Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Green Grass, Cake, and the EBT Card

When trying to persuade an individual or entity to the merits of an argument, I often vacillate between whether to present the strongest reasons first or last.  It seems logical to finishing strong – the most compelling point being the final thing in the audience’s mind.  Gradually persuading them, then closing the deal – “setting the hook“ so to speak.  

Conversely, the Army writing style calls for the “BLUF” – bottom line up front.   Get right to the point – the foremost reason first.  When engaging targets, you start with the closest – the most immediate threat and your highest probability of a kill.  

What about a list where all of the items are essential?  The Army had what they called a METL – mission essential task list – those tasks that a unit must master in order to be mission ready.  No need to prioritize – you had to master all of them to be deemed proficient.   


I don’t think it’s happenstance that the final commandment is all about our neighbor.  How would one show love to his neighbor?  That tenth commandment says it’s by our not doing something – specifically, not coveting what is rightfully his.  That’s the way we do right by our neighbor.  The apostle Paul told the Corinthians, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy...”    Quite simply, you cannot covet or envy what your neighbor has.  Even if it’s newer, better, or more attractive.

The benefit to the individual who obeys that commandment is self-evident.  Solomon wisely said, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”  Paul said, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”  Presumably, if you’re  not coveting your neighbor’s stuff, you’ll find more satisfaction in what you do have. 

When I was stationed in Korea, I always enjoyed sharing American idioms with my Korean soldiers.  One in particular was, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.”  We even went outside to see that it’s actually true -- no matter which side of the fence you’re on.  After our hands-on experience, SGT Kim knowingly smiled and said, “We have one like that too.  We say your piece of cake is bigger than my piece.”  Anyone who has two or more kids knows the truth of that one. 

The benefit to oneself by not coveting is obvious.  But how does it benefit my neighbor by not envying or coveting “his wife, or his ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor”?  Frankly, it’s an act of love to not desire what’s his.  It will change your attitude towards him.  You’ll be able to be able to rejoice with him.  Arguably, it’s an act of hatred to covet his stuff.

America’s president is playing a very, very dangerous game.  His “fairness” and “income-inequality” talk is fueling covetousness.  Envy may motivate, but it also makes monsters.  Waging class warfare is like playing with fire.  Demonizing the more successful is simply sowing seeds of discontent.  It’s shortsighted and sinful.

The belief that the solution is government handouts to the able-bodied may be a good way to buy votes, but it in actuality is robbing people of the dignity that only honest work provides.  Handouts are also a perverse disincentive for those who’d otherwise want to improve their lot in life.

EBT cards may buy votes, but they'll never buy love.   


This column appears in the 25 MAR 2015 Upson Beacon.  Upson County, GA.

5 comments:

Steady Steve said...

Sorry. This is just too logical, sane, and truthful for the libtards to understand. Can't reason with a progressive.

Anonymous said...

It does however create a class of takers who will back a government not of makers but takers.

Reg T said...

The answer to the cake dilemma:
one child cuts, the other child chooses.

Francis W. Porretto said...

Colonel, you may find this treatise by Pastor Mike Melin to be of interest.

pdwalker said...

Envy is truly the most deadly sin.