- Select Chapter
- Chapter 1: Mystery of God
- Chapter 2: Embracing Divine Balance
- Chapter 3: Spirit of Renewal
- Chapter 4: Nature of God
- Chapter 5: The Impartial Way
- Chapter 6: The Living Spirit
- Chapter 7: Unity in Sacrifice
- Chapter 8: Way of the Master Servant
- Chapter 9: Overcoming Excessiveness
- Chapter 10: The Spirit of God
- Chapter 11: Body and Spirit
- Chapter 12: Living in the Spirit
- Chapter 13: Misfortune of Ego
- Chapter 14: Presence of God
- Chapter 15: Power in Stillness
- Chapter 16: Restoration
Chapter 9: Overcoming Excessiveness
Holding a cup that overflows a
Is not as wise as knowing when to stop
Keep sharpening your sword b
And it will become dull and break
Filling your life with the love of money c
And no one can protect it
Riches and titles bring arrogance d
And disaster will follow
When you achieve success and gain fame e
Remain humble
This is the Way of God
a Proverbs 23:1-8; b Matthew 26:51-52; Psalm 7:12-16; c 1 Timothy 6:6-10; d Matthew 23:5-8; Habakkuk 2:5; e Matthew 23:12; Sirach 3:18-20.
Trinitarian M.A.P.
Mindset, Aim, and Practice are the three pillars of a spiritually guided path rooted in Love, Trust, and Faith, empowering us to fulfill our God-given mission. Understanding the Love of the Father will shape our MINDSET, opening our hearts to Trust in the teachings of the Son to direct our AIM, and empowers us to deepen our Faith in the Holy Spirit to guide our daily PRACTICE.
Mindset:
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Moderation and Restraint
Modern culture often pushes us toward excess—whether in ambition, material wealth, or status. Yet, this chapter highlights the wisdom of knowing when to stop and recognizing the harm of “overflowing.” Apply this by practicing moderation in pursuits that could otherwise lead to burnout or dissatisfaction. Contentment with what you have allows for a peaceful, fulfilling mindset that reflects God’s teachings of simplicity and focus on spiritual riches. -
Humility in Success
Today’s achievements, be they career milestones, social influence, or financial gain, can easily tempt us into pride. This chapter urges a stance of humility, even when success and recognition come. Understanding that these are blessings, rather than self-made accomplishments, fosters gratitude and keeps our focus on serving others rather than elevating ourselves. Maintaining this humility aligns with God’s heart for leadership as service. -
Guarding Against Materialism
Material wealth is fleeting and often brings insecurities. Our current society’s pursuit of money and possessions often leads to increased anxiety and fear of loss. This chapter warns against this attachment, teaching that true security is found in God’s provision and promises. Practice viewing material possessions as tools rather than sources of identity, allowing you to place ultimate trust in God rather than temporary things. -
Embracing God’s Way
When you gain success or recognition, this chapter calls you to see these as opportunities to reflect God’s love and humility, not as personal achievements. Adopting this mindset means striving to let God’s purpose and values be visible in your life. Instead of seeking validation from others, let your actions silently reveal the heart of God—gentleness, wisdom, and generosity.
This balanced, humble, and spiritually grounded mindset resonates not only with the values found in Christianity but also with core virtues across many spiritual paths, creating a universal framework for leading a purposeful, God-aligned life in modern times.
AIM:
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Aim to Cultivate Moderation in Desires and Pursuits
The chapter reminds us of the importance of recognizing when to step back and avoid extremes, as symbolized by knowing when to stop pouring into a cup that’s already full. Before acting on this principle, focus on cultivating a mindset that appreciates “enough” and embraces restraint. By aiming for a balanced approach to desires, ambition, and resources, you create space for true contentment, keeping God as the central source of fulfillment rather than material or external validations. -
Seek Humility as the Foundation of Success
An essential aim before living out these principles is to recognize that all achievements, skills, and resources are gifts from God. Genuine humility—understanding that our worth does not come from titles, money, or fame—allows us to act without pride or arrogance, which the chapter warns leads to disaster. Aligning with God’s heart requires that we deeply value humility, seeing success as an opportunity to serve rather than as a source of personal pride. -
Prioritize Eternal Values Over Temporary Gains
Aim to set your focus on values that endure, such as love, generosity, and integrity. Temporary pursuits, like wealth or social status, can be pursued and lost. Realize the importance of eternal virtues that reflect God’s kingdom and His purposes. By aiming to seek God’s kingdom first, you lay a foundation for wise and God-aligned actions that bear fruit beyond this life. -
Prepare for Generosity and Service
Another key aim is to adopt a mindset of giving rather than taking. The overflow of blessings should not be hoarded but shared, and aiming to have a spirit of generosity prepares you for God-aligned action that benefits others. This chapter reminds us that generosity and kindness should follow success and that wisdom lies in giving freely without expecting return. -
Embrace Trust in God’s Timing and Provision
Finally, cultivating trust in God’s provision before taking action brings peace and alignment with His will. When we fill ourselves with trust rather than with the “love of money” or worldly security, we can act confidently, knowing God supplies our needs.
These aims offer the foundation necessary to live out the principles of the chapter with integrity, creating a mindset fully aligned with the Will of God, ready for practices that reflect these timeless truths.
Practice:
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Practice Moderation in Your Endeavors
Embrace the wisdom of balance and contentment by not over-filling your life with material pursuits or ambition. Practically, this means setting limits on what you take on, being aware of when “enough” is reached, and focusing on what truly aligns with God’s values. This practice encourages a steady rhythm and a disciplined life that is not strained by excess. -
Exercise Humility in All Achievements
Adopt humility, especially when blessed with success or recognition. Rather than seeking pride or validation, find ways to use your talents and achievements to serve others. Thank God privately for your strengths, avoid boasting, and remember that all good things are gifts from God. This humility aligns you with Christ’s example of meekness and creates an openness to God’s purposes. -
Shift Focus from Material Security to Faith
Rather than clinging to wealth or possessions for security, practice the faith that God provides. Practically, this can involve sharing resources, trusting God’s provision in uncertain times, and being generous toward others. Cultivate gratitude for what you have and release attachment to money as a primary source of peace. -
Regularly Engage in Reflection and Silence
Since the chapter advises against “too many words,” cultivate moments of silence to hear God’s voice more clearly. This could involve daily prayer, reflection, or meditation, making time to listen for God’s guidance rather than always seeking activity or control. Silence helps align your thoughts with God’s will and brings clarity to your intentions. -
Offer Generosity Without Expectation
The chapter’s wisdom teaches that true purpose is fulfilled in giving without strings attached. Practice acts of kindness and service, offering your time and resources to those in need without seeking recognition. This reflects God’s selfless love and opens you to a purpose rooted in serving others. -
Embrace a Spirit of Contentment
Finally, work toward finding peace with what you have, embracing a mindset that doesn’t covet or overreach. Contentment is a daily practice and aligns with the Biblical principle of finding joy in God’s presence, regardless of circumstances. It’s the foundation of inner peace, a life centered on trust in God rather than worldly gain.
By integrating these practices, you develop a life centered on God’s will, marked by moderation, humility, faith, and love—foundational values for fulfilling a purpose in harmony with His divine plan.
Universal Language of Truth
The New Evangelization aims to unite all people and nations through a universal language of truth that speaks to diverse cultures, histories, and faiths. This chapter highlights our commonalities rather than our differences. Through this, we become the "Light" of the Holy Spirit for others to follow in the Body of Christ, illuminating His presence in the world.
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Emphasis on Moderation and Avoiding Excess
Many faiths teach the importance of moderation. In Christianity, the Bible warns against the love of money, teaching that overindulgence can lead to ruin (1 Timothy 6:10). Similarly, in Buddhism, the “Middle Way” advocates a balanced life, steering away from extremes of wealth or asceticism to find inner peace. Islam also encourages moderation, or wasatiyyah, as a path to virtue and stability, with the Prophet Muhammad advising against excessive wealth for a humble and spiritually-centered life.Value of Humility in Success
Humility is universally revered as a virtue. Christianity teaches that true greatness comes from service and humility, with Jesus saying, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). Hinduism similarly values humility, as seen in the Bhagavad Gita’s emphasis on modesty and freedom from pride. In Islam, humility is essential, with teachings in the Quran encouraging believers to “walk humbly on the earth” (Quran 25:63).Trust in Spiritual Over Material Wealth
A key lesson in this chapter is the fleeting nature of material wealth, a perspective echoed across religions. Buddhism teaches the impermanence of material possessions, encouraging followers to seek inner peace instead of external riches. Christianity, too, emphasizes the transient nature of wealth, with Jesus advising His followers to “store up treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). In Sikhism, detachment from material wealth and a focus on spiritual riches are essential for a fulfilled life, with service to others taking precedence over personal gain.Contentment and Simplicity as Pathways to Peace
Contentment and simplicity are also universal themes. In Judaism, the Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) teaches that “Who is rich? Those who are content with their lot.” Islam encourages gratitude and contentment with what Allah has provided, and Hinduism emphasizes santosha, or contentment, as part of its ethical observances, encouraging believers to find peace in simplicity rather than in accumulation.The Importance of Reflective Silence and Restraint in Speech
Finally, the principle of restraint in speech and embracing silence aligns with teachings across religions. Christianity and Proverbs emphasize that “even fools are thought wise if they keep silent” (Proverbs 17:28). In Buddhism, mindful speech is a key part of the Noble Eightfold Path, advocating for words that are truthful, kind, and purposeful. Islam also emphasizes careful speech, with the Prophet Muhammad advising that “whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak a good word or remain silent.”
These principles reveal an interconnected foundation of wisdom that resonates through many religious traditions, calling for a focus on spiritual integrity, humility, moderation, and inner peace. This alignment speaks to the timeless, universal nature of these teachings as they guide adherents toward a life attuned to divine purpose and well-being.