Built For Greatness

Discover the highlights of the BFG Handbook shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/bfghandbook/

Finding fresh ways to encounter timeless spiritual truths might be one of the greatest challenges facing believers today. The BFG Handbook offers a compelling solution by drawing unexpected parallels between Biblical wisdom and the ancient Chinese philosophy of the Tao Te Ching. Rather than diminishing either tradition, this innovative approach illuminates familiar Christian concepts through an unfamiliar lens, creating opportunities for deeper understanding and renewed engagement.

The handbook grows directly from Pope John Paul II's vision of a "new evangelization" - not changing the gospel message, but revitalizing how it's communicated in a changing world. Since 1983, when he first called for evangelization "new in its ardor, methods, and expression," John Paul II recognized that traditional approaches weren't always reaching people effectively anymore. The BFG Handbook responds with a pioneering structure: 81 daily readings that pair Taoist wisdom with Biblical parallels, followed by thoughtful scriptural commentary.

Most striking are the profound resonances discovered between seemingly different traditions. Christian "living in the Spirit" mirrors the Taoist concept of "wei wu wei" (action without action) - both emphasizing surrender to a higher power rather than ego-driven forcing. Both traditions value present-moment awareness and finding peace beyond worldly success. By taking this 81-day journey one page at a time, you might discover not just intellectual understanding but practical wisdom for living more harmoniously. What might these ancient truths, seen through fresh eyes, reveal about your own spiritual path? The answer awaits in the daily practice of contemplation, journaling, and application these readings invite.

Are you ready to explore how wisdom from across traditions might deepen your understanding of timeless spiritual principles? Subscribe now and join us on this journey of discovery where East meets West in unexpected and illuminating ways.

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Discover the highlights of the Trinity Map shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/trinitarian-method/

Navigating through life's fog requires more than wishful thinking—it demands a practical framework that aligns your deepest values with daily action. The BFG Method Trinitarian MAP offers exactly that, combining Mindset, Aim, and Practice into a powerful approach for meaningful transformation.

Your mindset forms the foundation of everything—the hidden blueprint guiding your decisions and shaping your experience of the world. We explore how intentionally building this mindset through self-reflection, daily practices like meditation or journaling, surrounding yourself with positive influences, and continuous learning creates the bedrock for purposeful living. As one powerful insight reveals, "When you consciously practice good habits, you're actively embedding your values into your life." Small acts of gratitude or discipline aren't just checking boxes—they're reinforcing commitments to what truly matters.

The framework's second element, Aim, provides your North Star—that guiding direction that makes even small tasks meaningful within a larger context. We unpack practical strategies for setting clear goals, developing routines that reflect your values, regularly evaluating progress, and maintaining flexibility as you grow. The connection between big aspirations and daily habits becomes clear: "Habits are the literal stepping stones bridging the gap between now and where you want to be."

Finally, Practice brings everything together—the union of spiritual intent with physical effort. Drawing inspiration from St. Therese of Lisieux's "Little Way," we discover how small, everyday actions performed with great love create profound transformation. Through consistent practice marked by reflection and adaptability, your mindset and aims become lived realities rather than abstract concepts. As St. Thomas Aquinas reminds us, "Truth cannot contradict truth"—these elements naturally support each other when applied with integrity.

Ready to apply this framework to your own journey? Consider which element offers your greatest opportunity for growth, and identify one small habit you could begin today to shape your mindset, align with your aim, or strengthen your values through practice. Sometimes the smallest actions create the most significant change.

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Discover the highlights of the Trinity and 3 Rs shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/handbook/

We explore the fascinating connection between the Christian concept of the Trinity and the "three R's" framework (Restore, Renew, Respond) from the BFG handbook, revealing how theological understanding translates into practical faith action.

• The Trinity provides the fundamental pattern for how Christians are called to relate and act in the world
• God the Father connects to "Restore" – understanding our identity as God's beloved children
• Jesus the Son links to "Renew" – growing in intimacy and personal relationship with Christ
• The Holy Spirit relates to "Respond" – being empowered for mission and sharing faith
• Restoring means authentically expressing God's love from a place of secure identity
• Renewal focuses on transformation through ongoing relationship with Jesus
• Responding involves Spirit-led action in daily life, both in dramatic and everyday moments
• The trinitarian framework offers a complete journey of faith from identity to transformation to action
• Personal reflection on which area (Restore, Renew, Respond) feels most relevant to your current season can provide valuable spiritual insights

Take some time to reflect on which aspect—restore, renew, or respond—feels most relevant to you right now, and ask yourself why that might be. There's always more to explore with these core truths.

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Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-16-restoration/

What happens when Eastern philosophy meets Christian thought? In this fascinating deep dive, we explore Chapter 16 of the BFG Handbook—a Christian edition of the Tao Te Ching—to unpack the concept of spiritual restoration as a journey back to God.

At the heart of this exploration is the powerful idea of "emptiness" reimagined through a Christian lens. Rather than a void, emptiness becomes the deliberate clearing away of distractions to create space for God's presence—like decluttering your house not for an empty home, but to make room for what truly matters. This connects beautifully with Philippians 2:5-8 about having the mind of Christ through humility and surrender.

We break down the chapter's innovative MAP framework—Mindset, Aim, and Practice—that transforms abstract spiritual concepts into a livable pathway. Starting with cultivating inner stillness and clarity (echoing Psalm 46:10), we examine how our beliefs shape our intentions, which then drive our actions in a holistic approach to spiritual growth. The progression from understanding life's cycles to seeking divine wisdom, from practicing impartiality to experiencing unity with God, creates a comprehensive roadmap for spiritual renewal.

Perhaps most compelling is the chapter's exploration of how these principles resonate across diverse faith traditions. The quest for inner stillness appears in Christianity through contemplative prayer, in Buddhism through meditation, in Islam through surrender to Allah, and in Hinduism through dhyana. As St. Thomas Aquinas observed, "Truth cannot contradict truth"—a powerful reminder that despite different expressions, religions often point to similar fundamental truths about our relationship with the divine.

Take time to reflect on how embracing stillness and an eternal perspective might transform your daily decisions and interactions. How might seeing yourself as "dead but eternally alive in the Son of God" shift the way you navigate life's challenges?

Chapter 16: Restoration

Be clear minded to attain emptiness a
Hold firm to the stillness 
The rising and falling of all things will end b
I bear witness to their return c

All comes from dust, and to dust all shall return d
Returning is achieving perfect stillness b
Stillness is returning to the nature of God b 
Returning to the nature of God is the Eternal e

Knowing the Eternal is insight f
Not knowing the never-changing leads to misfortune 
Knowing the never-changing embraces all 
Embracing all is impartiality 
Impartiality is an attribute of sovereignty g
And sovereignty is of Heaven 

He who is of Heaven is One with God h
He who is One with God is Eternal e
Count yourself dead but eternally alive in the Son of God i

a Zechariah 2:10-13; Philippians 2:5-8; b 1 Peter 4:7; Revelation 21:1-8; Luke 2:34-35; c Ezra 1:3; John 11:25; John 3:5-8; d Ecclesiastes 3:20-21; e John 1:1-2; John 13:1-3;

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Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-15-power-in-stillness/ 

We explore the fascinating intersection of Taoist wisdom and Christian theology through the lens of the Built for Greatness, Built for God (BFG) movement. This deep dive examines how finding power in stillness connects us to divine wisdom and transforms our spiritual practice.

• Examining the BFG handbook's reinterpretation of the Tao Te Ching through a Christian perspective
• Unpacking six key qualities of spiritual wisdom: carefulness, watchfulness, courtesy, yielding, simplicity, and non-revealing
• Understanding how stillness allows clarity to emerge, like muddy water settling to become clear
• Exploring how releasing self-fulfillment paradoxically leads to greater presence and freedom
• Breaking down the MAP framework (Mindset, Aim, Practice) for spiritual renewal
• Discovering spiritual parallels across Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism
• Considering practical ways to foster interfaith dialogue and understanding

Consider incorporating moments of quiet reflection into your daily life to shift your perspective and discover new insights. Even small moments of stillness can make a profound difference in your spiritual journey.

Chapter 15: Power in Stillness

The chosen are most profound and subtle a
Their wisdom is measureless 
We cannot discover its depth 
All we can do is describe their appearance 

Careful, like men crossing thin ice b
Watchful, like men waiting for their master c
Courteous, like a guest d
Yielding, like melting ice e
Simple, like an uncarved block of wood f
Open-minded, like a widespread valley g 
Non-revealing, like muddy water h

Who can be still while the muddy water clears?
It is in stillness that the mind becomes clear i
Who can be calm and yet persist? 
It is in stillness that the right action arises 

Men of God do not need to be self-fulfilled j
Since they have no desire to be self-fulfilled 
They can live in the present moment

a  Ecclesiastes 7:23-25; 1 Kings 4:29-34; b Ephesians 5:15-17; Luke 21:34; 1 Corinthians 8:9; c Luke 12:35-40; d Luke 14:10-11; e Psalm 1:1-3; f 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; g  Isaiah 40:4; Psalm 23:4; Matthew 7:7-8; h Numbers 5:16-31; Proverbs 25:26; John 8:54; Matthew 7:6; i Psalm 46:10; Psalm 37:7-8; Luke 8:24-25; j 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Galatians 5:16-18; James 4:13-17

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Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-14-presence-of-god/ 

Chapter 14: Presence of God

We look and do not see it a
And call it invisible 
We listen and do not hear it b
And call it silent 
We reach and do not grasp it a
And call it formless 
These three cannot be fathomed c
Thus, they are joined into One 

Above, there is no brightness d
Below, there is no darkness 
Infinite, unnamable e
Returning to the realm of nothingness 
The form of the formless 
The image of the imageless 
Indefinable, beyond all imagination f
Approach it, there is no beginning a
Follow it, there is no end 

When one knows the Spirit of the ancient past g
One can begin to understand the present
Knowing the mystery of the beginning 
Is the way to know God

a Romans 1:20-21; John 14:17; b John 8:47; Mark 4:12; c Jude 20-21; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; d Isaiah 60:19; e Colossians 1:15-16; Isaiah 40:28; f Job 9:10-11; g John 1:1-2; John 14:6-7; John 8:14-18.

This deep dive explores Chapter 14 "Presence of God" from the BFG Movement's Christian edition of the Tao Te Ching, unpacking how we can understand and experience the divine despite its mysterious nature. We examine how this text approaches God as invisible yet knowable, transcendent yet personal.

• Exploring God as "invisible, silent, and formless" and how this aligns with Christian theology
• Unpacking paradoxical descriptions like "the form of the formless" and what they reveal about divine nature
• Breaking down the MAP (Mindset, Aim, Practice) framework for spiritual renewal
• Examining how our mindset shapes our perception of God's presence in daily life
• Discussing practical ways to develop trust in God's eternal, unchanging nature
• Exploring connections between Christian understanding of God and concepts from other faith traditions
• Finding common ground in how different religions approach divine mystery and transcendence
• Considering how recognizing shared spiritual truths can foster understanding and unity

Keep exploring how these concepts of embracing mystery, surrendering to the infinite, and trusting in the eternal might impact your own spiritual journey and interactions with others of different beliefs.

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Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-13-misfortune-of-the-ego/

 Chapter 13: Misfortune of the Ego
 
Honor and humility can be equally fearful a
Great misfortune is the ego
Why do we say, “Honor and humility can be equally fearful”?
Honor is high, humility is low 
Gaining it makes one fearful 
Losing it makes one fearful 
That is why both honor and humility can be equally fearful

Why do we say, “Great misfortune is the ego”?
The reason I have suffering
Is that I am attached to the ego 
If I am not attached to the ego
What misfortune will I have? 

If you value the world as your own self b
You are fit to be trusted by the world 
If you love the world as your own self 
You are worthy to inherit the world

a Matthew 23:27-32; Isaiah 13:11; Luke 14:11; James 4:6; b Deuteronomy 11:11-12; John 15:9-17; Luke 9:25; Numbers 35:33-34.

A profound spiritual journey awaits as we dive deep into "The Misfortune of Ego," a chapter from the BFG Handbook—a Christian edition of the Tao Te Ching. This fascinating blend of Eastern wisdom and Christian teaching offers a powerful perspective on what truly holds us back from peace, purpose, and connection.

The chapter opens with a thought-provoking statement: "Honor and humility can be equally fearful." We explore how both the pursuit of recognition and the fear of insignificance keep us trapped in self-focus, revealing that "great misfortune is the ego." Drawing from Jesus' critiques of the Pharisees' outward piety and the call to "deny yourself and take up your cross daily," we unpack how self-centeredness becomes the root of spiritual and emotional suffering.

What makes this exploration uniquely valuable is the practical renewal framework it provides: mindset, aim, practice, and respond. We break down each component with its biblical foundations and real-world applications. From recognizing the fear underlying both honor and humility to actively choosing selfless service, this framework offers tangible steps toward inner transformation.

Perhaps most fascinating is how these principles transcend religious boundaries. We discover striking parallels between Christian teachings and similar concepts in Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism—all emphasizing humility over ego, compassionate service over self-interest, and alignment with divine purpose over personal gain.

Whether you're struggling with pride, people-pleasing, perfectionism, or simply seeking greater peace and authenticity, this episode illuminates a path forward through conscious awareness of ego's influence and the cultivation of genuine humility. Join us for an illuminating conversation that might just change how you see yourself and your relationship with everything around you.

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Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-12-living-in-the-spirit/

Chapter 12: Living in the Spirit

Sight betrays the eye a
Noise deafens the ear b

Gluttony dulls the taste c
Racing and wild hunting trouble the mind d
Worldly treasures confuse the heart e

Thus, the wise seek the Spirit and not the flesh f
Choosing the internal and letting go of the external g

a John 9:41; b Ecclesiastes 12:4; Mark 4:9; 1 Kings 19:12; c Romans 14:17; Proverbs 23:19-21; Colossians 2:16-19; Philippians 3:19; d Psalm 37:7-9; Proverbs 19:21; 1 John 2:10; Romans 14:13; f John 6:63; Matthew 26:41; Philippians 3:3; g 1 Samuel 16:7.

Delving into the profound intersection of Eastern philosophy and Christian thought, we explore Chapter 12, "Living in the Spirit," from the Christian edition of the Tao Te Ching. This fascinating blend of ancient wisdom and Christian teaching offers a refreshing perspective on prioritizing spiritual growth in our increasingly distracted and materialistic world.

The episode begins with powerful statements that stop us in our tracks: "Sight betrays the eye. Noise deafens the ear. Gluttony dulls the taste." These aren't just poetic phrases—they're warnings about how our ordinary ways of engaging with the world can actually mislead us spiritually. We unpack each of these cautions, examining how they reflect the tension between material demands and spiritual fulfillment that so many of us feel daily.

At the heart of our discussion is the practical "Trinitarian Method" (MAP): Mindset, Aim, and Practice. This three-step approach provides a clear pathway from inner attitudes to concrete actions. We walk through six essential mindsets—from clarity and discernment to being filled with the Spirit—and show how each naturally guides specific aims and practices. Whether you're struggling with information overload, material attachment, or constant busyness, you'll find tangible strategies to help cultivate greater spiritual focus.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is how it highlights the universal nature of these spiritual principles. We explore how the core teachings resonate across Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, demonstrating that the emphasis on spiritual discernment, inner peace, and moderation transcends specific religious boundaries. This shared wisdom creates a foundation for greater understanding and empathy among people of different faiths.

As you listen, consider this question: What does it look like in your own life to actively choose the internal over the external—your spirit, your values, your inner peace over the constant demands of the world? What small, intentional step could you take today toward nurturing your spiritual life? We invite you to join us on this journey of discover

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Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-11-body-and-spirit/

Chapter 11: Body and Spirit

We assemble spokes to make a wheel
But the usefulness is the emptiness of the hole that allows rotation

We shape clay to make a pot a
But the usefulness is the emptiness that holds the water

We hammer wood together to make a house b
But the usefulness is the emptiness that provides the livable space

Therefore, what profit is the body c
Without the emptiness indwelt by the Holy Spirit?

a Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 18:1-11; b 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Habakkuk 2:14; c Romans 5:3-8; 1 Corinthians 3:16.

The paradox of emptiness turns everything we think we know about value upside down. While we often chase fullness, possessions, and constant activity, ancient wisdom reveals that our greatest strength may actually emerge from our empty spaces.

In this thought-provoking exploration of Tao Te Ching Chapter 11, "Body and Spirit," we discover how emptiness creates purpose through three powerful analogies: the wheel's usefulness comes from its empty center; the pot's value lies in the void that holds water; the house serves through the empty space within. These seemingly simple observations transform into profound spiritual insights about our own bodies and spirits.

Drawing from both Taoist wisdom and Christian theology, we unpack the question: "What profit is the body without the emptiness indwelt by the Holy Spirit?" This leads us through a comprehensive framework for spiritual renewal using the Trinitarian Method MAP (Mindset, Aim, Practice) – a practical approach to creating sacred space within ourselves for divine presence to work.

We examine four essential mindset shifts that help us see emptiness as strength, four aims that direct our spiritual intentions, and five practices that make these principles concrete in daily life. Whether you're seeking deeper purpose, struggling with burnout, or simply curious about spiritual growth, these ancient principles offer surprising relevance to modern challenges.

Perhaps most fascinating is our exploration of how this wisdom of emptiness appears across world religions – from Christianity to Buddhism, Islam to Hinduism – revealing common threads of humility, surrender, and divine guidance that transcend religious boundaries. As St. Thomas Aquinas noted, "Truth cannot contradict truth."

What might change if you stopped trying to fill every moment and instead created space for something greater? Listen now to discover how embracing spiritual emptiness might become your greatest source of meaning and purpose.

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Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/chapter-10-the-spirit-of-god/

Chapter 10: The Spirit of God

To be filled by the Spirit of God and embrace Oneness a
Can you be still without temptation? 

To quiet your soul and attain suppleness b
Can you be like a child? 

To be free of worldly views c
Can you take the plank out of your own eye? 

To love all people and rule the country d
Can you be without cleverness? 

To enter the opening and closing gate of Heaven e
Can you live according to the Word of God? 

To understand the Word as taught by the Spirit f
Can you hold back your own words? 

He created us g
He nurtures us 

He gives life without possessing h
He achieves without taking credit i

He leads without dominating j
This is the mystic virtue of the Spirit k

a 1 Corinthians 6:17-20; Matthew 26:41; Psalm 46:10; John 17:20-24; b Psalm 131:1-2; c Matthew 7:4-5; d Matthew 23:1-7; e John 1:1-2; 1 John 2:5; Luke 11:28; Genesis 28:17; f 1 Corinthians 2:13-14; g Genesis 1:24-2; 1 Peter 1:23-25; John 4:10-14; h 2 Corinthians 6:10; i John 8:54; Hebrews 5:5; j Psalm 9:8; k John 3:5-6; Romans 5:15.

This briefing document summarizes the key themes of Chapter 10: "The Spirit of God" from the Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching, aligning with the BFG Movement’s framework: RESTORE, RENEWAL, and RESPOND. 

RESTORE focuses on spiritual truths through the Spirit of God. Using introspective questions and biblical parallels, the chapter guides readers toward Spirit-filled living. It highlights qualities such as stillness, humility, childlike trust, selfless love, and alignment with God's Word. True restoration embodies these virtues, mirroring God’s nature: "He created us," "nurtures us," "gives life without possessing," "achieves without taking credit," and "leads without dominating." This "mystic virtue of the Spirit" is key to restoring a right relationship with God.

RENEWAL applies the Trinitarian Method (M.A.P.). Mindset involves cultivating stillness, humility, self-reflection, love, alignment with God’s Word, and restraint in speech. Aim translates these into goals, and Practice offers concrete steps like prayer, scripture study, generosity, and servant leadership. These practices reinforce Spirit-led living.

RESPOND urges engagement in holiness and interfaith dialogue, drawing parallels with Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Shared truths—like humility, wisdom, and selfless love—unite believers. The call to ac

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