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Our commitment is to restore the truth, not just as a historical or doctrinal concept, but as a living and active force that shapes how we live, serve, and interact with others. The BFG Handbook we offer at www.builtforgreatness.com presents the Gospel in a fresh way, making it relevant to today’s challenges while staying true to the eternal truths of Christ. This is not a new gospel but a renewed and vibrant expression of the Good News that invites all to encounter Jesus in profound and meaningful ways.
Built For Greatness
The Good Shepherd: BFG Handbook Chapter 49 (Living Like Christ)
Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-49-the-good-shepherd/
Ever wondered if the ancient image of Jesus as the "Good Shepherd" might contain practical wisdom for navigating today's complex relationships? Our deep dive into Chapter 49 of the Build for God movement reveals a fresh presentation of timeless truths that could transform how you connect with others.
The chapter outlines seven powerful attributes that defined Christ's shepherding approach: maintaining an open mind, showing righteousness to all, remaining unfailingly faithful, living in peace, deeply understanding others (or "merging minds"), leading by authentic example, and loving everyone as children. What makes this teaching particularly compelling is how it's meticulously grounded in scripture from Romans, Philippians, Matthew, Timothy, Acts, John, and Peter – demonstrating these aren't new ideas but ancient wisdom presented with renewed clarity.
At the heart of this teaching lies the MAP framework – Mindset, Aim, and Practice – a Trinitarian method for personal renewal. For each attribute, we explored the inner attitude required (mindset), the intentional goal to pursue (aim), and the concrete actions that bring these qualities to life (practice). Imagine consciously choosing to listen deeply before responding, extending fairness to someone who seems undeserving, remaining reliable even when others aren't, actively seeking reconciliation rather than winning arguments, or practicing boundless love toward difficult people. These aren't just nice theories but transformative practices with profound scriptural foundations.
Perhaps most fascinating was discovering how these Good Shepherd qualities resonate across different faith traditions – from Buddhist compassion teachings to Islamic mercy principles and Hindu concepts of interconnectedness. As St. Thomas Aquinas noted, "Truth cannot contradict truth." What if these shared values point toward fundamental human truths that transcend our differences? Consider which attribute speaks most deeply to you right now, and try consciously practicing it this week. How might that simple choice create ripples of positive change in your relationships and help you discover unexpected common ground with others? Join us to explore these powerful pathways to renewal.
You know how it is. You want to get the good stuff, the key insights, without slogging through tons of text. That's what the deep dive is all about, and today we're doing just that with excerpts from chapter 49, the Good Shepherd.
Speaker 2:Right from the Build for God or BFG movement.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's the one. It's presented as a kind of Christian take on the Tao Te Ching, aiming to quote restore the truth.
Speaker 2:Through a new expression of God's love, as they put it.
Speaker 1:And we're also going to look closely at their Trinitarian method, mindset, aim and practice MAP.
Speaker 2:MAP right. They frame it as a pathway to renewal based on this chapter.
Speaker 1:And people should stick around. We'll also touch on their response section.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, that part's fascinating. It draws some well surprising parallels with other world religions. Totally so I guess our goal today is really to get to the heart of what this chapter is saying about Jesus as the good shepherd.
Speaker 1:And, more importantly, what does that actually mean for us?
Speaker 2:Exactly. You know how can these ideas shape your perspective, maybe your actions.
Speaker 1:Or even how you see connections with people from different backgrounds or beliefs.
Speaker 2:That too.
Speaker 1:Okay, so let's dive straight into it. This idea of the good shepherd. Chapter 49 paints this picture of Christ with some very specific qualities.
Speaker 2:It does.
Speaker 1:Well, it talks about him having this really open mind, being righteous or fair towards everyone, no exceptions, and being totally reliable, faithful, living in peace, really getting people like, merging minds with them, leading by example and finally loving everyone like they're his own children. It's quite an image.
Speaker 2:It is yeah, and what's interesting right from the start is how the chapter grounds these characteristics in the Bible.
Speaker 1:It's not just abstract stuff.
Speaker 2:No, they provide a whole list of scriptural references Romans, Philippians, Matthew, Timothy, Acts, John, Peter.
Speaker 1:So they're making it clear this new expression isn't pulling things out of thin air. It's like they're saying look, this isn't brand new, but maybe a way to see the familiar freshly, To bring those truths back.
Speaker 2:To restore the truth, as they say. To bring those truths back To restore the truth, as they say. The chapter itself states that purpose.
Speaker 1:Presenting the gospel in a renewed way to help people reconnect.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so we're not looking at some distant figure, but a good shepherd who's deeply involved.
Speaker 1:Makes sense.
Speaker 2:And that leads us nicely into this idea of renewal using their MAP framework, mindset, aim, practice.
Speaker 1:The Trinitarian method.
Speaker 2:Right. The text suggests this process is fueled by God's love, trust in the Son and well faith in the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Speaker 1:So, like the love gives the why, the example gives the how and the Spirit gives the push.
Speaker 2:That's a good way to think about it, yeah, so let's break it down. Let's start with the mindset they link to each of those Good Shepherd attributes.
Speaker 1:Okay, Sounds good. So for the Good Shepherd's open mind. What's the mindset there?
Speaker 2:It's about cultivating that same openness and empathy in ourselves.
Speaker 1:Really listening, trying to understand different viewpoints, which makes sense. They mentioned Philippians 2.5, having Christ's mindset, and Romans 15.7, accepting each other.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's like saying before you jump to conclusions, conclusions, try to see where the other person is coming from.
Speaker 1:That shift from judging to understanding seems key it is creating connection, approaching with compassion.
Speaker 2:First, a practical thing might be just focusing on active listening day to day really hearing someone out before forming your response yeah, before you jump in, try to graft their perspective, maybe even their feelings, okay, Then there's being righteous to all.
Speaker 1:The mindset isn't about being, you know, self-righteous.
Speaker 2:No, definitely not.
Speaker 1:It's about aiming for that impartial fairness God's standard, as they put it.
Speaker 2:And they bring up some challenging verses like loving your enemies, from Matthew, or doing good to those who hate you, from Luke.
Speaker 1:It's a pretty high bar.
Speaker 2:It really pushes against our sort of natural tendency to treat people based on our own biases or whether we think they deserve kindness.
Speaker 1:The text emphasizes that Jesus' righteousness was universal.
Speaker 2:Yeah, not just for a select group. And the application is choosing fairness, maybe forgiveness, even when it's tough or doesn't benefit you directly.
Speaker 1:Okay, next is being faithful to all. What's the mindset?
Speaker 2:Here, it's about being constant, reliable in your commitments, and this is key, regardless of whether others are faithful back.
Speaker 1:Okay, they reference to Timothy that God remains faithful even if we aren't.
Speaker 2:In Hebrews, God promising never to leave us. It's about that deep, unwavering reliability.
Speaker 1:So the insight is that this faithfulness isn't conditional. Exactly, it's mirroring that this faithfulness isn't conditional.
Speaker 2:Exactly, it's mirroring that divine steadfastness, being true to your word, showing up not because what you get back, but because that's who you aim to be Acting with integrity.
Speaker 1:Makes sense Then, living in peace the mindset.
Speaker 2:Actively choosing peace, letting go of the need to always be right or win arguments, prioritizing harmony.
Speaker 1:They mentioned Matthew 5.9,. Blessed are the peacemakers.
Speaker 2:Uh-huh, and Romans 12, urging us to live at peace with everyone you know as much as possible.
Speaker 1:So it's about consciously choosing palm over conflict.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and it suggests outward peace starts with an inner choice deciding to step back. Seek resolution find common ground instead of just focusing on differences.
Speaker 1:Okay, Attribute five merging minds with people. What's the mindset for that?
Speaker 2:This one's about developing really deep empathy, trying to grasp not just what people say, but their underlying motivations, their struggles.
Speaker 1:Like Romans 12, sharing joys and sorrows.
Speaker 2:Yes, and Hebrews 4.15, that Jesus understands our weaknesses. It's connecting on a really fundamental human level.
Speaker 1:Going beyond just like polite conversation.
Speaker 2:Absolutely Striving to see the world through their eyes, understand their inner landscape. Again, active listening is crucial here Not just waiting to talk, but focusing on what's being said and felt.
Speaker 1:Got it Then being followed by example, the mindset.
Speaker 2:Recognizing that actions speak louder than words. Simple as that, really.
Speaker 1:Living in a way that matches your values, because people follow what you do more than what you say.
Speaker 2:Precisely. They reference Matthew 4. Follow me and John 13.35, where love is the identifier. It's about authentic leadership through living.
Speaker 1:Being aware that your life demonstrates your beliefs.
Speaker 2:Yeah, your behavior has an impact. So the call is to make sure your actions reflect your principles, leading by authenticity, not just words and the last one, loving all as children, the mindset here cultivating unconditional love for everyone, seeing inherent value in people, regardless of their actions or beliefs like john, 13.34, the command to love one another in first john 419, we love because God first loved us. It's about a really inclusive, generous kind of love.
Speaker 1:That really captures that core Good Shepherd image, doesn't it?
Speaker 2:It does Deep, unwavering care for everyone. It challenges us to look past differences and embrace shared humanity, extending love even when it's hard or someone seems, you know, undeserving.
Speaker 1:Okay, so that covers the mindset part of MAP. How do these ways of thinking translate into the next step, the aim, our intentions or goals?
Speaker 2:Right. So for the open mind. The aim is to actively seek that openness and empathy in all interactions.
Speaker 1:Making it a deliberate goal, not just a nice idea. They reference Philippians 2.4 again looking out for others' interests.
Speaker 2:Exactly it's setting a clear intention, making a conscious effort to understand before reacting, making space for other views, showing empathy.
Speaker 1:And for being righteous to all the aim.
Speaker 2:To actively strive for impartial justice and righteousness in every situation.
Speaker 1:Again referencing Matthew 5.45, god sending rain on everyone, and Luke 6.35, loving enemies. It's about pursuing fairness.
Speaker 2:Yeah, going beyond just feeling we should be fair and actively looking for ways to practice justice, maybe speaking up, challenging unfairness, ensuring fairness in personal dealings, even when it's not easy.
Speaker 1:Got it For being faithful to all. What's the aim?
Speaker 2:To intentionally practice unwavering faithfulness, holding on to hope because God is faithful. Referencing 2 Timothy in Hebrews again.
Speaker 1:So a determined commitment to being reliable.
Speaker 2:Yeah, the aim is to be that dependable person, that constant, no matter the circumstances or what others do, consciously choosing steadfastness.
Speaker 1:And for living in peace.
Speaker 2:The aim is to actively pursue peace and reconciliation. Living in peace. The aim is to actively pursue peace and reconciliation Again, Matthew 5.9 and Romans 12.18.
Speaker 1:Being an active agent for harmony, not just passively avoiding conflict.
Speaker 2:Right, actively working towards understanding and resolution, being the one who initiates peaceful talk, seeks common ground, is willing to forgive and reconcile.
Speaker 1:Okay For merging minds.
Speaker 2:To intentionally develop that deep empathy and understanding for others' experiences. Romans 12.15,. Hebrews 4.15.
Speaker 1:Again A conscious effort to connect deeply yeah.
Speaker 2:Pushing beyond surface interactions, really trying to grasp the emotional, maybe even spiritual landscape of others, connecting with their joys and sorrows. Making that effort.
Speaker 1:Makes sense. Aim for being followed by example.
Speaker 2:To consciously lead by living out godly principles being a light, as Matthew 5 says, or living good lives so others might see, like in 1 Peter.
Speaker 1:Intentional modeling of behavior.
Speaker 2:Exactly Constantly being aware that your life communicates something. Striving to live in a way that reflects your values. Hoping your example influences others positively, taking responsibility for your impact.
Speaker 1:And, finally, the aim for loving all as children, setting the intention to love without conditions.
Speaker 2:Yes, it challenges us to extend that radical, all-encompassing love, even to those who are difficult, consciously choosing to mirror that divine love.
Speaker 1:Okay, we've covered mindset and aim. Now for the third part, practice, the actual doing it part. Right the actions we can take so for cultivating an open mind, the practice is well actively cultivating empathy and openness. Same references Philippians 2.4, romans 15.7.
Speaker 2:Exactly, it's putting intention into action, actively listening, trying to consider their experiences before reacting, approaching conversations with humility.
Speaker 1:Like maybe making a habit of asking clarifying questions.
Speaker 2:That's a great practical step, yeah, to make sure you really understand their perspective. Okay.
Speaker 1:For demonstrating impartiality and justice.
Speaker 2:The practice, actively, showing it Fairness in tangible ways Again.
Speaker 1:So taking action.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Standing up for what's right even when it's uncomfortable, Advocating for the marginalized, ensuring fairness in your dealings, challenging injustice.
Speaker 1:For being consistently faithful. The practice is being reliable.
Speaker 2:Pretty much Consistent dependable action, honoring promises, being there for people, offering support and grace even when it's tough.
Speaker 1:Building trust through consistency. They reference 2 Timothy in Hebrews again here too.
Speaker 2:Right, it's about the follow through.
Speaker 1:And for pursuing peace and reconciliation.
Speaker 2:the practice Actively working towards it, taking concrete steps towards harmony.
Speaker 1:So actually resolving conflicts?
Speaker 2:Yeah, being willing to forgive, seek forgiveness. Choose understanding over getting defensive. Being proactive in creating more peaceful environment.
Speaker 1:Okay For seeking to understand others' perspectives. The practice is making that conscious effort to connect right, practicing empathy.
Speaker 2:Yes, being fully present when interacting, asking those open-ended questions to understand thoughts and feelings.
Speaker 1:Really listening, without just planning your reply, living authentically in line with your values.
Speaker 2:listening without just planning your reply. Living authentically in line with your values.
Speaker 1:Constantly checking if your actions match your beliefs.
Speaker 2:Kind of, yeah, striving for integrity, letting kindness, humility, compassion show through in how you interact with people.
Speaker 1:And finally, loving others unconditionally.
Speaker 2:the practice Actively showing that love, putting it into action without expecting something back. John 13.3435. Extending kindness forgiveness, compassion to everyone, even those who seem challenging to love, consciously choosing to mirror that boundless love in your daily interactions.
Speaker 1:Okay, wow. So that's the mindset, aim and practice breakdown for renewal. Now the final section mentioned is respond.
Speaker 2:Yes, and this is where it gets really interesting connecting these principles outwards.
Speaker 1:How living these out helps us connect with others, maybe even across different faiths.
Speaker 2:Exactly. They start drawing parallels between those first five attributes open mind, righteous, faithful, peaceful, merging minds and teachings in other major world religions.
Speaker 1:Okay, this could be really insightful. What do they say about the open mind?
Speaker 2:They point to echoes of empathy and openness not just in Christianity, like Matthew 9 or Mark 2 showing Jesus' compassion, but also in Buddhism.
Speaker 1:Like the Dhammapada.
Speaker 2:Right, dhammapada 223 on compassion and in Islam, quran 49, verses 11-12, on understanding, and Hinduism, the Bhagavad Gita, chapter 12 on compassion.
Speaker 1:So the core idea is that being open and empathetic isn't exclusive to one tradition.
Speaker 2:Precisely. They emphasize it as a kind of uniting principle, referencing Philippians 2.4 and Romans 15.7, again as the Christian anchor, but showing its broader resonance.
Speaker 1:That's powerful. Okay, what about being righteous to all? Where do they see parallels?
Speaker 2:Again across the board Christian impartiality in Matthew 5.45 and Luke 6.2728,. Buddhist righteousness in Dhammapada 223-224,. Islamic mercy and justice in the Quran like 3.135 or 16.90, and Hindu impartial justice in the Bhagavad Gita, 9.22.
Speaker 1:Suggests a pretty universal understanding of fairness, doesn't it?
Speaker 2:It really seems to underscore that basic human intuition about right and wrong and that compassion and justice should extend to everyone A deep ethical core. They link it back to Matthew 5.45 and Romans 2.11 about God's impartiality.
Speaker 1:Okay, then, being faithful to all, where are the connections drawn?
Speaker 2:They connect God's faithfulness in Christianity 2 Timothy, 2.13,. Hebrews, 10.23, with well, the availability of Buddhist teachings to all. In Buddhism, interesting and all is constant. Faithfulness in Islam Quran, 39.53, 2.286,. And the divine's presence and faithfulness in Hinduism Bhagavad Gita, 9.22, 10.11.
Speaker 1:So the unifying idea is this sense of unwavering divine faithfulness.
Speaker 2:Yeah, offered impartially. That shared emphasis on the consistent, reliable nature of a higher power offering hope and stability Seems like a fundamental human need reflected in diverse paths. Again, 2 Timothy 2.13 and Hebrews 10.23 are the Christian touchstones here.
Speaker 1:Makes sense. What about living in peace?
Speaker 2:They highlight Jesus as Prince of Peace, Matthew 5.9. Then inner peace and nonviolence in Buddhism, Dhammapada 223. Peace as central in Islam, Quran 49. And peace through self-understanding in Hinduism, Bhagavad Gita 16.3.
Speaker 1:Peace really is a central theme everywhere.
Speaker 2:It really brings home that universal desire for harmony, inner and outer, A fundamental value transcending doctrines Matthew 5 5.9 and romans 12.18 grounded in the christian context they're using okay, and the last one they connect is merging minds right. They see parallels with jesus seeking understanding. Massey 9.36. Buddhist mindfulness and awareness dhammapada 223. Islamic empathy quran 49.11 to 12.
Speaker 1:And hindu interconnectedness bhagavad-gita, 5.18 so the core principle is understanding and connection through empathy.
Speaker 2:And self-awareness, yeah, that profound understanding of shared humanity and the vital role of empathy, recognizing we're all connected. Romans 12.15 and Hebrews 4.15 are the references again.
Speaker 1:And they even drop that St Thomas Aquinas quote in there, don't they? Truth cannot contradict truth.
Speaker 2:Yeah, which really seems to reinforce this idea of an underlying harmony, even if things look different on the surface.
Speaker 1:Suggesting. Maybe these paths are pointing towards similar fundamental truths about how to live and relate.
Speaker 2:That seems to be the implication, yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay, so, wrapping up this deep dive, we've seen how this chapter presents the Good Shepherd, focusing on open-mindedness, universal fairness, faithfulness, peace, empathy, leading by example and that unconditional love.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and what's really useful, I think, is how they're not just abstract ideas, they're broken down into those practical steps for personal growth mindset, aim, practice, the MAP framework. Right, Hopefully for everyone listening this gives a quick but thorough grasp of these core concepts and how they might apply and it is fascinating seeing those potential connections, those shared threads between Christian teachings and principles and other major faiths. It definitely broadens the perspective on these fundamental human values.
Speaker 1:So maybe here's something to leave people thinking about. What if you actively focused on just one of these attributes this week?
Speaker 2:Like maybe consciously practicing empathy in your next tricky conversation.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Or making a deliberate effort to be more faithful in just one small commitment you've made. How could that simple act ripple outwards?
Speaker 2:Could it reveal more common ground with others than you maybe currently see?
Speaker 1:It's worth considering. We'd encourage you to reflect on which of these attributes, or maybe which practice, resonated most with you, and perhaps why.
Speaker 2:Yeah, thanks for diving deep with us today.