Solidarity, Unity, Victory

I’m reading through Sun Tzu’s Art of War for the third time in three weeks.  My biggest takeaway right now is this:

“The further you penetrate into a country, the greater will be the solidarity of your troops.”

There are disunity and factions when there is no enemy and no course being pursued.  Churches all over America are in disarray because they have forgotten their objective.

• They no longer invade enemy territory.
• They no longer risk casualty or loss of influence.
• They value prosperity and affluence over Gospel advancement.
• They argue over inane decisioneering because they forgot about the battle.

Want to restore unity to your army?

• Focus on the mission.
• Do the mission.
• Waylay the enemy.
• Shed tears after experiencing great gain and great loss.
• Fight for the lives and souls of men.
• Weep over the captives.
• But, don’t stop there.  Free them.
• Risk loss.
• Stop at nothing short of victory.
• Fight next to the man who doesn’t hang his kettle over his fire.  He’s not planning on returning and is willing to fight to the death.
• If you aren’t willing to fight to the death, you are willing to surrender.
• Never surrender.
• Die to yourself.
• Live for Christ.
• Give generously.
• Lay it on the line.
• Love the people you fight with.
• Live for the God who died for you.