“Balance Of Love And Awe” (Matt.6:24;1 Jn.4:18;1 Sam.15:22) [Reflections on Ralph D. Sawyer's Translation of One Hundred Unorthodox Strategies - Battle Tactics of Chinese Warfare #13-14]
What he calls “Love” – emotion-based –
Sun Tzu says must be first in place
Before strict discipline is used;
The other way will be refused.So bonding is the base of team,
And what good leadership can mean
When up against a lethal foe –
Done right, the men to death will go.So build a band, then clamp things down;
Don’t turn those tasks you have around;
Be with your men, not high above;
Engage their world – a base of love.Then tighten up the discipline –
Without it, you can never win;
Without the base of love, of course,
No discipline can be resource.Lord, that explains, “Two Masters” quote –
“Love” or “Despise” – time I awoke
To Your approach – perhaps that’s why
For some I know, we’d gladly die.So “Strut” works out against our place
In life, so best this truth embrace –
Love first, walk with, support the men,
On base of love – then discipline.Fear of one’s leaders must be most;
Love even more, or you’ll be toast;
That balance must be there for you
That to the end they will stay true.Lord, to my mind flows image-stream
Of clear examples – both extremes –
The tyrant, and emoting trash –
For neither will folks do what’s asked.Thanks Lord, for this insightful note
Within these ancient Chinese quotes;
So much to ponder as I rise
Today as one of Your new guys.Thanks Lord for this.
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