Unconventional Means (Sun Tzu 1:9c) (Luke 12:35-48)
An irony pervades in war it seems,
For truthfulness is requisite, which means
To lead, command, maintain the upper hand,
Truth must be told to men in one’s command.But that’s as far as truth prevails each day,
For in a conflict, truth has gone its way;
“First casualty of war”, it’s often said;
Gone long before first troops are outward led.“Deceit” – the Tao (or Way) of war, it’s termed;
That title for its action’s justly earned;
Deceit is how imbalance is maintained;
This basis of the dance remains the same.For someone out of balance weaker is;
So subterfuge is method of the biz;
The enemy is always unprepared –
For actions seen as clear are multilayered.If capable and strong your forces are,
More competent your leaders’ ways by far,
Pretend to be the opposite – seem slow
In uptake of a context you should know.Incompetent, incapable, a dunce,
Put out the word you’re all of these at once;
That won’t be hard – most bosses are these days –
So others buy the package – fear allays.Don’t seem to be effective, seizing chance;
Of course you’ll seize it, though their furtive glance
Will tell them, “No, they have not seized the day”;
Then, wham! You spring your battle your own way.When active, seem inactive, and reverse;
When resting, look alive, they’ll fear the worst;
Committed to employing all your force?
Inactive seem in use of your resource.Luke paints a picture of returning Christ –
More like attack of SWAT team, nothing nice
To captors of the hostages, that is;
To those who are oppressed – delightful biz!But in the scene Christ talks of his approach –
It’s subterfuge – says we bear no reproach
From Him if we are gentle as a Lamb,
But wise as serpents – doing what we can.navigation