Strategic Victory
The Strategic Imperative
Proverbs 24:17 teachings the following: “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls.” But what is the most common emotional experience we have when our enemy falls?
Celebration.
But we are taught to avoid this. To resist this.
Not only that, but if we metaphorically kick our enemy while their down we may actually stop God from delivering the final parts of punishment to them.
That’s not what we want.
We want our enemy to be thoroughly eradicated so we have to restrain our emotions.
Strategic Restraint
The verse continues with a warning: “Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him.”
Our thoughts and actions are being evaluated by God. He’s given us principles to live by and ones that allow Him to work in the world.
The rest of this command invovles emotional restrint.
This is an interesting component of the laws of God. God almost never commands us to feel certain ways. But He does command us to restrain various emotions.
That’s an interesting lesson. God requires us to discipline our emotions.
Mastering Emotional and Thought Control
At the heart of strategic victory lies the mastery of emotional and thought control. When our enemy falls, instead of stooping to impulsive rejoicing, we have to create a mindset of calm resolve.
We solemnly sheath our sword, knowing God takes care of the rest.
The Law of Divine Retribution
While seeking retribution against adversaries is justified, it requires a disciplined approach. “And He turn away His wrath from him” is the consequence of misplaced emotions and actions—divine intervention diverted due to improper attitudes towards our enemies.
Lessons for Victorious Living
- Strategic Focus: Maintain a sharp focus on strategic objectives, avoiding distractions that derail progress – including emotional celebration of the destruction of our enemies. Be calm and move on to the next enemy.
- Emotional Discipline: Channel emotions towards strategic outcomes rather than immediate gratification.
- Thought Defense: Guard your thoughts against vindictiveness or gloating, aligning them with strategic wisdom and foresight.
- Obedience: Seek alignment with God’s principles by ensuring your actions and attitudes align with those principles of justice and righteousness.
Proverbs 24:17-18 teaches the warriors of life to use strategic wisdom, emotional discipline, and thought control if they want the best of the defeat of their enemies and God’s willingness to fully destroy them.
By mastering thought control and channeling emotions strategically, you pave the path for victory
