Tactics vs. Logistics

Articles From Our Bulletins

Philip C. Strong
07/14/20 - Bulletin Articles

My son was watching the History channel in the hotel room we were sharing for the night. The particular program was on the Civil War (or War Between the States if you prefer). Since I was preparing for a funeral the next morning, I wasn’t really listening. But something caught my attention. One of the experts providing commentary remarked on how important railroads were during the conflict- not only for troop transport but also as a supply chain. His statement was that in war, “Amateurs talk tactics; professionals talk logistics.” This quote kept circling around in my head as I began the long drive home a few days later.

The New Testament is replete with military/war references:

2Corinthians 10:3-6 specifies the battleground;
Ephesians 6:10-17 itemizes the armor and weaponry; and
2Timothy 2:3-4 provides the code of conduct (e.g.).

But that statement about tactics vs. logistics kept intriguing me. I wonder: In our spiritual warfare are we overly-concerned with tactics and under-concerned with logistics? Are we more about fighting and conquering or achieving a “spiritual” peace for as many as possible?

We plot and plan tactics. What “strategy” and “weaponry” should I use on the “objective”? (Spiritual) land mines, sniper fire, small group/force ambush, or a full-frontal assault with everything I have? How can I best defend against his “counter-attack”? Can I “defeat” and “capture” the enemy, or at least force his “surrender”?

Perhaps we should be thinking more about logistics: how to “reason” and “persuade” him to change sides (Acts 18:4; 19:8); how to “stimulate” him to want to do the right things (Hebrews 10:24); how to “heal” his spiritual wounds and “supply” his soul’s deepest needs (Acts 10:38).

Tactics vs. Logistics? Admittedly, I’m kind of just thinking out loud here- and mostly for myself, but you might give it some consideration also. Then again, maybe I’ve just spent way too much time alone in the car today!