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Built For Greatness
Mysterious Nature of God: BFG Handbook Chapter 41 (Seeing with Spiritual Eyes)
Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-41-mysterious-nature-of-god/
What happens when we encounter paradoxes in our spiritual journey? In this thought-provoking exploration of Chapter 41 from the BFG Movement Handbook, "Mysterious Nature of God," we unpack how seemingly contradictory statements can reveal profound spiritual truths.
The bright path appears dark. Advancement appears to retreat. The voice of God appears silent. These paradoxical statements aren't meant to confuse but to transform our perspective. We discover that God works in ways that often contradict conventional wisdom—so much so that the wise respond with faithful obedience while the foolish laugh out loud. Yet surprisingly, this laughter can actually confirm the authenticity of divine wisdom precisely because it challenges our limited understanding.
Throughout our conversation, we examine five essential mindsets that help us navigate this mysterious divine landscape: humble reception, faith beyond appearances, embracing divine mystery, divine patience, and valuing inner depth over outward appearance. Each mindset connects to powerful scriptural foundations—from Proverbs 3:5-6 to Hebrews 11:1—and offers practical applications for daily life. Whether it's prioritizing kindness in our interactions, seeing with spiritual eyes during difficult times, or practicing humility in leadership roles, these principles help us align our lives with divine wisdom.
Perhaps most fascinating is how these spiritual truths transcend religious boundaries. We explore how similar principles of obedience, seeing beyond appearances, humility, patience, and authenticity appear across Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and other faith traditions. As St. Thomas Aquinas observed, "Truth cannot contradict truth," suggesting an underlying unity that can bring people together despite theological differences.
Ready to shift your perspective and see the divine mysteries with fresh eyes? Listen now and consider how embracing the paradoxical nature of God might transform your approach to life's challenges. Share your thoughts with us and join the conversation about spiritual growth that transcends conventional understanding.
All right. So welcome to our deep dive. Today we're going to be looking at chapter 41, built for God, bfg Movement Handbook. And you know this is the Christian edition of the Tao Te Ching, and this chapter is called Mysterious Nature of God.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and it's a really unique lens on the gospel. You know. It presents it as this new expression of God's love to really restore the truth.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, and it jumps right into like how people respond to the word of God. Right so you have the wise who you know obey faithfully the ordinary, who believe for a while, but maybe they doubt. And then you have the foolish who just you know they laugh out loud.
Speaker 2:Well, and you know, I think what's so interesting about this chapter is it kind of suggests that, uh, you know the laughter, the foolish, that can actually confirm the word of God.
Speaker 1:Oh, why?
Speaker 2:Because there's something so far outside of you know conventional wisdom. You know it's going to seem ridiculous to the people who are entrenched in that view.
Speaker 1:It's a good point.
Speaker 2:And then it goes on to give us all of these um, these paradoxical statements. It says the bright path appears dark, or advancement appears to retreat, or even the voice of God appears silent. It's really trying to challenge our thinking about how God works and how his ways are revealed to us.
Speaker 1:So, with all these seemingly upside down ideas, what's the point that the chapter is trying to make here?
Speaker 2:Well, you know, it comes down to this idea of the very nature of God. Right, he's nameless, formless, invisible, yet he's also intimately present with us.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Hidden in our hearts. Okay, and he's the one who nourishes and brings everything to completion.
Speaker 1:Right. So those paradoxes aren't meant to be confusing. They're kind of like little glimpses into and brings everything to completion, right, so those paradoxes aren't like meant to be confusing, you know. They're kind of like little glimpses into this bigger picture right, yeah, they are. Okay, okay, that makes sense.
Speaker 2:They're meant to make you think, make you question your assumptions.
Speaker 1:Okay. So the handbook then goes into a section called Renewal, and it lays out this Trinitarian method, the MAP mindset, aim and practice. Let's start with mindset, the first one being the mindset of humble reception.
Speaker 2:Right and this is really kind of building on that, that initial reaction of the wise right. So the chapter quotes you know, when the wise hear the word of God they obey faithfully. You know it's about being open, receptive, setting aside your pride and your ego and just really listening and acting with trust.
Speaker 1:So it's like like having a beginner's mind, you know, being willing to learn and accept new ideas.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Even if they challenge your current beliefs. Right.
Speaker 2:Right, and the chapter even suggests. You know you should make time for quiet reflection and meditate on scripture before you make big decisions.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah, like if you're changing careers or something you know. It's about slowing down and really listening for guidance.
Speaker 1:Okay, and you know that reminds me of Proverbs 3.56, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. You know.
Speaker 2:Right, that's a beautiful verse for that.
Speaker 1:It is so. The next mindset is the mindset of faith beyond appearances.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:And this really ties back into those paradoxes. The chapter quotes the bright path appears dark, the highest virtue appears empty.
Speaker 2:Right, and you know what it's saying is that you have to trust God's path, even when it doesn't make sense to you or it doesn't look like what you expect.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You might face difficulties, you might face things that seem like setbacks, but you know, god's power is often at work in those very things. Right, and the chapter even references 1 Corinthians 1.27. Oh okay, you know where it says God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.
Speaker 1:So you know for me like a real world application of this would be, like you know, having faith during like a difficult time, or choosing to forgive someone even when you're angry.
Speaker 2:Right, exactly, you know. It's about seeing that redemptive power of love, even when it's hard.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's really good. I like that. Yeah, all right. So then we have the mindset of embracing divine mystery. And this one says the nameless God has no form. He alone nourishes and brings everything to completion. The nameless.
Speaker 2:God has no form. He alone nourishes and brings everything to completion. Yeah, and you know, this is really about being okay with not knowing everything Right, trusting that God has a plan, even when you can't see it.
Speaker 1:So letting go of control, especially when things are uncertain.
Speaker 2:Exactly, Exactly, and you know it reminds me of Hebrews 11.1,. You know now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Speaker 1:That's a good one yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay. So then we have the mindset of divine patience and restraint.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:And the chapter says the advancement of God appears to retreat. The greatest virtue appears weak.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and this one is really challenging, you know, especially in our culture, where we always want to be doing something and seeing results Right yeah. But you know, sometimes the best thing you can do is just wait and be patient. You know trust in God's timing and you know the chapter even suggests Psalm 37.7,. You know where it says be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.
Speaker 1:So, like for me, a real world application of this would be, you know, like not trying to control every situation at work, you know, or like in your personal life. Let things unfold.
Speaker 2:Right, exactly, it's about surrendering that need to be in charge all the time.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's tough, but I like it.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay, and then last mindset in this section is the mindset of inner focus over outward appearance.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And the quote here is the perfect square appears shapeless. The finest talent appears unproductive.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and you know, this is really about focusing on what's truly important, you know, developing your character being authentic.
Speaker 1:Right right.
Speaker 2:Instead of just chasing external recognition or or achievements Okay, you know focusing on your spiritual growth, not just how you look to the world.
Speaker 1:And that really resonates with 1 Samuel 16.7,. You know, for the Lord sees not as man sees. Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
Speaker 2:That's a powerful one.
Speaker 1:It is yeah, okay. So, having gone through all of these important mindsets, we now move on to aim, the first aim being a heart of faithful obedience.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and this is really about putting that mindset of humble reception into practice. You know striving to obey God even when you don't fully understand everything. You know it's recognizing that wisdom isn't just about knowledge. And you know John 14, if you love me, keep my commands.
Speaker 1:So, like for me, a practical way to do this would be, you know, like always, choosing to be honest even when it's hard, you know, or doing the right thing even when it's not convenient.
Speaker 2:Right, exactly, it's about living out your faith in your everyday actions.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, that's good, yeah, okay. So then we have the aim to aim for inner clarity and trust in God's plan.
Speaker 2:Right, and you know this is really building on that face, beyond appearances, you know, training yourself to see with faith, not just with your eyes.
Speaker 1:Okay. So even when things are tough or uncertain, you trust that God has a plan.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and you know the chapter gives examples like you know, job loss or relationship problems, right, you know situations where it's really hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but you still hold on to hope, and you know that reminds me of second Corinthians 5.7, for we walk by faith, not by sight. That's a beautiful verse for that. Yeah, yeah, it is yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay, so then we have, uh, aim for humility in seeking wisdom.
Speaker 2:Right, and you know, this one's all about recognizing that you don't have all the answers.
Speaker 1:Right yeah.
Speaker 2:You know you're always learning and growing and you need to be open to learning from others.
Speaker 1:Right, even if you're like in a leadership position or something.
Speaker 2:Exactly, exactly. And you know James 4.6 is a great reminder for this. You know, god opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, that's a good one, yeah, okay. The fourth aim is aim for endurance through spiritual stillness.
Speaker 2:Right, and you know, this one is about finding strength in those quiet moments, you know, learning to be still and wait on God.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Even when it seems like he's silent. Yeah, he's still working.
Speaker 1:And you know that really speaks to like Psalm 46.10,. Be still and know that I am God. You know setting aside time each day for prayer or meditation.
Speaker 2:Right, just to create that space for God to speak to you.
Speaker 1:Yeah, okay. And then the last aim is, uh, aim for depth over surface appearances.
Speaker 2:Right, and you know this is about focusing on what's really important. You know your character, your relationship with God. Right right, not just what people see on the outside. It's about those quiet acts of service, unseen things that really matter.
Speaker 1:And you know that reminds me of 2 Corinthians 4.18. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.
Speaker 2:That's a great verse for that.
Speaker 1:It is All right. So now we move on to practice. How do we actually put all of this into action? The first practice is practice humble obedience to God's word.
Speaker 2:Right, and you know, this is really about making a conscious effort to obey God. You know, even when you don't feel like it, Aligning your desires with his will. And the chapter suggests prioritizing kindness and integrity in our everyday interactions just prioritizing kindness and integrity in our everyday interactions, exactly Even when it's hard. You know refers back to Proverbs 3.5,. You know, trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, that's a good one.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay, the next practice is practice seeing beyond outward appearances.
Speaker 2:Right, and you know, this one's about training yourself to see with spiritual eyes.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:We're looking for God's deeper purposes.
Speaker 1:Right, right.
Speaker 2:Especially when you're going through difficult times.
Speaker 1:And it reminds us of 2 Corinthians, 4.18. Again, you know, yeah. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen.
Speaker 2:That's a powerful verse for that. Yeah, yeah, it is.
Speaker 1:All right, then we have practice, humility as the root of true strength.
Speaker 2:Right, and you know, this one's about remembering that you're not always right.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:You know you need to be willing to listen to others and learn from them.
Speaker 1:Okay, and the chapter suggests actively listening and seeking counsel from trusted sources.
Speaker 2:Exactly you know, especially if you're in a leadership role.
Speaker 1:Right, and you know, James 4.10 is a good reminder for this. You know, humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up.
Speaker 2:That's a great one.
Speaker 1:Okay, the fourth practice is practice stillness and endurance in faith.
Speaker 2:Right, and you know, this one's about creating space for God to speak to you. You know, setting aside time for prayer and meditation Right and the chapter references Psalm 37.7.
Speaker 1:Again, be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's a beautiful verse, for that it is, it is yeah.
Speaker 1:All right. And the final practice is practice authenticity over external appearances.
Speaker 2:Right, and you know, this one's about being true to yourself, not trying to impress others.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:But just focusing on your relationship with God and doing what he's calling you to do. Okay.
Speaker 1:And the chapter highlights Matthew 6.2 to 4. You know so, when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others.
Speaker 2:Right, it's about those hidden acts of service, things that are done in secret.
Speaker 1:All right. So after all of that, the chapter goes into this section called Respond Right, and it's about you know how all of this internal renewal can shape how we interact with the world and other faith traditions.
Speaker 2:Right. It's about recognizing the shared truths that exist across different religions.
Speaker 1:So the first point in this section is obedience to divine wisdom. Yeah, and it references that line from earlier. When the wise hear the word of God, they obey faithfully.
Speaker 2:Right, and you know, it's interesting to see how this principle of obedience is found in so many different faiths.
Speaker 1:Yeah, like you know, the chapter mentions Luke 11.28 in Christianity, Quran 33.71 in Islam. You know the emphasis on commandments in Judaism and the concept of Dharma in Hinduism.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and it suggests that there's this universal posture of humility before a higher power, right, and you know that can actually unite us, you know, even if we have different beliefs.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, that's really interesting, yeah, okay. So then the next point is seeing beyond outward appearances.
Speaker 2:Right, and you know, this one is about recognizing that there's more to reality than what we see on the surface.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:You know, it's about cultivating spiritual insight and looking deeper.
Speaker 1:And the chapter points out that this idea is found in Second Corinthians 5.7, in Christianity, the Buddhist concept of Maya.
Speaker 2:Right. And the Sufi understanding of hidden defined truth exactly you know, and it encourages us to practice empathy and refrain from judging others based on their appearance right, right, that's really good.
Speaker 1:Yeah, all right. So then we have, uh, humility as the foundation of strength, and the quote here is the high is built upon the foundation of the low right and you know this principle is found in Luke 14.11 in Christianity mm-hmm Quran 2.222 in Islam and even in Buddhism and Sikhism exactly.
Speaker 2:You know it's this idea that true strength comes from humility, not from pride, and you know that can lead to greater harmony in our relationships so like actively listening to others. You know, not seeking self-promotion exactly, you know, focusing on serving others.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, I like that.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay, the next point is patience and stillness in challenging times.
Speaker 2:Right, and you know, this one's about remembering that God's timing is not always our timing. You know, sometimes we need to wait and be patient, you know, and it's about cultivating that inner resilience, that ability to endure even when things are tough.
Speaker 1:And the chapter suggests using spiritual practices like prayer or meditation to help us with this.
Speaker 2:Right, you know, to stay calm and centered, yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's good.
Speaker 2:Yeah, all right.
Speaker 1:And then the last point in this section is authenticity over external recognition.
Speaker 2:Right, and you know, this one's about being true to yourself, you know, not trying to impress others, living out your faith authentically.
Speaker 1:And it connects this idea to Matthew 6.3 in Christianity, micah 6.8 in Judaism and the Bhagavad Gita's teachings on selfless action.
Speaker 2:Exactly, you know. It's about doing the right thing for the right reasons for recognition or reward.
Speaker 1:Right right.
Speaker 2:And you know, the chapter suggests serving others without expectation of praise.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and you know it all wraps up with that quote from St Thomas Aquinas truth cannot contradict truth, that's a powerful quote. It is you know, it really points to the underlying unity that can exist across different faiths.
Speaker 2:Right. Despite our differences, there are fundamental truths that we all share. Yeah, I like that, yeah.
Speaker 1:All right. So, as we come to the end of this deep dive, we've really explored this fascinating idea of the mysterious nature of God.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:You know the importance of approaching him with humility, having faith beyond what we see, cultivating patience and focusing on what's truly important.
Speaker 2:And recognizing those shared truths that exist across different religions.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and you know, I think the big takeaway for me is that understanding God's ways often requires us to shift our perspective.
Speaker 2:Right, you know, to let go of our preconceived notions and be open to new ways of seeing things.
Speaker 1:So, as a final thought for everyone listening, I want you to consider how embracing this mysterious nature of God might change your own life.
Speaker 2:Yeah, how might it affect how you approach challenges or how you see the world?
Speaker 1:You know what would happen if you started applying even just one of these mindsets, aims or practices.
Speaker 2:That's a great question for you to ponder, it is it?
Speaker 1:is so thank you for joining us on this deep dive. Thanks for having me and we'll see you next time.