“Allies, Topography, Terrain”  [Reflections On Sun Tsu's  Art Of War  Chapter7 #7) (Matt.12:30-32; Mk.9:39-41; Matt.13:24-29; 36-43)

It’s pretty practical out there,
In mountains, forests, rock-face bare;
Of precipice, defile, impasse;
Of Marshland, swamps, and wetland grass –

So if you’re not familiar there,
Or local guides employ – compare
The alternates of routes to choose,
You’ll not get far – and war you’ll lose.

A local guide can clue you in;
That way, you can for all begin
To turn advantage of terrain
To aid your cause – if not, then blame –

Lands at your doorstep – you must know
The plans and scenes of all below
Whose plans could overlap your own;
Alliances can then be grown.

So Jesus said – “If they’re not for
Our cause, then there against – before
You jump to call them friend or foe,
You must their inner spirit know.

“For sometimes, if they’re not against
Then they’re for us – so do not taint
Their reputation – you’ll need friends
When foe attacks, and army sends.

Discernment of the Spirit, hence,
Is critical to one’s defense;
Pay heed to local info too;
Don’t trust just anyone who’s new.

Lord, many times we get sucked in,
And yet there too we can begin
To share Your word, perspective, slant
On life as seed-words there we plant.

Thanks Lord for this.

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