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I am reading a book at work called Sun Tzu: The Art of War for Managers by Gerald A. Michaelson. This book is founded on Sun Tzu’s Art of War and contains a translation of Art of War inside the book along with an introduction and a commentary of application for managers. However, I believe that this book is extremely applicable to us Christians, especially those of us caught up in pornography addiction. So as I read it (and hopefully I will finish it), I will be posting some comments about the different portions.
In the introduction, Michaelson remarks:
The fundamental principles of strategy are the same for all managers, all times, and all situations. Only the tactics change—and tactics are modified to the times.
Strategy is best defined as “doing the right thing,” while tactics is “doing things right.” Where does strategy end and tactics begin? Admiral Mahan…said, “Contact is a word which perhaps better than any other indicates the dividing line between tactics and strategy.”
For us porn addicts, we need both a strategy and some tactics to maneuver through and out of our addiction into freedom. However, having only strategy without tactics will fail, and having only tactics without strategy will lead us back into defeat. It is similar to the sayings, “Failure to plan is planning to fail.” Similarly, “Execution without planning is foolhardy. But, planning without execution is failure” (Sandler), or, “Planning without Execution is futile, Execution without Planning is fatal.” Simply, where does achieving our tactics or “doing things right” in addiction leads us? Without a plan or a strategy, we can be led into another addiction; we can be led into simple morality. Simply, without a plan or strategy, it is more likely that we will land somewhere that we do not want to be. So we need both a good strategy (a plan) and good tactics (execution).
Strategy is a mental exercise and process that comes from the right mindset. Tactics have to do with behavior that is aligned with the mental strategy. Good tactics cannot be divorced from a strategy. As soon as a tactic is separated from strategy its potential weakens, even if it is a useful tactic. For example, placing a filter on the computer to keep the addict from looking at porn is a tactic, and it is like any other tactic if there is no strategy involved. The filter becomes powerful when coupled with a strategy of overcoming that also comes with other tactics. So, a filter placed on the computer with a strategy of learning how to use the computer and internet for good purposes along with accountability reporting, PC shutdown practices (for example, bsecure shuts down your internet if you trip the filter too many times within a certain time period. Covenant Eyes has an alarm feature or panic button.), calling accountability partners, sponsors and even coaches or counselors.
Personally, I have been the victim of both ineffective tactics, no tactics, and poor, or competing, or even no strategy. I would give lip service to saying that I wanted to quit and in my inner most being I wanted to quit. However, I also didn’t want to quit. I was torn. I had two competing strategies actively engaged in my mind. And as with any kingdom, a person that is divided cannot stand (Mark 3:24-25). And for a while, I had bad or evil tactics. I was an expert liar or deceiver (as are most addicts). It was how I kept my secret a secret. Other tactics included using programs to cover my tracks, initiating a process to delete the history or cookies or whatever. I would hid porn so well that I even lost it. Ever do that? Then when I was clean or trying to stay clean I would come across them and fall right on my face! Thus continuing and widening the gap between my 2 competing strategies.
Then I gradually would learn new good tactics, but I never used them (so I guess I didn’t learn them or if tactics are “doing things right” I simply didn’t have any tactics). Even when I did do things right, the tactics I used were ineffective because, as I’ve said, often times I would couple them with competing bad tactics like lying. So, all the while I was never aligned with any sort of strategy. However, now, and it has taken me a while to get here, I have only one committed goal of being clean. Thus, I am learning or rather re-learning a good strategy to “get clean and stay clean.” While I have been behaviorally clean for over a month now, I know that the mental process of developing a good strategy is necessary. So, I have finally gotten an appointment with a local counselor to begin developing this strategy, articulating it along with its tactics, and laying a foundation that will serve my family and I well as we want to serve the Lord in whatever capacity (which is extremely difficult for me to say because I really want the Lord to still use me in ministry teaching the Word of God).
What is your strategy? What tactics do you have in your tool belt?
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