The Way to
Understanding Spiritual Wisdom
Human wisdom is always imperfect. Lao Tzu never
presumes that the Way is superior to common wisdom, or even close to godly
wisdom; he simply points out the inadequacy of human wisdom, and it is up to
each individual to deal with his or her own inadequacy. Tao is about knowing
self through internalization. Awareness of the self in relation to people and
circumstances around us holds the key to understanding who we are and what our
roles are in the universe.
Reading the Bible
is the only pathway to seeking God’s wisdom. Reading Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching may facilitate the
understanding and application of God’s wisdom in everyday life and living.
There is no short cut to seeking Biblical wisdom.
Unfortunately, many
Christians do not read the Bible—at least not on a daily basis—and, therefore,
do not experience much spiritual growth in their faith. Many non-believers have
tried to read the Bible, but without much success in acquiring the wisdom for
their conversion and salvation. Worst, many people have never read the Bible;
they simply show aversion, prejudice, or skepticism towards the wisdom
expressed in the Bible.
Lao Tzu says that true wisdom may be unappealing to
many.
“The truth is
unpleasant to the ear.
What is pleasant to
the ear is not the truth.
Likewise, true
wisdom is unpopular;
what is popular is
not true wisdom.”
(Chapter 81, Tao
Te Ching)
Reading the ancient
Chinese classic Tao Te Ching may change our conditioned thinking:
accumulation of knowledge does not necessarily make us wise; true wisdom comes
from our own assimilation and internalization of the knowledge acquired and
accumulated. Understanding this may help us seek the wisdom above and beyond
human wisdom, which is Biblical wisdom.
“So, follow the
Way.
Stop striving to
change ourselves: we are naturally changing.
Stop striving to be
good: we are naturally good.
Stop striving to
get rich: we are naturally abundant.
Stop striving to
control destiny: life is naturally living itself.”
(Chapter 57, Tao Te Ching)
Stephen
Lau
Copyright© 2018 by Stephen Lau
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