May 27, 2025 • 18 mins
Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-64-journey-of-faith/
Ancient wisdom comes alive in this fascinating exploration of Chapter 64 from the Built for God Movement's Christian adaptation of the Tao Te Ching. We dive deep into this unique blend of Eastern philosophy and Christian perspective, uncovering practical guidance for life's most pressing challenges.
At the heart of our discussion is the powerful MAP framework—Mindset, Aim, Practice—that transforms philosophical concepts into actionable steps. We begin with mindset shifts that reorient our approach to challenges, including proactive preparation and embracing the power of small beginnings. Through vivid imagery of seedlings becoming mighty trees and journeys of a thousand miles starting with a single footstep, we discover how seemingly insignificant first steps contain the DNA of monumental achievements.
The wisdom continues with insights on embracing simplicity, trusting divine timing, cultivating perseverance, and welcoming restoration. Each principle is illuminated through scriptural connections—from Proverbs' guidance on preparation to Zechariah's encouragement not to despise small beginnings, from Psalm 46's reminder to "be still" to Galatians' exhortation not to grow weary in doing good.
Perhaps most fascinating is the revelation of how these core principles resonate across diverse spiritual traditions. The same fundamental truths about preparation, humility, trust, and compassion appear in Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism—a powerful reminder that "truth cannot contradict truth." These aren't merely abstract concepts but practical guideposts for anyone seeking a more intentional, meaningful path forward.
Whether you're facing difficult decisions, working toward ambitious goals, or simply seeking greater clarity and purpose, these ancient principles offer timeless guidance. Which principle speaks most directly to your current challenges? What small step might you take today to begin implementing these insights in your daily life? The journey of wisdom begins with that first intentional footprint.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
We're going to be diving into chapter 64, journey
of Faith Built for God, bfgMovement.
And here's the twist it's theirChristian edition of the Tao Te
Ching Talk about a unique blendancient Eastern wisdom seen
through a Christian lens.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Yeah, the Tao Te Ching offers these timeless
insights into living in harmonywith the natural flow of the
universe.
So integrating that with aChristian perspective, I think,
has the potential to be reallyeye-opening.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
Absolutely, and so our mission for you today,
Lerner, is to unearth thepractical wisdom within this
chapter.
How can we use this chapter tobetter navigate challenges,
foster personal growth and findthat stable path forward, all
without getting lost intheological debates or feeling
like we're suddenly back inphilosophy class?
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Yeah, we want to make this very applicable to
everyday life.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Exactly so.
This chapter touches on somereally crucial themes preparing
for what's ahead, the surprisingpower of those small beginnings
, the beauty of simplicity,knowing when to take a step back
, the absolute importance ofsticking with things, and then
this whole idea of renewal andrestoration.
Quite a lot to unpack it is,and what's cool is that the
source itself actually gives usa framework to help make sense
(01:13):
of it all.
They call it the Trinitarianmethod, or MAP.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Okay, I'm intrigued.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
It breaks things down into mindset, aim and practice.
It's a pretty straightforward.
So let's start with mindset,preparing for the journey, and
the first point that reallystood out to me was this idea of
proactive preparation.
The chapter states preparebefore problems begin, Get
things in order before they getout of hand.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
You know, that's actually a cornerstone of so
many different philosophies andwisdom traditions, that idea of
anticipating and preventingrather than reacting.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
Right, and the BFG Handbook links this concept to
Proverbs 22.3, which says theprudent see danger and take
refuge.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
That's a great verse.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
So it's about cultivating that foresight to
anticipate challenges and toactually take steps to prevent
them before they become majorissues.
Right?
So for you, the learner, thinkabout how this applies to your
life.
Whether it's prepping for a bigpresentation, tackling a new
learning goal or just managingyour daily to-do list, how much
emphasis do you put on thatinitial groundwork?
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Yeah, that's a great point.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
Could, being a little more proactive, actually save
you a ton of stress and hassledown the road.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
It's about consciously shifting from that
reactive mode to a mode ofthinking ahead.
Instead of constantly puttingout fires, you're focusing on
preventing them in the firstplace.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
Exactly, and that could be as simple as taking a
few minutes to outline a projectbefore you jump in.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
Or reviewing your learning goals regularly to make
sure you're on track.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:34):
So this next point is something I find incredibly
encouraging, and that's thepower of small beginning.
The chapter says I love thisimagery a tree trunk as wide as
a man's arm span grows from aseedling.
A tower nine stories highbegins with a mound of earth.
A journey of a thousand milesbegins with a footprint beneath
the feet.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
Wow, that is a powerful image, isn't it?
It really highlights that eventhe most impressive
accomplishments are built onthose consistent small steps.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
Absolutely.
And the BFG handbook ties thisin with Zachariah 4, which says
do not despise these smallbeginnings.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
Yeah, that's such an important reminder.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
It is.
It's about recognizing thevalue in that initial effort, no
matter how small it might seemin the grand scheme of things.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
It is, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (03:18):
So for you, the learner, think about those times
when you're facing a steeplearning curve, maybe you're
trying to understand a reallycomplex new topic.
It can feel completelyoverwhelming to know where to
even begin, right.
But this point reminds us thatit's okay, even essential, to
start with the basics, with thatfirst article, that initial
concept, that single seed ofunderstanding, you know, has the
potential to blossom intosomething amazing.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
Really encouraging.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
It is what stands out to you most about this idea of
small beginnings.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Well, I think it's the emphasis on the journey
itself right.
It takes the pressure offneeding to have everything
figured out all at once.
Speaker 1 (03:53):
Right.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
And instead it encourages us to just focus on
taking those small steps,consistently building momentum
and confidence as we go.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
I love that.
Yeah, right now, shifting gearsa little bit in terms of
mindset, we come to embracingsimplicity and humility.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
The chapter states the wise do not desire what men
desire.
They do not store up treasuresof this world.
They learn to be rid of worldlyknowledge.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
It suggests that we should be focusing on those
deeper intrinsic values insteadof just chasing external
validation or just accumulatinginformation for the sake of it.
Speaker 1 (04:26):
Right Investing in those eternal treasures, the
things that truly matter.
Exactly so for you, the learner, this doesn't have to mean
making some drastic lifestylechange right away, but maybe
it's about being moreintentional with the information
you consume.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:39):
Instead of trying to absorb every little detail or
every fleeting trend, maybefocus on the core principles,
the fundamental understandingthat will provide a solid
foundation.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
Right, less is more.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
Less clutter, more clarity.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
Exactly.
It's about cultivating a sortof intellectual humility as well
we don't know everything.
Being open to new information,being willing to let go of old
ideas that may no longer serveus.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
Absolutely Now.
This next point can be toughfor a lot of us who like to feel
in control.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
I hear that.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
Trusting God's timing or, as the chapter puts it,
non-interference.
The chapter says those whointerfere will fail.
The wise do not interfere, andyet they never fail.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
That's quite a statement.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
It is.
It's about recognizing thatthere's a natural rhythm to
things, and sometimes the bestapproach is to step back and
allow things to unfold in theirown way.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
To trust the process.
Speaker 1 (05:30):
Exactly, and the BFG Handbook links this idea to
Psalm 46.10.
Be still and know that I am God.
So it's about surrendering thatneed to micromanage or to force
outcomes.
You know, sometimes the bestthing we can do is create the
right conditions and then let go.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
Absolutely.
I think that's one of thehardest things for us to do as
humans.
Speaker 1 (05:48):
It really is.
You want to see progress andsometimes that urge to push
harder and make things happencan be really strong.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Oh, to push harder to make things happen can be
really strong.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
Oh yeah, I totally relate to that, but think about
times when you've tried to forcea solution or rush a learning
process.
Did it always lead to the bestresult?
Good point.
What are your thoughts on that?
How do you differentiatebetween trusting the process and
just being passive?
Speaker 2 (06:08):
That is a great question.
I think trusting the processisn't about being passive at all
.
It's about taking informedaction and then releasing the
need to control the outcome.
I like that.
It's like planting a seed.
You prepare the soil, you plantthe seed, you water it, but
then you have to trust thatnature will take its course
Right.
You can't constantly dig it upto see if it's growing.
(06:29):
You have to have faith in theprocess.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
You have to let go and trust.
So we can't talk about journeysof any kind without talking
about the importance of stickingwith it, the importance of
perseverance.
The chapter says, and I lovethis in handling affairs people
often fail the point of success.
Keep the faith to the end, noless than at the beginning, and
the journey will have no failure.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
I think that's a really important reminder,
because often the final stagesof anything are the most
challenging.
You can get so close to thefinish line and then just lose
steam.
Speaker 1 (06:58):
Right.
And the BFG handbook points usto Galatians 6.9, which says let
us not become weary in doinggood.
So it's a reminder that evenwhen things get tough, we need
to keep going.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
We need to maintain that commitment and that initial
enthusiasm.
How often have you felt thatfeeling of being so close to a
breakthrough and that initialenthusiasm?
How often have you felt that,that feeling of being so close
to a breakthrough, but thetemptation to give up is just so
strong.
This point is a powerfulreminder that it's in those
moments that our commitment andperseverance are truly tested.
Speaker 2 (07:28):
What do you think helps you push through those
moments?
Speaker 1 (07:30):
I think for me, it's about reconnecting with the why
you know, remembering why Istarted in the first place and
what I'm hoping to achieve.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
That's a great point.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
And it's also about reframing those setbacks Right,
Seeing them not as failures butas opportunities to learn and
grow.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
It's all part of the process.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
Exactly so.
The final point we'll coverunder mindset is redemption,
restoration.
The chapter offers this reallybeautiful perspective.
They redeem us from what waslost.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
They restore the nature of all things it speaks
to that innate human desire forsecond chances.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
It does, and the BFG handbook links this to Isaiah
61.1, which talks about healingthe brokenhearted.
It suggests that even whenthings go wrong, there's always
hope for healing and restoration.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
Right.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
So if you've experienced a setback in your
learning or a professionaldisappointment, this doesn't
mean it's the end.
It's a chance to reflect, tolearn from what happened and to
approach future challenges witha renewed perspective.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
Right To see it as an opportunity for growth.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Exactly that apparent failure could actually pave the
way for something even betterdown the line.
Speaker 2 (08:30):
I love that.
It's about reframing challengesnot as defeats but as
opportunities.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
Right, they become part of the journey.
So now that we've exploredmindset, let's move on to aim
Setting your course.
And here I think we're takingthose core mindset principles
and transforming them intointentions.
You know, we're giving themdirection.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
So it's about taking those principles and making them
actionable.
Speaker 1 (08:51):
Exactly so.
The mindset of proactivepreparation naturally leads to
the aim of preparation andprevention, and Proverbs 22.3
reinforces this idea of beingintentional about planning ahead
in different areas of our lives.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
It's about taking those concrete steps to set
ourselves up for success.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
Exactly.
And then the understanding ofthe power of small beginnings
leads to the aim of smallbeginnings.
It's about consciously choosingto value those initial steps
and trusting the process ofgradual progress.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
Instead of getting overwhelmed by the big picture,
we focus on what we can do today.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
Exactly and then embracing simplicity and
humility informs the aim ofsimplicity and humility, echoing
those principles from Matthew6.1920.
It's about making a consciouschoice to focus on what truly
matters and letting go of theneed for external validation or
material possessions.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
It's about simplifying our lives and
focusing on what's trulyimportant.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
And then the mindset of trusting God's timing and
non-interference guides us tothe aim of non-interference and
trusting God's timing.
Okay, so it's about activelychoosing to surrender that need
to control every outcome andinstead having faith in a larger
process.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
It's about letting go and trusting that things will
unfold as they should Exactly.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
And the importance of perseverance naturally leads to
the aim of perseverance andfaithfulness, drawing strength
from Galatians 6.9.
So we're setting a clearintention to stay committed to
our goals even when things gettough.
Right, it's about not giving upwhen the going gets tough.9.
So we're setting a clearintention to stay committed to
our goals even when things gettough.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
Right, it's about not giving up when the going gets
tough.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Exactly and finally, the mindset of redemption and
restoration inspires the aim ofredemption and restoration,
which resonates with the messageof Isaiah 61.1.
It's about being open to growthand transformation, both
personally and in the worldaround us.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
It's about seeking opportunities to make things
better, to heal and to restore.
Speaker 1 (10:39):
Absolutely so.
These aims provide us with asort of compass, you know, that
gives a sense of direction andpurpose, guiding us in how we
approach our learning, pursueour goals and navigate life.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
They provide a framework for aligning our
actions with our values Exactly.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
So now we come to the most tangible part Practice,
taking the first steps.
This is where actions with ourvalues Exactly.
So now we come to the mosttangible part practice taking
the first steps.
This is where we take thoseaims, those intentions, and
translate them into concreteactions.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
This is where the rubber meets the road.
Speaker 1 (11:03):
Exactly so.
The aim of preparation andprevention translates into the
practice of preparation andprevention, and the BFG handbook
gives some specific actions toconsider Plan, pray, organize,
and they tie it back to Proverbs22.3.
So it's not just about thinkingabout being prepared, it's
about actually taking the timeto plan, to seek guidance and to
(11:24):
get organized.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
Right.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
So that might involve setting aside time each week to
plan, blocking out time forreflection or prayer, or
developing systems to keepyourself organized.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
It's about creating those habits and routines that
support our aims.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
Exactly, and the aim of starting small and building
steadily leads to the practiceof starting small and building
steadily.
This involves settingachievable goals and taking
those daily steps.
Instead of getting overwhelmedby a huge goal, we break it down
into smaller, more manageableactions.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
Right.
It's about focusing on what wecan do today and trusting that
those small, consistent effortswill add up over time.
Speaker 1 (11:58):
Exactly.
Next, we have the aim ofsimplicity and humility, which
leads to the practice ofsimplicity and humility, and the
actions suggested here areevaluate lifestyle, prioritize
God's self-reflection, and theyconnect this back to Matthew
6.33.
So it's about taking a look athow we're spending our time and
energy and making consciouschoices to prioritize what
aligns with our values.
(12:19):
So that might mean declutteringour physical space or limiting
distractions, or maybe it'sabout creating space for regular
self reflection.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
It's about being intentional with our time and
energy.
Speaker 1 (12:29):
Exactly Now.
The aim of trust in God'stiming and patience leads to the
practice of trust in God'stiming and patience, which
involves actively choosing tosurrender control and to wait on
God, as guided by Psalm 27.14.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
It's a practice in letting go.
Speaker 1 (12:43):
It really is.
It's about recognizing that wedon't have control over
everything and finding peace inthat surrender.
And then the aim ofperseverance and consistency
leads to the practice ofperseverance and consistency,
which the BFG handbook sums upas stay faithful, trust,
continue.
It's a reminder that achievingthose long-term goals requires
consistent effort, even when wedon't see immediate results.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
It's about showing up even when it's hard.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
Exactly.
And finally, the aim ofredemption and restoration leads
to the practice of redemptionand restoration, which involves
actions like reconcile, serve,reflect on personal restoration
and they connect this to Luke4.18.
So it's about actively seekingto repair relationships,
contribute to the well-being ofothers and engage in
self-reflection to foster ourown healing and growth.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
It's about being agents of positive change in the
world.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
Exactly so.
This MAP framework provides areally comprehensive path.
It starts with establishing asolid mindset that defines our
aims and then gives us practicalsteps to put those aims into
action.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
It's a roadmap for living a more intentional and
fulfilling life.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
Absolutely Now.
Something I found reallyfascinating was how the source
material, in its responsesection, highlights some
incredible parallels betweenthese principles and teachings
from other wisdom traditions.
Speaker 2 (13:57):
That's really interesting.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
It is.
It emphasizes this idea thatthese core truths aren't limited
to one specific belief system.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
Right, they resonate across different cultures and
philosophies Exactly.
Speaker 1 (14:08):
So, for example, when it comes to preparation, the
source points to Christianity,proverbs 22.3,.
Islam, Quran 8.60,.
Hinduism, bhagavad Gita 2.47,and Buddhism, dhammapada 2.23.
And the underlying theme acrossall of them is this idea of
acting with wisdom and foresight.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
Right of thinking ahead and planning accordingly,
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (14:29):
And that applies to anyone, regardless of their
background.
Whether it's preparing for aproject, setting goals or making
important life decisions, thatprinciple of preparation is
universal.
Then we have humility andsimplicity, which shows up in
Christianity Matthew 6.1921,islam, hadith on contentment,
hinduism, bhagavad Gita 4.36,and Buddhism, dhammapada 223.
(14:51):
And the common thread here isthe importance of detaching from
excessive worldly desires.
So it's about findingcontentment and fulfillment in
something deeper than materialpossessions exactly, and the
practical application of thisprinciple is to focus on
simplifying our lives,prioritizing relationships and
pursuing spiritual growth right,it's about shifting our focus
from the external to theinternal, exactly then we have
(15:12):
faithful consistency andsteadfastness, which appears in
Christianity, hebrews 12.1,.
Islam, quran 8.46,.
Hinduism, bhagavad Gita 6.5,and Buddhism, dhammapada 232.
And the unified idea here isabout facing challenges with
patience and unwavering trust.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
So it's about staying the course, even when things
get difficult Exactly.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
And this translates into the practical need to
remain committed to our goalsand endeavors through both the
highs and the lows.
Speaker 2 (15:39):
It's about resilience and perseverance.
Speaker 1 (15:41):
Absolutely.
And then trust in a higherpower or guiding principle is
reflected in ChristianityProverbs 3.56,.
Islam, quran 65.2,.
Hinduism Bhagavad Gita 9.22,and even in Buddhist teachings.
The shared wisdom here is aboutseeking guidance beyond our own
limited understanding,recognizing that we don't have
all the answers.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
So it's about humility and surrendering to
something greater than ourselves.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
Exactly, and the practical step here is to
actively seek guidance throughprayer, meditation or other
spiritual practices when we'refaced with uncertainty or
difficult decisions.
Speaker 2 (16:12):
It's about tapping into a source of wisdom beyond
our own.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
Absolutely and finally.
Kindness and compassion arecentral themes in Christianity,
Matthew 5.44, islam Quran 41.34,.
Speaker 2 (16:30):
Hinduism, Bhagavad Gita, 16.3, and.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
Buddhism, dhammapada 5.
It seems like such a universalvalue.
It really does, and the messageis consistent across all these
traditions it's about the powerof love and forgiveness to
overcome negativity and hate.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
So it's about choosing compassion over
judgment, and understanding overanger.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
Exactly, and in our daily lives, this means making a
conscious effort to treatothers with kindness, empathy
and respect.
Speaker 2 (16:49):
Right.
It's about putting those valuesinto practice in our
interactions with everyone wemeet.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
Exactly so.
It all comes back to thisreally profound statement that
the source highlights Truthcannot contradict truth.
It suggests that, at their core, these different wisdom
traditions often converge on thesame fundamental truths about
living a meaningful andfulfilling life.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
It's a reminder that we have more in common than we
might think.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
Absolutely so.
As we wrap up this deep dive,let's revisit those key insights
the importance of proactivepreparation, the power of small
steps, the clarity of simplicity, the strength we find in
cultivating trust, the necessityof perseverance and the hopeful
perspective of redemption.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
These are all incredibly valuable principles
to keep in mind as we navigateour own journeys.
Speaker 1 (17:34):
They are Now for a final thought, to ponder as you
reflect on everything we'vediscussed today.
Which of these principlesresonates most strongly with you
right now, which one speaks tothe challenges you're facing or
the aspirations you're pursuing,and what's one small step you
can take today to startintegrating that principle into
your daily life.
Speaker 2 (17:53):
That's a great question.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
Maybe it's setting aside time for planning or
breaking down a large goal intosmaller steps, or maybe it's
about making a conscious effortto simplify your life, or
practice more compassion towardsyourself and others.
Whatever it is, remember thateven small changes can make a
big difference over time.
And if you found this deep diveparticularly insightful, you
might want to explore the BFGhandbook further.
There's a wealth of wisdom tobe found in its pages.
Speaker 2 (18:17):
Thanks for guiding us through this fascinating
exploration.
It's been a real pleasure.
We're going to be diving into chapter 64, journey
of Faith Built for God, bfgMovement.
And here's the twist it's theirChristian edition of the Tao Te
Ching Talk about a unique blendancient Eastern wisdom seen
through a Christian lens.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Yeah, the Tao Te Ching offers these timeless
insights into living in harmonywith the natural flow of the
universe.
So integrating that with aChristian perspective, I think,
has the potential to be reallyeye-opening.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
Absolutely, and so our mission for you today,
Lerner, is to unearth thepractical wisdom within this
chapter.
How can we use this chapter tobetter navigate challenges,
foster personal growth and findthat stable path forward, all
without getting lost intheological debates or feeling
like we're suddenly back inphilosophy class?
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Yeah, we want to make this very applicable to
everyday life.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Exactly so.
This chapter touches on somereally crucial themes preparing
for what's ahead, the surprisingpower of those small beginnings
, the beauty of simplicity,knowing when to take a step back
, the absolute importance ofsticking with things, and then
this whole idea of renewal andrestoration.
Quite a lot to unpack it is,and what's cool is that the
source itself actually gives usa framework to help make sense
(01:13):
of it all.
They call it the Trinitarianmethod, or MAP.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Okay, I'm intrigued.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
It breaks things down into mindset, aim and practice.
It's a pretty straightforward.
So let's start with mindset,preparing for the journey, and
the first point that reallystood out to me was this idea of
proactive preparation.
The chapter states preparebefore problems begin, Get
things in order before they getout of hand.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
You know, that's actually a cornerstone of so
many different philosophies andwisdom traditions, that idea of
anticipating and preventingrather than reacting.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
Right, and the BFG Handbook links this concept to
Proverbs 22.3, which says theprudent see danger and take
refuge.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
That's a great verse.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
So it's about cultivating that foresight to
anticipate challenges and toactually take steps to prevent
them before they become majorissues.
Right?
So for you, the learner, thinkabout how this applies to your
life.
Whether it's prepping for a bigpresentation, tackling a new
learning goal or just managingyour daily to-do list, how much
emphasis do you put on thatinitial groundwork?
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Yeah, that's a great point.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
Could, being a little more proactive, actually save
you a ton of stress and hassledown the road.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
It's about consciously shifting from that
reactive mode to a mode ofthinking ahead.
Instead of constantly puttingout fires, you're focusing on
preventing them in the firstplace.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
Exactly, and that could be as simple as taking a
few minutes to outline a projectbefore you jump in.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
Or reviewing your learning goals regularly to make
sure you're on track.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:34):
So this next point is something I find incredibly
encouraging, and that's thepower of small beginning.
The chapter says I love thisimagery a tree trunk as wide as
a man's arm span grows from aseedling.
A tower nine stories highbegins with a mound of earth.
A journey of a thousand milesbegins with a footprint beneath
the feet.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
Wow, that is a powerful image, isn't it?
It really highlights that eventhe most impressive
accomplishments are built onthose consistent small steps.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
Absolutely.
And the BFG handbook ties thisin with Zachariah 4, which says
do not despise these smallbeginnings.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
Yeah, that's such an important reminder.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
It is.
It's about recognizing thevalue in that initial effort, no
matter how small it might seemin the grand scheme of things.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
It is, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (03:18):
So for you, the learner, think about those times
when you're facing a steeplearning curve, maybe you're
trying to understand a reallycomplex new topic.
It can feel completelyoverwhelming to know where to
even begin, right.
But this point reminds us thatit's okay, even essential, to
start with the basics, with thatfirst article, that initial
concept, that single seed ofunderstanding, you know, has the
potential to blossom intosomething amazing.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
Really encouraging.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
It is what stands out to you most about this idea of
small beginnings.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Well, I think it's the emphasis on the journey
itself right.
It takes the pressure offneeding to have everything
figured out all at once.
Speaker 1 (03:53):
Right.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
And instead it encourages us to just focus on
taking those small steps,consistently building momentum
and confidence as we go.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
I love that.
Yeah, right now, shifting gearsa little bit in terms of
mindset, we come to embracingsimplicity and humility.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
The chapter states the wise do not desire what men
desire.
They do not store up treasuresof this world.
They learn to be rid of worldlyknowledge.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
It suggests that we should be focusing on those
deeper intrinsic values insteadof just chasing external
validation or just accumulatinginformation for the sake of it.
Speaker 1 (04:26):
Right Investing in those eternal treasures, the
things that truly matter.
Exactly so for you, the learner, this doesn't have to mean
making some drastic lifestylechange right away, but maybe
it's about being moreintentional with the information
you consume.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:39):
Instead of trying to absorb every little detail or
every fleeting trend, maybefocus on the core principles,
the fundamental understandingthat will provide a solid
foundation.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
Right, less is more.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
Less clutter, more clarity.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
Exactly.
It's about cultivating a sortof intellectual humility as well
we don't know everything.
Being open to new information,being willing to let go of old
ideas that may no longer serveus.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
Absolutely Now.
This next point can be toughfor a lot of us who like to feel
in control.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
I hear that.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
Trusting God's timing or, as the chapter puts it,
non-interference.
The chapter says those whointerfere will fail.
The wise do not interfere, andyet they never fail.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
That's quite a statement.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
It is.
It's about recognizing thatthere's a natural rhythm to
things, and sometimes the bestapproach is to step back and
allow things to unfold in theirown way.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
To trust the process.
Speaker 1 (05:30):
Exactly, and the BFG Handbook links this idea to
Psalm 46.10.
Be still and know that I am God.
So it's about surrendering thatneed to micromanage or to force
outcomes.
You know, sometimes the bestthing we can do is create the
right conditions and then let go.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
Absolutely.
I think that's one of thehardest things for us to do as
humans.
Speaker 1 (05:48):
It really is.
You want to see progress andsometimes that urge to push
harder and make things happencan be really strong.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Oh, to push harder to make things happen can be
really strong.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
Oh yeah, I totally relate to that, but think about
times when you've tried to forcea solution or rush a learning
process.
Did it always lead to the bestresult?
Good point.
What are your thoughts on that?
How do you differentiatebetween trusting the process and
just being passive?
Speaker 2 (06:08):
That is a great question.
I think trusting the processisn't about being passive at all
.
It's about taking informedaction and then releasing the
need to control the outcome.
I like that.
It's like planting a seed.
You prepare the soil, you plantthe seed, you water it, but
then you have to trust thatnature will take its course
Right.
You can't constantly dig it upto see if it's growing.
(06:29):
You have to have faith in theprocess.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
You have to let go and trust.
So we can't talk about journeysof any kind without talking
about the importance of stickingwith it, the importance of
perseverance.
The chapter says, and I lovethis in handling affairs people
often fail the point of success.
Keep the faith to the end, noless than at the beginning, and
the journey will have no failure.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
I think that's a really important reminder,
because often the final stagesof anything are the most
challenging.
You can get so close to thefinish line and then just lose
steam.
Speaker 1 (06:58):
Right.
And the BFG handbook points usto Galatians 6.9, which says let
us not become weary in doinggood.
So it's a reminder that evenwhen things get tough, we need
to keep going.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
We need to maintain that commitment and that initial
enthusiasm.
How often have you felt thatfeeling of being so close to a
breakthrough and that initialenthusiasm?
How often have you felt that,that feeling of being so close
to a breakthrough, but thetemptation to give up is just so
strong.
This point is a powerfulreminder that it's in those
moments that our commitment andperseverance are truly tested.
Speaker 2 (07:28):
What do you think helps you push through those
moments?
Speaker 1 (07:30):
I think for me, it's about reconnecting with the why
you know, remembering why Istarted in the first place and
what I'm hoping to achieve.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
That's a great point.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
And it's also about reframing those setbacks Right,
Seeing them not as failures butas opportunities to learn and
grow.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
It's all part of the process.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
Exactly so.
The final point we'll coverunder mindset is redemption,
restoration.
The chapter offers this reallybeautiful perspective.
They redeem us from what waslost.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
They restore the nature of all things it speaks
to that innate human desire forsecond chances.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
It does, and the BFG handbook links this to Isaiah
61.1, which talks about healingthe brokenhearted.
It suggests that even whenthings go wrong, there's always
hope for healing and restoration.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
Right.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
So if you've experienced a setback in your
learning or a professionaldisappointment, this doesn't
mean it's the end.
It's a chance to reflect, tolearn from what happened and to
approach future challenges witha renewed perspective.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
Right To see it as an opportunity for growth.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Exactly that apparent failure could actually pave the
way for something even betterdown the line.
Speaker 2 (08:30):
I love that.
It's about reframing challengesnot as defeats but as
opportunities.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
Right, they become part of the journey.
So now that we've exploredmindset, let's move on to aim
Setting your course.
And here I think we're takingthose core mindset principles
and transforming them intointentions.
You know, we're giving themdirection.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
So it's about taking those principles and making them
actionable.
Speaker 1 (08:51):
Exactly so.
The mindset of proactivepreparation naturally leads to
the aim of preparation andprevention, and Proverbs 22.3
reinforces this idea of beingintentional about planning ahead
in different areas of our lives.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
It's about taking those concrete steps to set
ourselves up for success.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
Exactly.
And then the understanding ofthe power of small beginnings
leads to the aim of smallbeginnings.
It's about consciously choosingto value those initial steps
and trusting the process ofgradual progress.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
Instead of getting overwhelmed by the big picture,
we focus on what we can do today.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
Exactly and then embracing simplicity and
humility informs the aim ofsimplicity and humility, echoing
those principles from Matthew6.1920.
It's about making a consciouschoice to focus on what truly
matters and letting go of theneed for external validation or
material possessions.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
It's about simplifying our lives and
focusing on what's trulyimportant.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
And then the mindset of trusting God's timing and
non-interference guides us tothe aim of non-interference and
trusting God's timing.
Okay, so it's about activelychoosing to surrender that need
to control every outcome andinstead having faith in a larger
process.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
It's about letting go and trusting that things will
unfold as they should Exactly.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
And the importance of perseverance naturally leads to
the aim of perseverance andfaithfulness, drawing strength
from Galatians 6.9.
So we're setting a clearintention to stay committed to
our goals even when things gettough.
Right, it's about not giving upwhen the going gets tough.9.
So we're setting a clearintention to stay committed to
our goals even when things gettough.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
Right, it's about not giving up when the going gets
tough.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Exactly and finally, the mindset of redemption and
restoration inspires the aim ofredemption and restoration,
which resonates with the messageof Isaiah 61.1.
It's about being open to growthand transformation, both
personally and in the worldaround us.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
It's about seeking opportunities to make things
better, to heal and to restore.
Speaker 1 (10:39):
Absolutely so.
These aims provide us with asort of compass, you know, that
gives a sense of direction andpurpose, guiding us in how we
approach our learning, pursueour goals and navigate life.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
They provide a framework for aligning our
actions with our values Exactly.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
So now we come to the most tangible part Practice,
taking the first steps.
This is where actions with ourvalues Exactly.
So now we come to the mosttangible part practice taking
the first steps.
This is where we take thoseaims, those intentions, and
translate them into concreteactions.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
This is where the rubber meets the road.
Speaker 1 (11:03):
Exactly so.
The aim of preparation andprevention translates into the
practice of preparation andprevention, and the BFG handbook
gives some specific actions toconsider Plan, pray, organize,
and they tie it back to Proverbs22.3.
So it's not just about thinkingabout being prepared, it's
about actually taking the timeto plan, to seek guidance and to
(11:24):
get organized.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
Right.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
So that might involve setting aside time each week to
plan, blocking out time forreflection or prayer, or
developing systems to keepyourself organized.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
It's about creating those habits and routines that
support our aims.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
Exactly, and the aim of starting small and building
steadily leads to the practiceof starting small and building
steadily.
This involves settingachievable goals and taking
those daily steps.
Instead of getting overwhelmedby a huge goal, we break it down
into smaller, more manageableactions.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
Right.
It's about focusing on what wecan do today and trusting that
those small, consistent effortswill add up over time.
Speaker 1 (11:58):
Exactly.
Next, we have the aim ofsimplicity and humility, which
leads to the practice ofsimplicity and humility, and the
actions suggested here areevaluate lifestyle, prioritize
God's self-reflection, and theyconnect this back to Matthew
6.33.
So it's about taking a look athow we're spending our time and
energy and making consciouschoices to prioritize what
aligns with our values.
(12:19):
So that might mean declutteringour physical space or limiting
distractions, or maybe it'sabout creating space for regular
self reflection.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
It's about being intentional with our time and
energy.
Speaker 1 (12:29):
Exactly Now.
The aim of trust in God'stiming and patience leads to the
practice of trust in God'stiming and patience, which
involves actively choosing tosurrender control and to wait on
God, as guided by Psalm 27.14.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
It's a practice in letting go.
Speaker 1 (12:43):
It really is.
It's about recognizing that wedon't have control over
everything and finding peace inthat surrender.
And then the aim ofperseverance and consistency
leads to the practice ofperseverance and consistency,
which the BFG handbook sums upas stay faithful, trust,
continue.
It's a reminder that achievingthose long-term goals requires
consistent effort, even when wedon't see immediate results.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
It's about showing up even when it's hard.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
Exactly.
And finally, the aim ofredemption and restoration leads
to the practice of redemptionand restoration, which involves
actions like reconcile, serve,reflect on personal restoration
and they connect this to Luke4.18.
So it's about actively seekingto repair relationships,
contribute to the well-being ofothers and engage in
self-reflection to foster ourown healing and growth.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
It's about being agents of positive change in the
world.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
Exactly so.
This MAP framework provides areally comprehensive path.
It starts with establishing asolid mindset that defines our
aims and then gives us practicalsteps to put those aims into
action.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
It's a roadmap for living a more intentional and
fulfilling life.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
Absolutely Now.
Something I found reallyfascinating was how the source
material, in its responsesection, highlights some
incredible parallels betweenthese principles and teachings
from other wisdom traditions.
Speaker 2 (13:57):
That's really interesting.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
It is.
It emphasizes this idea thatthese core truths aren't limited
to one specific belief system.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
Right, they resonate across different cultures and
philosophies Exactly.
Speaker 1 (14:08):
So, for example, when it comes to preparation, the
source points to Christianity,proverbs 22.3,.
Islam, Quran 8.60,.
Hinduism, bhagavad Gita 2.47,and Buddhism, dhammapada 2.23.
And the underlying theme acrossall of them is this idea of
acting with wisdom and foresight.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
Right of thinking ahead and planning accordingly,
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (14:29):
And that applies to anyone, regardless of their
background.
Whether it's preparing for aproject, setting goals or making
important life decisions, thatprinciple of preparation is
universal.
Then we have humility andsimplicity, which shows up in
Christianity Matthew 6.1921,islam, hadith on contentment,
hinduism, bhagavad Gita 4.36,and Buddhism, dhammapada 223.
(14:51):
And the common thread here isthe importance of detaching from
excessive worldly desires.
So it's about findingcontentment and fulfillment in
something deeper than materialpossessions exactly, and the
practical application of thisprinciple is to focus on
simplifying our lives,prioritizing relationships and
pursuing spiritual growth right,it's about shifting our focus
from the external to theinternal, exactly then we have
(15:12):
faithful consistency andsteadfastness, which appears in
Christianity, hebrews 12.1,.
Islam, quran 8.46,.
Hinduism, bhagavad Gita 6.5,and Buddhism, dhammapada 232.
And the unified idea here isabout facing challenges with
patience and unwavering trust.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
So it's about staying the course, even when things
get difficult Exactly.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
And this translates into the practical need to
remain committed to our goalsand endeavors through both the
highs and the lows.
Speaker 2 (15:39):
It's about resilience and perseverance.
Speaker 1 (15:41):
Absolutely.
And then trust in a higherpower or guiding principle is
reflected in ChristianityProverbs 3.56,.
Islam, quran 65.2,.
Hinduism Bhagavad Gita 9.22,and even in Buddhist teachings.
The shared wisdom here is aboutseeking guidance beyond our own
limited understanding,recognizing that we don't have
all the answers.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
So it's about humility and surrendering to
something greater than ourselves.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
Exactly, and the practical step here is to
actively seek guidance throughprayer, meditation or other
spiritual practices when we'refaced with uncertainty or
difficult decisions.
Speaker 2 (16:12):
It's about tapping into a source of wisdom beyond
our own.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
Absolutely and finally.
Kindness and compassion arecentral themes in Christianity,
Matthew 5.44, islam Quran 41.34,.
Speaker 2 (16:30):
Hinduism, Bhagavad Gita, 16.3, and.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
Buddhism, dhammapada 5.
It seems like such a universalvalue.
It really does, and the messageis consistent across all these
traditions it's about the powerof love and forgiveness to
overcome negativity and hate.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
So it's about choosing compassion over
judgment, and understanding overanger.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
Exactly, and in our daily lives, this means making a
conscious effort to treatothers with kindness, empathy
and respect.
Speaker 2 (16:49):
Right.
It's about putting those valuesinto practice in our
interactions with everyone wemeet.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
Exactly so.
It all comes back to thisreally profound statement that
the source highlights Truthcannot contradict truth.
It suggests that, at their core, these different wisdom
traditions often converge on thesame fundamental truths about
living a meaningful andfulfilling life.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
It's a reminder that we have more in common than we
might think.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
Absolutely so.
As we wrap up this deep dive,let's revisit those key insights
the importance of proactivepreparation, the power of small
steps, the clarity of simplicity, the strength we find in
cultivating trust, the necessityof perseverance and the hopeful
perspective of redemption.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
These are all incredibly valuable principles
to keep in mind as we navigateour own journeys.
Speaker 1 (17:34):
They are Now for a final thought, to ponder as you
reflect on everything we'vediscussed today.
Which of these principlesresonates most strongly with you
right now, which one speaks tothe challenges you're facing or
the aspirations you're pursuing,and what's one small step you
can take today to startintegrating that principle into
your daily life.
Speaker 2 (17:53):
That's a great question.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
Maybe it's setting aside time for planning or
breaking down a large goal intosmaller steps, or maybe it's
about making a conscious effortto simplify your life, or
practice more compassion towardsyourself and others.
Whatever it is, remember thateven small changes can make a
big difference over time.
And if you found this deep diveparticularly insightful, you
might want to explore the BFGhandbook further.
There's a wealth of wisdom tobe found in its pages.
Speaker 2 (18:17):
Thanks for guiding us through this fascinating
exploration.
It's been a real pleasure.
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