Page 143 - Built For God Handbook (Annotated and Explained Edition) - The Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching - The New Evangelization - Pope John Paul II

49

There are two paths or ways that we can conduct our lives about which
some have written poetically. This chapter, under the title of The Ego, draws
out these two paths as a choice between living under the banner of false
pride and self-righteousness on the one hand, or living on the firm bedrock
of humility and self-awareness on the other.

Those who, unfortunately, and for whatever reason, end up living their lives
shored up by false pride and self-righteousness will never attain the fullness
of contentment and joy – they will always be striving for a goal they cannot
reach.

On the other hand, those who live in the Spirit of God, who are securely
grounded in the belief and experience of God’s love for them, who humbly
rely on a power greater than themselves, will experience serenity. They will
be able to discern and reject any over-attachment to the false gods of
possessions, prestige, power, and pleasure.

b
a Proverbs 16:18; 1 Peter 5:5-6; Matthew 18:6-9; Psalm 37:7;
d
c Matthew 23:12; 1 Corinthians 1:24-31; Matthew 23:25;
e Galatians 5:16-17