“The true character of wu wei is not mere inactivity but perfect action—because it is acting without activity. In other words, it is action not carried out independently of heaven and earth and in conflict with the dynamism of the whole, but in perfect harmony with the whole. It is not mere passivity, but it is action that seems both effortless and spontaneous because performed “rightly,” in perfect accordance with our nature and with our place in the scheme of things. It is completely free because there is in it no force and no violence. It is not “conditioned” or “limited” by our own individual needs and desires, or even by our own theories and ideas…. The key to Chuang Tzu’s thought is the complementarity of opposites, and this can be seen only when one grasps the central “pivot” of Tao which passes squarely through both “Yes” and “No,” “I” and “Not-I.” Life is a continual development. All beings are in a state of flux.” (Thomas Merton, Thoughts On The East,  “Taoism”)

Don’t we all wish we could reach a relationship with Jesus where our lives were actively lived defined by G-d’s will, but without effort or thought? Imagine having such a relationship with Jesus that our every thought, action, and deed were within His will and without hesitation or resistance. Jesus hints at this kind of relationship with him when he says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

As Thomas Merton writes, “…all life is a continual development, and all beings are in a state of flux.” We are not the same people we were yesterday, and we will not be the same tomorrow. Yet Jesus remains the same, yesterday, today and forever. To base our lives on the love of G-d found through Jesus Christ, though our lives will be in constant states of flux, the presence of Jesus is not. And the more we have Jesus as our foundation, the simpler our lives will be.

Pastor Dave 

“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