Whether it’s on the battlefield or in the boardroom, men have applied the genius strategy of this Chinese military classic to gain advantage over their adversaries for the last 2,500 years. Older than the New Testament and shorter than a Louis L’Amour novel, read this and you’ll see why all levels of military have used this resource for two and a half millennia.  

For ministry purposes, I found a quote or illustration on at least every two pages that could be used to illustrate the far more authoritative book of God’s Word. For example, if you are teaching on the tactics of Satan in attacking when the believer drops his guard, this quote comes in handy:

“If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in” (58). This is a great quote to drive home 1 Peter 5:8. A similar one could be applied to the importance of spiritual vigilance and preparation from division in the local church: “If he [the general’s opponent] is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected” (7). Does not Satan do this very thing against the body of Christ?

A great quote on leadership: “Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death” (48).

Another quote that could illustrate the right motive in serving Christ our Commander in Chief: “The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom” (48).

And finally, a unique quote that could be used to illustrate the innumerable methods of evangelism outreach available to us:

There are not more than five primary colors (blue, yellow, red, white, and black), yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been [sic] seen.

There are not more than five cardinal tastes (sour, acrid, salt, sweet, bitter), yet combinations of them yield more flavors than can ever be tasted.

In battle, there are not more than two methods of attack—the direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to an endless series of maneuvers (28).

This Filiquarian Publishing edition of Sun Tzu’s tour de force is a poor edition, full of spelling errors, grammatical awkwardness, and chapter 9 is placed five chapters too early! But if you can endure these irritating flaws, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one-of-a-kind piece of excellence.

Sun Tzu. The Art of War.
Filiquarian Publishing, 2006. 68 pp.