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 40: Cycle of Life

The movement of God is returning ^a

The Way of God is yielding ^b

All things of the world are born of being ^c

Being arises from non-being ^d

^a Ecclesiastes 3:18-20; ^b Psalm 37:4-7; Exodus 32:14; Jonah 3:9-10; ^c Genesis 2:7; Genesis 1:30; ^d Colossians 1:15-16.

Chapter 40 of the Christian edition of the Tao Te Ching invites reflection on the cyclical nature of life and its divine origin. The movement of God is described as a returning, echoing the biblical understanding that everything comes from God and will ultimately return to Him (Ecclesiastes 3:18-20). This truth highlights the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal nature of God’s purposes. Returning to God signifies repentance and reconciliation, reminding believers of the call to align their lives with His will, much like the prodigal son’s return to his father (Luke 15:11-32). It is through this turning back that we find restoration and life in Him.

The Way of God is yielding, reflecting His gentle yet sovereign approach to guiding creation. This principle is seen throughout Scripture, as God’s patience and mercy lead sinners to repentance (Jonah 3:9-10). Yielding does not mean weakness but rather an intentional humility that allows God’s power to work through us. Believers are called to embody this characteristic, delighting in the Lord and trusting Him to direct their paths (Psalm 37:4-7). Yielding to God means surrendering control and trusting His plan, which often requires us to relinquish our own desires for His greater purpose.

The idea that all things are born of being and being arises from non-being reflects the biblical account of creation. God brought everything into existence from nothing (Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:15-16). Humanity itself was formed from the dust of the earth, brought to life by the breath of God (Genesis 2:7). This demonstrates not only God’s omnipotence but also His intimate involvement in creation. The relationship between being and non-being reminds us that all life originates from God’s creative Word and depends on Him for its sustenance.

In a Christian perspective, this chapter emphasizes the dependence of all creation on God and the humility required to acknowledge Him as the source of life and purpose. By embracing the cyclical movement of returning to God, yielding to His will, and recognizing our origins in Him, believers align themselves with the divine order. This alignment brings peace, fulfillment, and a deeper understanding of the eternal cycle of life under God’s sovereignty.

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 God’s Ongoing Movement

Line from the chapter: The movement of God is returning.
Mindset: Embrace the belief that God’s movement is continuous and that we are part of His divine restoration and reconciliation.
Explanation: This mindset reminds us that God is always at work in the world, moving everything toward His intended purpose of unity and peace. In times of difficulty or uncertainty, it’s crucial to trust that God’s movement is not only ongoing but is also one that will eventually restore and bring harmony to all creation.
Real-World Application: When facing challenges, focus on the reality that God’s will is always moving toward renewal and reconciliation. Instead of seeing obstacles as defeats, view them as opportunities to participate in God’s ongoing work of restoration.
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:18 (“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”)
Revelation 21:5 (“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!'”)

2. Practicing the Yielding Way of God

Line from the chapter: The Way of God is yielding.
Mindset: Adopt a posture of humility and gentleness, trusting that God’s way is one of service and surrender, not force or domination.
Explanation: The mindset here is one of surrender to God’s will, understanding that true power lies in yielding to God and others, rather than asserting control or dominance. Just as Jesus humbled Himself by coming as a servant, we too must choose to be humble and gentle in our approach to life and relationships.
Real-World Application: Practice humility in your leadership and interactions. Instead of imposing your will, serve those around you, listen to others, and offer grace and understanding. Yield to God’s will, trusting that His way is always best.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:29 (“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”)
Philippians 2:6-7 (“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…”)

3. Recognizing the Divine Purpose in Creation

Line from the chapter: All things of the world are born of being.
Mindset: Acknowledge that everything in creation is a reflection of God’s being and has a purpose within His divine plan.
Explanation: This mindset encourages us to see the world through a lens of reverence for God’s creation. We should recognize that everything—whether human, animal, plant, or the earth itself—is a product of God’s will and carries inherent value.
Real-World Application: Practice gratitude and stewardship by caring for creation. This means protecting the environment, valuing human life, and appreciating the blessings that come from God. Approach every moment as an opportunity to recognize God’s presence in all things.
Scripture Reference: John 1:3 (“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”)
Colossians 1:16 (“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things have been created through him and for him.”)

4. Trusting in God’s Creative Power

Line from the chapter: Being arises from non-being.
Mindset: Trust in God’s creative power to bring something out of nothing and believe in His ability to create new possibilities in situations that seem impossible.
Explanation: This mindset encourages a deep trust in God’s ability to create from nothing. Just as God created the world from nothing (Genesis 1), He continues to bring new life and opportunities from what seems to be void or impossible.
Real-World Application: When facing seemingly insurmountable challenges or when all hope seems lost, remind yourself that God can create new beginnings and fresh opportunities. Trust in His power to make something out of nothing, and approach every challenge with faith in His creative power.
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 11:3 (“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”)
Romans 4:17 (“…the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.”)

In today’s world, the mindset encouraged by these principles is one of trust, humility, reverence, and hope in God’s continuing work of creation and restoration. By recognizing that God is always at work—bringing all things to their intended purpose, yielding to His will, and trusting in His creative power—we can live out these truths in our everyday lives. This mindset is essential in facing the challenges of the modern world, offering us peace and direction as we align ourselves with God’s divine will and purpose.

AIM:

1. Divine Movement and Restoration

Line from the chapter: The movement of God is returning.
Aim: Aim to align with God’s divine movement and restoration.
Explanation: The principle of God’s movement returning suggests a divine plan of restoration. This movement is not abrupt but a gentle return to wholeness, unity, and balance. As believers, we are called to recognize and participate in the divine work of healing, reconciliation, and redemption in the world.
Real-World Application: Focus on actions that promote healing in relationships, communities, and nations. Engage in restorative practices, seeking peace, and working towards the welfare of others. Understand that your role in the divine restoration process is critical and take responsibility in your personal and professional life to foster unity and love.
Scripture Reference: Acts 3:21 (“Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.”)
Romans 8:21 (“That the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”)

2. Humble Submission to God’s Will

Line from the chapter: The Way of God is yielding.
Aim: Aim to live in surrender to God’s will, trusting in His perfect plan.
Explanation: Yielding to the divine will involves humility, letting go of personal desires, and submitting to God’s purpose for our lives. This principle asks us to trust that God’s plan is greater than our own and to submit to it in both joy and difficulty. Yielding is not weakness but strength in recognizing and aligning ourselves with God’s authority.
Real-World Application: Practice humility by seeking God’s guidance through prayer, meditation, and reflection on Scripture. In challenging situations, choose to trust God’s plan rather than relying on your own understanding. Prioritize God’s will over your personal ambitions and desires.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:29 (“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”)
James 4:7 (“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”)

3. Recognizing God’s Role in Creation

Line from the chapter: All things of the world are born of being.
Aim: Aim to live with the awareness that everything originates from God.
Explanation: This principle emphasizes that all creation, seen and unseen, comes from God’s divine will. By recognizing that everything has a divine origin, we cultivate a deep sense of respect, gratitude, and stewardship over creation. Every action, relationship, and experience is an opportunity to honor God as the Creator.
Real-World Application: Recognize the sacredness of all life and the earth. Engage in environmental stewardship, ethical relationships, and act with gratitude in your daily life. Treat others and creation as reflections of God’s image and handiwork, with reverence and care.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 1:1 (“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”)
John 1:3 (“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”)

4. Trust in the Unseen Work of God

Line from the chapter: Being arises from non-being.
Aim: Aim to trust that God can create from the unseen and unknown.
Explanation: The concept that being arises from non-being speaks to the mystery of creation. It reminds us that God works in unseen and mysterious ways. Our understanding is limited, but God’s creative power is infinite, bringing life and purpose from what seems like emptiness or nothingness. This teaches us to trust in God’s ability to bring forth life, opportunities, and solutions from situations that seem hopeless.
Real-World Application: In moments of uncertainty or when facing challenges, trust that God is at work behind the scenes, bringing life and transformation. Do not despair when the way forward is unclear; instead, focus on trusting God’s providence. Engage in prayer and action, knowing that God can create something meaningful from what appears to be nothing.
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 11:3 (“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”)
Romans 4:17 (“As it is written: ‘I have made you a father of many nations.’ He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.”)

These focuses encourage active, humble participation in God’s ongoing work, trust in His creativity, and an awareness of the sacredness of all creation.

Practice:

1. Aligning with God’s Movement

Line from the chapter: The movement of God is returning.
Practice: Seek alignment with God’s movement in the world by constantly discerning His will and participating in the restoration of all things.
Explanation: The movement of God is always active and moving towards healing, restoration, and reconciliation. To fulfill your purpose, practice listening for God’s guidance and stepping into the flow of His work, whether in personal relationships, work, or community efforts.
Real-World Application: In your daily life, practice discernment through prayer, meditation, or scripture reading. Stay open to where God is working in the world and seek to participate in His restorative work by supporting justice, compassion, and unity.
Scripture Reference: Romans 8:28 (“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”)
2 Corinthians 5:18 (“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”)

2. Yielding to God’s Will

Line from the chapter: The Way of God is yielding.
Practice: Practice surrendering your plans, desires, and ego to God, trusting that His will is always greater and better.
Explanation: Yielding to God means recognizing His sovereignty and allowing Him to guide your decisions. In a world where self-assertion is often praised, true fulfillment comes through humbling yourself and trusting God’s plan over your own.
Real-World Application: When making decisions, pause and pray, asking God for wisdom and guidance. Let go of the need to control every outcome, and instead, trust that God’s plan for your life will be revealed in His perfect timing.
Scripture Reference: James 4:10 (“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”)
Matthew 11:29 (“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”)

3. Reverence for All of Creation

Line from the chapter: All things of the world are born of being.
Practice: Cultivate a mindset of reverence for all creation, recognizing the divine purpose and value in every aspect of life.
Explanation: Understanding that all things come from God gives us a greater sense of responsibility to care for creation and honor its inherent worth. Practicing this reverence fosters a sense of connection with others and the world around us.
Real-World Application: Actively engage in environmental stewardship by reducing waste, protecting natural resources, and supporting efforts to care for creation. Show respect for people and animals, seeing the divine purpose in all life.
Scripture Reference: Colossians 1:16 (“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things have been created through him and for him.”)
Psalm 24:1 (“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”)

4. Trust in God’s Ability to Create from Nothing

Line from the chapter: Being arises from non-being.
Practice: Practice trusting in God’s creative power, knowing that He can bring new life and purpose from situations that seem hopeless or empty.
Explanation: The ability of God to create life from nothing (as seen in Genesis 1) is an important principle for our faith. We must trust that God can bring forth new beginnings, even when our circumstances seem bleak or without purpose.
Real-World Application: In difficult times, rather than focusing on the void or emptiness you may feel, trust that God can create something new. Practice praying for new ideas, opportunities, or breakthroughs, and remain open to unexpected possibilities.
Scripture Reference: Romans 4:17 (“…the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.”)
Hebrews 11:3 (“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”)

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. The Divine Movement and Restoration

Line from the chapter: The movement of God is returning.
Parallel Religious Teachings:
- Christianity: The return of Christ to restore all things (Acts 3:21).
- Islam: The return of the Mahdi and the ultimate return to God’s guidance (Quran 2:62).
- Hinduism: The cyclical nature of creation and destruction, with the return of Vishnu (Krishna) in times of need.
- Buddhism: The continuous flow of Dharma guiding all beings toward enlightenment and the ultimate return to Nirvana.
How This Unites Us: The concept of return signifies the ultimate restoration and reconciliation of all things back to their divine origin. Across religions, there is the understanding of a continual cycle of spiritual renewal or restoration. All major faiths share a common belief that God’s divine will seeks to restore order, justice, and peace in the world, uniting creation back to its Creator.
Real-World Application: Engage in practices of reconciliation, peacebuilding, and spiritual renewal. Seek to restore relationships and communities through the wisdom and actions aligned with God’s will, fostering unity and healing.
Scripture Reference: Acts 3:21 (“Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.”)
Quran 2:62 (“Indeed, those who believe and those who are Jews or Christians or Sabians – whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does righteous work – will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.”)

2. Surrendering to the Divine Will

Line from the chapter: The Way of God is yielding.
Parallel Religious Teachings:
- Christianity: Jesus’ call to take His yoke upon us, as He is gentle and humble (Matthew 11:29).
- Islam: Surrender to the will of Allah, encapsulated in the word “Islam” itself, meaning submission (Quran 3:19).
- Hinduism: Surrender to God’s will (Ishvara Pranidhana) in the Bhagavad Gita, where Arjuna submits to Krishna’s guidance.
- Buddhism: The practice of non-resistance, letting go of ego and desires to find peace (Dhammapada 223).
How This Unites Us: Across religious traditions, the idea of yielding reflects humility and submission to a higher power or divine order. This unites us in the shared recognition that true peace and spiritual growth come from surrendering personal desires and aligning with God’s will.
Real-World Application: In your life, practice humility by prioritizing the will of God over personal ambitions. Surrender your worries and fears to God, trusting that His will is perfect. Engage in practices such as prayer, meditation, or reflection to submit to His guidance daily.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:29 (“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”)
Quran 3:19 (“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.”)

3. Divine Source of All Creation

Line from the chapter: All things of the world are born of being.
Parallel Religious Teachings:
- Christianity: God as the Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1).
- Islam: Allah as the Creator of the heavens and the earth (Quran 2:117).
- Hinduism: Brahman as the ultimate reality from which all beings are born (Upanishads).
- Buddhism: Dependent Origination (Pratītyasamutpāda), the interconnectedness of all phenomena, all things arise together in dependence upon conditions.
How This Unites Us: The belief in a singular, divine source of all things highlights the interconnectedness of life. Every faith tradition recognizes the world and all that is within it as coming from a higher, divine origin, which unites us in our understanding of creation as purposeful and sacred.
Real-World Application: Embrace a mindset of stewardship and gratitude for the world, acknowledging that all things—people, animals, and nature—are created by God. Engage in practices that honor life, preserve the environment, and care for others as part of the divine creation.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 1:1 (“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”)
Quran 2:117 (“The Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.”)
John 1:3 (“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”)

4. Creation Arises from the Unseen

Line from the chapter: Being arises from non-being.
Parallel Religious Teachings:
- Christianity: The creation of the universe from nothing by God (Hebrews 11:3).
- Islam: Allah’s creation of all things from non-existence (Quran 2:117).
- Hinduism: The concept of creation from the unmanifested (Avyakta) into the manifested (Vyakta) in the Bhagavad Gita.
- Buddhism: The concept of emptiness (Shunyata), where all things arise from a non-fixed, empty state, constantly changing and interdependent.
How This Unites Us: The idea that creation arises from “nothing” points to a deeper reality of divine mystery, where the divine can bring life out of what appears void or chaotic. This transcendent concept of divine creation unites us across faiths in our awe of God’s creative power, beyond human understanding.
Real-World Application: Trust in the ability of God to bring life and purpose out of seemingly empty or hopeless situations. In moments of uncertainty, remember that God can create new opportunities and open doors where none seem to exist.
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 11:3 (“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”)
Quran 2:117 (“The Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.”)

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