Spiritual Warfare

My friend Jeffrey once introduced me to a book long back. Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," is a Chinese military treatise written centuries ago, but ofcourse after the biblical texts. However, there are some biblical principles and teachings that share common themes with the ideas presented in "The Art of War." Here are a few biblical references that i would like to relate with respect to the concepts in the treatise:

1. Strategic Planning: Proverbs 24:6 says, "For by wise guidance, you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors, there is victory." This verse emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and seeking wise counsel before engaging in any endeavor.

2. Knowing Your Enemy: Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This verse reminds believers to be aware of the spiritual forces at play and to understand the true nature of their adversaries.

3. Adaptability: Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." This verse highlights the importance of adapting to different situations and recognizing that circumstances change over time.

4. Deception and Wisdom: Proverbs 11:9 states, "With their mouths, the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge, the righteous escape." This verse touches on the theme of using wisdom and knowledge to avoid traps set by the unscrupulous.

5. Unity and Leadership: 1 Corinthians 1:10 says, "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and effective leadership within a group.

While the biblical references don't directly correspond to "The Art of War," they share some similar principles about strategy, leadership, and wisdom. It's important to note that "The Art of War" primarily focuses on military strategy, while the Bible addresses various aspects of life, including spiritual warfare, but extends its teachings to encompass broader moral and spiritual lessons.

Ask for wisdom

 James 1 : 5

This is a very interesting verse that we learn right from when we were kids. There are some interesting lessons that we learn from this verse. The letter by the apostle might have a lot of historic reasons and addressed to some particular churches. However, verse is very promising and can be imbibed by everyone. It is very encouraging for children and I remember praying with this verse before exams. 

There are some thoughts to ponder. 

"If any of you lacks wisdom.." How does that person even know that he lacks wisdom? Doesn't he need wisdom to know that he doesn't have wisdom.. This used to amaze me as a child. But like Pauls writes as a child I used to think like a child. Which means its ok to think as a child when you are still a child but eventually you need to grow. Coz if you don't grow you will be cut down. Do you remember the parable of the gardener who pleaded the owner to allow another year to bear fruit. It is a standard definition of life. You need to grow. Both in stature or valor and wisdom. Only fools despise wisdom as written in Proverbs 1 : 7. As you grow you definitely will analyze your self. The quite time is thus essential. And God reveals the amount of wisdom you already have and that you will have revelation of the need for more wisdom. Very often we mistake this sentence as to comparison with other in the targeted group. We should not compare. God has made every one unique and in His own image. 

Once you have that revelation and the wisdom that you need more wisdom.. what next? The search begins. Now when James says you need to ask God also infers that there might be other avenues also to gain wisdom. But don't do that. Do the right thing. James writes that if it is not from God then it is not the right one. Only God is the truth and the light. His truth will provide wisdom. And it is absolutely free.

The God of wisdom in generous and is willing to provide in abundance. The only condition is 'Ask'. I always believe all the promises come with a condition. Here the condition is to ask.  Now 'to ask' is not an easy task. To many 'ask' is associated with ego and courage too. Let go off the ego and build that courage to ask. if you ask me asking God is pretty simple. It just requires a strong faith. This God of wisdom doesn't have to be begged, pleased or provide sacrifice to obtain. You just have to ask. 

The Lord that surpasses all understanding give liberally without any reproach, admonishment.         

         

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