The Needless Battle
Armies fight in a battle to win, but those they are fighting against would also fight for victory. Only one could win while the other losses but more important than winning or losing is the reason for the battle—what do they want to achieve by winning, or perhaps what could they gain or lose by losing.
You could win a battle but struggle to find a purpose for it: you won, but all you get is a sense that you are stronger or better, plus perhaps, creating some more problems that will show up later. Is the battle necessary?
I know that not many people are excited when they get cheated or insulted, but the extreme option of using force to make a statement or to revenge may not be the best or most effective way out. Is it always worth it? Do you get more or lose more?
Some experiences could indeed be unpleasant, but how we react to them could determine whether the situation becomes worse or better in the short or long run for either of the parties. The immediate reaction may make you feel satisfied, but the implication of what you have done may bring regrets later.
“When you become wise, you can afford to be gentle and harmless.”
What is the value of temporary excitement that brings lasting pain and regrets? If you could decide to control your emotions, you may discover that the battle could be avoidable. The decision of what to do and when to do it is essentially a function of maturity and discernment. I have found that many scenarios that end in pain could be avoidable if handled differently.
David of ancient Israel was infuriated and felt insulted by the actions of Nabal, a rich Calebite that lived in Moan and had much land in Carmel. David decided to revenge, so he departed for Nabal’s home with 400 hundred armed men. David had the resources to accomplish the revenge mission but was it the best choice? He was all out to ruin the rich man.
The wife of Nabal, Abigail, got to know that something disastrous was about to happen, so she decided to intervene quickly to avert the wrath of David and the subsequent implications. She set out on the journey towards David, riding on a donkey loaded with gifts with some servants going ahead of her.
“if only we could identify and choose our warfares—we could improve our experiences.”
As she travelled, she met David and his men before they got to their home and pleaded for her husband so that there was no bloodshed through David. She eventually appeased David, so he did not proceed with his plan or threat and told Abigail to go home in peace. Nabal later died of a heart attack—everyone got to know about ten days afterwards.
David could have killed him and probably have a case of murder against his name but averting his plan saved him from that stain. There are some avoidable battles—they are not necessary—if only we could identify and choose our warfares—we could improve our experiences.
It is not always easy to be patient or exercise self-control because it is for the strong, mature and wise. You are saving yourself from a complicated future by avoiding irrational actions and the implications. When you become wise, you can afford to be gentle and harmless.
You may have found yourself in a similar position in the past and probably regretting your actions today—wishing you acted differently. Some people hoped they waited before their action or probably took time to think them over.
When you see a fire burning a pile of rubbish, you will allow it to burn—it is a fire that would extinguish when the garbage gets consumed. You do not need to fight with a fire that will soon die out—you can save yourself the unnecessary battle.
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