Go Or No-Go? (Sun Tzu 1:2) (Luke 14:28-35)

’Fore you start (when they start things up),
You should count – look at things in rough;
May not be all you have to find;
Pause a bit, five things bear in mind.

If there’s time, verify your facts;
Count it up, long before you act;
Stop and think – every moment counts
Two-to-one ’fore you choose to pounce.

You will see which one will prevail;
Weigh each side, know which one will fail;
If a go – you’ve already won;
If you’re weak – you’re already done.

Math is quick – Abacus will do;
Five the spheres – clear will be your view,
If you check these five principles
(Points of view – each has tentacles).

First, the folks and their leadership –
Are they one? Do arrangements fit?
Called “The way”; “Tao”; “The pulse of life”;
Check both sides, long before the strife.

Heaven’s next – what’s the weather like?
Cyclical – time ahead is right?
“Tien” it’s called, we’ve been here before;
For which side should it be abhorred?

Earth is next – how’s geography?
“Dee” it is – fixed, what do you see?
Take a look from both sides of course,
Knowing that might avoid remorse.

Who’s in charge – who will lead the troops?
Are they good? Grip is firm or lose?
“Gain” the term – who is in command?
Check both sides – which will firmly stand?

Fifth, there’s law, “doctrine” we would say,
Discipline, “Far” – Commander’s way;
Is it known? Well enforced by him?
Check both sides – part of who will win.

There it is, check five factors out;
Now attack? Low will be your doubt,
If the math in your favor lies;
Being attacked? Outcome’s no surprise.

Story goes, God, back at the first,
Faced a war (Satan with his worst);
“Can I win, with the troops I’ve got?”
“Yes”, He saw, “when the battle’s fought”.

“House I’ll build – is their cash enough?”
God had asked, knowing times were tough,
“Yes, enough, though results will be,
Death; and broke; loss of friends, I see”.

But we win – good wins in the end;
Facing us, best we comprehend –
Choice that’s ours – “Are we in or out?”
Count it up – satisfy your doubt.

Mean and mean? Righteousness today?
Are there storms? In this land a way?
Who’s in charge? Is Christ best-of-class?
Discipline? Tight till work is past?

“Art of war” Sun from Son has learned
Cosmic ways; both for peace have yearned;
“Sell your cloak”, buy a sword”, He said,
“Purse and bag, take”, as you have read.

navigation