“Effortless action can be seen in the conduct of water, which unresistingly accepts the lowest level yet wears away the hardest substance. Human beings, following the Tao, must abjure all struggle and learn the value of wu-wei (non-striving), through which one approaches a stage of creative possibility sometimes symbolized as a child or infant in Taoist writings. In a rough sense, what sin is to the Christian, cosmic disorder (or, at the local level, personal anxiety) is to the Taoist. The ideal state of being, fully attainable only by mystical contemplation, is simplicity and freedom from desire, comparable to that of “an uncarved block.” Taoist laissezfaire political doctrines reflect this quietistic philosophy: the ruler’s duty is to impose a minimum of government, while protecting his people from experiencing material want or strong passions. The social virtues expounded by Confucius were condemned as symptoms of excessive government and disregard of effortless action.” (Thomas Merton, Thoughts On The East,  “Taoism”)

Simplicity and freedom from desire – is that possible in this society today? In the Taoist tradition, the “Wu-Wei” is a state of being where the person is “one with their surroundings”. They desire nothing except relationship with the creator – a relationship as a child with the world – the “uncarved block” waiting to be shaped.

How has G-d shaped you this year? How have you been able to find quiet time for reflection where you can experience G-d’s will for your life – and living it as water, unresistingly accepting where G-d leads you? The more simple we keep our lives, the more we will be free to experience G-d’s presence and love in our lives. If you believe G-d has not impacted your life this year, perhaps you need to simplify – and qualify your experiences with the creator through G-d’s Son, Jesus Christ.

Pastor Dave