“Neighbors” (Luke 10:24-37; Matthew 5:39; Galatians 6:1-5) [Sun Tzu series chapter 8-4]
Those pesky neighbors, Sun Tzu says,
They’ll interfere with plans you’ve laid;
So best you get them off your back,
To keep them far from your attack.Intimidate the first type by
Some threat or damage coming nigh;
Some disadvantage down the road;
Potential harm – soon they will go.Type two keep busy – occupy
Domestically, then, by and by
They’ll weary from incessant strife,
Internal squabbles day and night.Type III are ones who profit seek;
Though spurious, give them a peek
At such advantage they rush ’round,
And help you to attain new ground.He calls them “Hostile Chiefs” and “Lords”
Those “Feudal neighbors” by whose swords
Your efforts might soon dissipate;
Deal with such “Nobles” – do not wait.“Competitors” for booty long,
So factor in their hostile song,
And play them with your fiddle-bow
’Till strings sing peace – then off you go.That’s like that “Conversation” man
Whose book said help him if you can,
Then he will owe you for the break –
For you control such pawns you make.“Who is my neighbor?” One bloke asked;
“Don’t be like Priest or Levite – passed
That beat-up man there by the road”;
“Turn other cheek” – “Help with his load”.“But that’s no way to booty gain”,
Some folks reply… “But in the main,
Live Kingdom-life right now, right there
Let blessings flow to show My care.”Lord, it takes time for me to grasp
This “Warfare concept”, like when asked
By You, Lord, “Who will go for me?
And set that neighbor-brother free?“For enemy in war that’s on
Is not your neighbor – that’s all wrong;
But evil, satan, and his tricks
Don’t join his team, I’m trying to fix –“What’s broken since old Adam’s day;
Come join, and live My Kingdom-way;
Don’t fall for phony troubles, loot –
Give satan’s buddies, plans, the boot.Thanks Lord for this.
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