The Art of War

The Art of War, written by the Chinese tactician Sun Tzu, is one of the oldest and most successful books on military strategy in the world. Much of the text is about how to fight wars without actually having to do battle: it gives tips on how to outsmart one's opponent so that physical battle is not necessary.

A major principle is to know yourself and know your enemy. That way, you won’t fear the enemy or the outcome of the battle. All of us should realize that Satan schemes after us: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11). We furthermore know that he is an “accuser of brethren” (Revelation 12:10), and that he seeks people to tempt: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Conversely, the Bible can help. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Of course, it can only help if you follow the word of God accurately: “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:14-18).

Kyle Campbell