“Stupidity And Fear Of Harm” (Matt.6:21; 13) [Reflections on Ralph D. Sawyer's Translation of One Hundred Unorthodox Strategies - Battle Tactics of Chinese Warfare #47-48]
If greed is central to an army’s chief,
It’s “Woe betide his troops”, for all that’s sweet
Is more than such dumb generals can leave
On table, they “Omnipotence” believe.Considered one of worst of leader’s flaws,
Such leaders, with in their ever-empty maws,
Can be bent out of shape by easy gain,
When in their safety-zone they should remain.To stop such greedy generals, raise stakes
So “Easy gain” as fast, evaporates;
They’ll back off, fearing harm will be result
Of venture’s action – loss will come about.Lord, as I ponder these when flipped around,
I well remember “Easement for the ground” –
I dared him to continue in his way – he backed off
(Though I could go either way).In this dimension, I know weakness here –
It’s subtle – there are aspects far from clear;
I guess that’s why you say, “Clean up the soil,
If crop you wish to thrive from all your toil”.For “Creature comforts” are, along with “Weeds”,
So unproductive – when they’re used as seeds,
They grow, but there’s no fruit upon the vine,
Which was initial problem that was mine.On “Harm as a deterrent” – evil’s way –
You’re well aware of – patience day by day
You’d have us learn – to bide our lives in You
Then strike down evil at the place you choose.Lord, thanks for challenge to priorities
Right from the first, if we would Kingdom see;
I had no clue of Kingdom-layer at all
(Or pinwheel’s pin – still center in the fall.Lord, as I walk the talk throughout today,
Please open up my eyes to better way
Of viewing gain and loss – encroaching harm –
Abiding ’neath the safety of Your arms.Thanks Lord for this.
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