My brother and I used to play Life – the board game. Toward the end of the game when it came time to assess taxes, we had a made-up rule that would allow you to “adopt” one child for every $1,000 in taxes owed. We often had a caravan of cars with our extended families trailing behind by the time we crossed the finish line.

Alas, there aren’t always substitutions available in “real” life. Sometimes, we’re the players. Sometimes, we’re the pawns.

What about when a disgruntled church member starts a rumor to disparage the pastor’s reputation? Check.

What about when insecure co-workers posture themselves in such a way as to deflect negative attention from their own performance and shine it on others? Checkmate.

Being a pawn is difficult; the pawn doesn’t have much in the way of strategy. They only try to stay alive.