Some of Clausewitz's principle ideas included:
- understanding the distinction between "absolute" or "ideal war," and "real war"
- the importance of "moral forces" (more than simply "morale"), as opposed to quantifiable physical elements
-expecting, and adjusting for, unpredictable chance ... i.e. "the fog of war"
-"the culminating point of the attack" ... the turning point at which attack becomes defense
-"the culminating point of victory" ... loosely paraphrased, when the attacker wins, but still isn't sure who'll wake up tomorrow blacker and bluer
Clausewitz taught that War is comprised of four elements: Danger, Physical Effort, Uncertainty, and Chance.
-- -- --
So why am I mentioning him here? Because ...
The enemy expects total victory, and we cannot make the mistake of believing he's engaged in anything less than all-out war.
We can never refuse to take the offensive because, after consulting with the Church Steering Committee, re-reading the minutes, voting and carrying the motion, we're convinced there's no way we can win.
We can never approach any task half-heartedly, half-prepared, armed with half-measures, and then expect God to take up our slack.
We serve the one living God, the King of Kings, and reject the burdens, limitations and self-righteousness of man-made rules, rituals and traditions.
Christ came to earth and died on the cross to give us victory through him ... not to prepare us to lose or to give up, to fail and point fingers, to form quorums and re-write God's plan or to huddle-up and reminisce about the wayeth we used to doeth things at mine olde church .
Much less to give us the option of "being too busy," "not having enough time" or "not being entirely onboard" ... and making excuses for disobedience.
