The history of the Warring States period seems very chaotic. In fact, many of us have ignored a powerful figure called Guiguzi at that time.
During the Warring States period, China was divided into several independent countries. A variety of ideologies sprung up among the vast area of China. Different philosophies served different countries.
It was said that Confucius had three thousand disciples and 72 pupils. However, they were not so famous during the Warring Status period. Actually, several students of Guiguzi had a great influence on the situation of the nation.
The teaching contents of Guiguzi covered a wide range, including the art of war, law and business. His students could come and go at their will. According to their different hobbies, Guiguzi taught them different contents. No matter which country his students serve, they would help the country win battles and seek hegemony.
For example, Pang Juan, a famous figure in the history, used to learn the art of war from Guiguzi. Pang was put in an important position in the Wei State. With the help of Pang, the king of Wei State exterminated several small countries and expanded his territory. Wei State also successfully resisted the invasion of Qi State, the strongest country at that time.
Qin State was close to Wei State. The land of Qin State was barren and the military power of Qin was not as good as Wei. Qin State was often beaten by Wei State during the war.
Shang Yang, one of Guiguzi's students, was hired by Qin State. Shang Yang learned law from Guiguzi. Shang told the king of Wei State what mattered most was to deepen the reform to promote domestic demand. He suggested the King of Wei State fighting with Wei State until Qin was strong enough and Pang died.
After the political reform conducted by Shang Yang, Qin also gradually became a large country. Later, another student of Guiguzi, Sun Bin was also appreciated by the King of Qi State. Sun was appointed as Grand Marshal of Qi State.
Qi State was always trying to eliminate Wei State. Sun Bin was better at art of law than Pang Juan. During a war afterwards, Qi State successfully beat Wei State.
Qin State, which was close to Wei State, grasped the chance. They fight with Wei State after Pang died. Wei State failed and slumped.
Qin State benefited from the reform of Shang Yang. The king of Qin wanted to get more talent while the kings of other countries didn't think like him.
Zhang Yi, another student of Guiguzi, made a debut. He learned diplomacy from Guiguzi and ultimately made Qin State united the whole territory of China at that time.
Qin State used to be the weakest country in the Warring States. However, Qin paid much attention to talents. The success of Qin State is a good example for the church in China.
To a large extent, every country's rise and fall depend on their kings. For example, Chu State reached its peak when the king was in good terms with many scholars, including Qu Yuan, a famous man of letters in the history of China.
However, the king's son succeeded to the crown after the king died. His son didn't get on well with those scholars. In the end, Chu State flopped.
Nowadays, the church in China has not worked out a viable program for the administration of the church. As for the use of talents, there are also great problems in Chinese churches.
Many of our churches today pay little attention to the appointment of talents, leaving a large number of outstanding young people outside the church.
I had communicated with a brother some time ago in Fujian Province. I found that the brother had a solid knowledge of theology. I thought he was a pastor of a church. However, it turned out that I was wrong. I asked him if he would be willing to serve God. He said that only those who had a good relationship with pastors in the church could serve God.
No matter in the church or society, we paid more attention to the relationship then abilities. Some people in the church are just seeking benefits for their own family, so they don't want others to serve in the church.
We don't lack talents. However, we have hindered the development of talents. Pang Juan knew Sun Bin was more capable than himself. In order to safeguard his own interests, he ignored the national interests. Ultimately Wei State lost an excellent military leader.
Today, many people in the church take advantage of their position to seek benefits for themselves. They always talk about politics instead of abilities or academy.
It is natural that they don't talk about the gospel and the truth. Many capable people were forced to leave the church.
Guiguzi taught the students. Their success didn't make him lose any interests. Qin united the whole territory with the power of talents. The church should follow the examples above.
Translated By: Emma Ma
