambition and the pursuit of material gain, encouraging a life of integrity and generosity. In 1 Timothy 6:3-5, Paul warns against those who see godliness as a means to gain material wealth, showing that this path leads to destruction. Similarly, the chapter implies that a life driven by greed or self-interest, which may manifest in deceptive practices, only contributes to societal corruption. When people abandon such behavior, there will be no room for bandits and thieves, as the Christian call to generosity, self-sacrifice, and honesty fosters a healthier society.

Ultimately, the chapter shifts toward higher principles, calling believers to “show your true nature and embrace simplicity,” which mirrors the Christian call to humility and authenticity. Philippians 2:3-8 calls Christians to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but to live with humility, considering others better than themselves, just as Christ did in His incarnation and crucifixion. The Christian perspective emphasizes that by diminishing selfishness and reducing desire, one can more fully embrace the path of Christ, whose life exemplifies simplicity, selflessness, and devotion to God and others.

Thus, Chapter 19 reinforces the Christian principle that external displays of virtue are insufficient if they are not grounded in a heart transformed by God. True righteousness, kindness, and wisdom come from an inward change—through humility, simplicity, and the reduction of selfish desires—enabling believers to live out the gospel authentically.



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. Embracing Authenticity Over Superficial Virtue

  • Line from the Chapter: “Do away with your display of sainthood, abandon cleverness, so people can benefit a hundredfold.”
  • Mindset: Focus on authenticity over appearances.
  • Explanation: The mindset should be one of authenticity, where we aim to live from the heart rather than show off superficial piety or cleverness. We need to abandon the desire for recognition through good deeds or moral displays and instead focus on actions that have true, lasting value for others.
  • Real-World Application: In daily life, avoid the temptation to do good deeds for public acknowledgment. Instead, be motivated by genuine care for others, whether or not anyone sees your actions. For example, assist a colleague at work not for recognition but because it’s the right thing to do.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • Matthew 6:1-4: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them… but when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
    • Proverbs 3:27: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”

2. Living Humility Over Self-Righteousness

  • Line from the Chapter: “Do away with your display of kindness, abandon self-righteousness, so people can return to faithfulness and love.”
  • Mindset: Embrace humility, understanding that love is the true mark of faith.
  • Explanation: The mindset here is to set aside the need to appear “better” than others or to be perceived as virtuous. Instead, embrace the simplicity of genuine love and care for others, without any sense of superiority. True kindness comes from humility, not self-righteousness.
  • Real-World Application: Practice kindness with humility in your relationships. For example, help a friend in need without expecting anything in return or to be praised. If you volunteer for a cause, do so because you genuinely care, not for recognition.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • 1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
    • Matthew 7:1-2: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”

3. Pursuing Honesty and Integrity Over Profiteering

  • Line from the Chapter: “Do away with your display of cleverness, abandon profiteering, so bandits and thieves will no longer exist.”
  • Mindset: Adopt honesty and integrity in all dealings, avoiding manipulation for personal gain.
  • Explanation: The mindset should be one of honesty and ethical behavior, focusing on serving others rather than exploiting them for personal gain. This calls for rejecting cleverness aimed at profiteering and instead promoting fairness and justice in all dealings.
  • Real-World Application: In business, avoid cutting corners or manipulating situations for personal benefit. For instance, choose to run a business that prioritizes fair wages and ethical sourcing over maximizing profits through unfair practices.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • Ephesians 4:28: “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
    • Luke 3:14: “Then some soldiers asked him, ‘And what should we do?’ He replied, ‘Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.'”

4. Cultivating Simplicity and Authenticity in Life

  • Line from the Chapter: “Show your true nature and embrace simplicity.”
  • Mindset: Embrace simplicity and authenticity by being true to yourself.
  • Explanation: To embrace simplicity means rejecting unnecessary complexities and superficial goals, and focusing on what truly matters: being authentic and true to one’s values. This requires setting aside distractions and living with integrity.
  • Real-World Application: Lead a life of simplicity, where the focus is on meaningful relationships and contributions rather than material possessions or status. For example, choose quality time with loved ones over accumulating possessions or impressing others.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • Matthew 6:25-26: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life… Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”
    • Proverbs 19:1: “Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.”

5. Fostering Contentment and Reducing Desire for Material Gain

  • Line from the Chapter: “Diminish selfishness and reduce desire.”
  • Mindset: Cultivate contentment and reduce the pursuit of worldly desires.
  • Explanation: The mindset here is one of contentment and peace, reducing the constant striving for more—whether more money, possessions, or status. This principle calls for a deep satisfaction in the present moment and the things we already have.
  • Real-World Application: Practice contentment in your personal and professional life by focusing on what you have, not what you lack. For example, instead of always seeking a higher salary or more recognition, focus on how you can serve others well in your current position.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • Philippians 4:11-12: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
    • 1 Timothy 6:6-8: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”

AIM:

1. Aim for Authenticity Over Superficial Virtue

  • Line from the Chapter: “Do away with your display of sainthood, abandon cleverness, so people can benefit a hundredfold.”
  • Aim: Focus on being genuine and sincere, rather than trying to appear virtuous or morally superior.
  • Explanation: The aim here is to focus on inner authenticity, rather than projecting an image of righteousness. True goodness comes from sincerity, not from external displays of piety or cleverness. This principle encourages us to act from a place of integrity and authenticity, not to seek admiration or accolades from others.
  • Real-World Application: In social or professional settings, act with honesty and integrity, even if it’s not noticed. Avoid performing good deeds for the sake of recognition. Instead, focus on the long-term impact of your actions on others, rather than seeking applause.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • Matthew 6:1-2: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them… but when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
    • Proverbs 3:27: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”

2. Aim for Humility Over Self-Righteousness

  • Line from the Chapter: “Do away with your display of kindness, abandon self-righteousness, so people can return to faithfulness and love.”
  • Aim: Strive for humility in your interactions and avoid self-righteousness. Embrace love and kindness without expecting to be seen as virtuous.
  • Explanation: The aim here is to genuinely love others without the need to highlight or boast about one’s own goodness. This mindset fosters deep connection with others, allowing them to see true love and faithfulness, instead of becoming alienated by an attitude of superiority.
  • Real-World Application: In your relationships, avoid giving help with the expectation of being praised. Offer kindness freely and without attachment to recognition. This could mean serving others quietly, without seeking acknowledgment, such as volunteering without telling others or helping a colleague without boasting.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • 1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
    • Matthew 7:1-2: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.”

3. Aim for Integrity Over Exploitation

  • Line from the Chapter: “Do away with your display of cleverness, abandon profiteering, so bandits and thieves will no longer exist.”
  • Aim: Seek fairness, integrity, and honest dealings in every aspect of life, rejecting selfish or exploitative behaviors.
  • Explanation: The aim here is to live with integrity, ensuring that our actions are rooted in honesty, fairness, and respect for others. By acting with integrity, we help eliminate systems of exploitation, promoting a fairer and more just world.
  • Real-World Application: In business or personal dealings, choose honesty over deception. This could mean offering fair pricing for services, avoiding shortcuts or unethical practices, and promoting transparency in all transactions.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • Ephesians 4:28: “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
    • Luke 3:14: “Then some soldiers asked him, ‘And what should we do?’ He replied, ‘Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.'”

4. Aim for Simplicity and Authenticity

  • Line from the Chapter: “Show your true nature and embrace simplicity.”
  • Aim: Strive for simplicity and authenticity in all areas of life, focusing on what truly matters.
  • Explanation: The aim is to reject unnecessary complexity and distractions in life and return to a simpler, more authentic way of living. By embracing simplicity, we can focus on what is most important and foster a life of purpose and meaning.
  • Real-World Application: Practice minimalism in both physical possessions and mental clutter. Focus on spending time with loved ones, engaging in activities that nourish your soul, and avoiding the distractions that come from constantly chasing more material success or societal approval.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
    • Proverbs 19:1: “Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.”

5. Aim for Contentment Over Desire

  • Line from the Chapter: “Diminish selfishness and reduce desire.”
  • Aim: Foster contentment in life and reduce the desire for material wealth or worldly achievements.
  • Explanation: The aim is to cultivate an attitude of contentment, where we appreciate what we have rather than constantly seeking more. By reducing desire and selfishness, we can live a more peaceful and fulfilling life, not driven by the pursuit of material gain or status.
  • Real-World Application: Practice contentment by being thankful for what you have. Resist the urge to constantly strive for more material possessions or achievements. Spend time appreciating the simple things in life, such as nature, relationships, and personal growth.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • Philippians 4:11-12: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
    • 1 Timothy 6:6-8: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”

Practice:

1. Practice Authenticity and Humility

  • Line from the Chapter: “Do away with your display of sainthood, abandon cleverness, so people can benefit a hundredfold.”
  • Practice: Focus on authentic, sincere actions that come from the heart rather than performing good deeds for the sake of recognition or admiration.
  • Explanation: Practice authenticity by doing good without expecting rewards or recognition. True virtue lies in sincere acts of kindness, not in external displays of righteousness. Humility is the key to genuine leadership and influence.
  • Real-World Application: In your work or personal life, make a conscious effort to do good for others quietly. Help those in need without seeking attention, like offering assistance to someone in private or volunteering without telling anyone. Lead by example, without putting yourself on display.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • Matthew 6:1-4: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them… Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
    • Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

2. Practice Love and Faithfulness Without Self-Righteousness

  • Line from the Chapter: “Do away with your display of kindness, abandon self-righteousness, so people can return to faithfulness and love.”
  • Practice: Show kindness, love, and faithfulness without judgment or the need to feel superior.
  • Explanation: Love and kindness should not be used as a means to boast about one’s own goodness. Instead, let your actions be rooted in selfless love and an honest desire for others’ well-being. This fosters true connection and encourages others to return to love and faithfulness.
  • Real-World Application: In relationships, practice love and kindness without expecting anything in return. Offer support to friends or strangers without trying to be recognized or praised for your actions. Strive to help others not because it makes you feel good or virtuous, but because it’s the right thing to do.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • 1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
    • Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

3. Practice Integrity and Fairness in All Dealings

  • Line from the Chapter: “Do away with your display of cleverness, abandon profiteering, so bandits and thieves will no longer exist.”
  • Practice: Commit to honesty, fairness, and integrity in all aspects of life. Reject unethical or exploitative behavior in business or relationships.
  • Explanation: Integrity is foundational to living according to God’s way. By rejecting dishonesty and exploitation, we make the world a better place. This principle encourages us to foster a just and honest society where all people are treated fairly.
  • Real-World Application: In the workplace, ensure your business practices are transparent and fair. Choose honesty even when it’s difficult, such as admitting a mistake at work instead of covering it up. Avoid exploiting others for personal gain and instead seek mutually beneficial arrangements.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • Proverbs 11:1: “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.”
    • Ephesians 4:28: “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands.”

4. Practice Simplicity and Return to Your True Nature

  • Line from the Chapter: “Show your true nature and embrace simplicity.”
  • Practice: Simplify your life by focusing on what truly matters and shedding unnecessary distractions. Return to your core values and natural state of being.
  • Explanation: Embrace simplicity in both your personal life and work. Avoid overcomplicating things with excess possessions or unnecessary activities. Simplicity allows us to align with God’s will and live a more fulfilling, less stressed life.
  • Real-World Application: Practice minimalism by decluttering your home and workspace. Focus your energy on what aligns with your purpose and values, such as nurturing your relationships and spiritual growth, rather than pursuing fleeting material possessions.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
    • Luke 12:15: “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'”

5. Practice Contentment and Let Go of Excess Desire

  • Line from the Chapter: “Diminish selfishness and reduce desire.”
  • Practice: Practice contentment by focusing on being grateful for what you have and letting go of excessive desires or cravings for material things.
  • Explanation: Selfishness and unchecked desire lead to discontentment. To align with God’s purpose, we need to reduce our desires for worldly possessions and status, and instead find joy in what we already have. Contentment allows us to focus on spiritual growth and our relationship with God.
  • Real-World Application: Avoid the trap of constantly seeking more, whether it’s more money, more possessions, or more recognition. Be intentional about expressing gratitude daily for what you have. Spend time in reflection, appreciating the relationships, health, and blessings you have instead of always chasing after more.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • Philippians 4:11-12: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
    • 1 Timothy 6:6-8: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”



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. This encourages meaningful dialogue to embrace shared truths that transcend cultural and religious boundaries.

1. Humility and Authenticity as a Foundation for Virtue

  • Line from the Chapter: “Do away with your display of sainthood, abandon cleverness, so people can benefit a hundredfold.”
  • Parallel Religious Teachings:
    • Christianity: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them” (Matthew 6:1).
    • Buddhism: “When you give, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Dhammapada 224).
    • Hinduism: “Perform your duty with a mind free from desire and attachment” (Bhagavad Gita 3:19).
    • Islam: “The best of you are those who are most humble and serve others” (Hadith).
  • How This Unites Us: The concept of humility transcends all major religions, emphasizing the importance of selflessness over self-promotion. Across spiritual traditions, the practice of authenticity and genuine service without expecting rewards promotes unity by shifting focus from ego-driven motives to community and service.
  • Real-World Application: In daily life, we can practice humility by seeking to help others without seeking recognition or reward. Whether it’s in professional work, volunteering, or within our families, the goal is to serve quietly, offering help or kindness without expecting praise.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • Matthew 6:1: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.”
    • Dhammapada 224: “When you give, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
    • Bhagavad Gita 3:19: “Perform your duty with a mind free from desire and attachment.”

2. Compassion and Faithfulness in Relationships

  • Line from the Chapter: “Do away with your display of kindness, abandon self-righteousness, so people can return to faithfulness and love.”
  • Parallel Religious Teachings:
    • Christianity: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).
    • Buddhism: “May all beings be happy; may all beings be without disease” (Metta Sutta).
    • Hinduism: “There is no duty greater than love” (Bhagavad Gita 9:22).
    • Islam: “And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy” (Quran 17:24).
  • How This Unites Us: Compassion, kindness, and love are central tenets in every major religion. They remind us that true relationships are built on selfless love, free of judgment or superiority. These teachings encourage us to see beyond ourselves and care for others unconditionally.
  • Real-World Application: In relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, this principle calls us to practice unconditional love. When facing conflicts or misunderstandings, instead of responding with anger or judgment, seek empathy and understanding. Demonstrate patience and faithfulness.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • Matthew 22:39: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
    • Metta Sutta: “May all beings be happy; may all beings be without disease.”
    • Bhagavad Gita 9:22: “There is no duty greater than love.”
    • Quran 17:24: “And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy.”

3. Integrity and Honesty as a Pillar of Society

  • Line from the Chapter: “Do away with your display of cleverness, abandon profiteering, so bandits and thieves will no longer exist.”
  • Parallel Religious Teachings:
    • Christianity: “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15).
    • Buddhism: “One who steals shall suffer” (Dhammapada 247).
    • Hinduism: “Truth is the highest teaching, it is the source of all things” (Bhagavad Gita 10:32).
    • Islam: “O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly” (Quran 4:29).
  • How This Unites Us: All religions stress the importance of honesty and integrity, pointing out that dishonesty leads to harm and unrest in society. This universal principle fosters trust and cooperation, ensuring a peaceful and harmonious existence in human interactions.
  • Real-World Application: In business, politics, or personal life, uphold ethical standards by rejecting greed and dishonesty. Whether it’s being transparent with customers or telling the truth in difficult situations, integrity builds trust in our communities.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • Exodus 20:15: “You shall not steal.”
    • Dhammapada 247: “One who steals shall suffer.”
    • Bhagavad Gita 10:32: “Truth is the highest teaching, it is the source of all things.”
    • Quran 4:29: “O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly.”

4. Simplicity and Detachment from Materialism

  • Line from the Chapter: “Show your true nature and embrace simplicity.”
  • Parallel Religious Teachings:
    • Christianity: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy” (Matthew 6:19-21).
    • Buddhism: “A fool who knows he is a fool is that much wiser” (Dhammapada 32) – simplicity in wisdom.
    • Hinduism: “A person who has renounced desires and attachments is always content” (Bhagavad Gita 5:29).
    • Islam: “Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous” (Quran 49:13).
  • How This Unites Us: The principle of simplicity and detachment is universally emphasized across religions as a way to focus on what truly matters—spiritual growth and virtuous living—rather than being distracted by material possessions or status.
  • Real-World Application: Declutter your physical space and your mind. Practice mindful consumption, choosing to invest time and energy in meaningful relationships, spiritual growth, and contributions to the community. Avoid being overwhelmed by the pursuit of wealth or status.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy.”
    • Dhammapada 32: “A fool who knows he is a fool is that much wiser.”
    • Bhagavad Gita 5:29: “A person who has renounced desires and attachments is always content.”
    • Quran 49:13: “Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous.”

5. Contentment and Trust in Divine Providence

  • Line from the Chapter: “Diminish selfishness and reduce desire.”
  • Parallel Religious Teachings:
    • Christianity: “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
    • Buddhism: “Desire is the root of suffering” (Dhammapada 184).
    • Hinduism: “One who is free from desire, even while performing their duties, achieves peace” (Bhagavad Gita 5:12).
    • Islam: “And those who believe and do righteous deeds… Allah will grant them peace and prosperity” (Quran 4:124).
  • How This Unites Us: The concept of reducing desire and practicing contentment is a universal principle that fosters spiritual peace. It teaches us to trust in God’s provision, moving beyond material wants and focusing on what is truly necessary for a peaceful and fulfilled life.
  • Real-World Application: Reduce unnecessary consumption and focus on gratitude for what you already have. Practice mindfulness in your desires and be content with your current circumstances, trusting that your needs will be met.
  • Scripture Reference:
    • 1 Timothy 6:6: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
    • Dhammapada 184: “Desire is the root of suffering.”
    • Bhagavad Gita 5:12: “One who is free from desire, even while performing their duties, achieves peace.”
    • Quran 4:124: “And those who believe and do righteous deeds… Allah will grant them peace and prosperity.”
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