Peace.
That one word sums up many of our prayers and hopes, dreams and aspirations. People everywhere yearn for peace. Leaders of nations gather in conferences to avert war or to find solutions that will halt bloodshed, carnage and oppression. Families hold councils to discuss ways to bring a spirit of peace and unity to their homes.Perhaps no one desires peace more than those who are associated with children: Parents and grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, friends and neighbors, teachers and Church leaders look into the eyes of the young and hope the future will be peaceful.
Peace.
This one word is the basis of the 1994 theme of the Primary Association. Since example and experience are the best teachers, we might evaluate our own actions to see what kind of footprints we are leaving in the sands of time for our young to follow.
All too often, our words say one thing, but our actions communicate something different. Sometimes we lift our voices in supplications for peace but our deeds pull others down. Can we enjoy peace in the world if we engage in thoughtless criticisms, false accusations or greedy acts to promote our own well-being at the expense of family, friends or associates?
Selfishness never brings peace. If we want peace, we must adopt the message of a popular song: "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."
There is no better way to bring about peace on our planet, unity in our communities, or harmony in our homes than for every man, woman and child to wipe from his or her heart those forces that are in opposition to peace - hatred, selfishness, envy, greed, and an unforgiving heart.
The search for peace seems to be a never-ending pursuit. Could it be because we are looking for it in the wrong places? Are we trying to find outward solutions to inner problems, expecting peace to hinge solely upon the acts of others?
If we look to man and the ways of the world, most often we will find not true peace but turmoil and confusion. If we rely solely on circumstances to bring us peace, we may never experience it since everything in our lives is seldom ideal. Just as courage can be found in the midst of the most violent storm, peace can abide in the greatest tumult. While discord reigns in the world, we can find peace for the restless soul if we know where to turn.
Brigham Young said:
"Thrust a man into prison and bind him with chains, and then let him be filled with the comfort and with the glory of eternity, and that prison is a palace to him. Again, let a man be seated upon a throne with power and dominion in this world, ruling his millions and millions and without that peace which flows from the Lord of Hosts - without that contentment and joy that come from heaven, his palace is a prison; his life is a burden to him; he lives in fear, in dread, and in sorrow. But when a person is filled with the peace and power of God, all is right with him." (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 33.)
President Ezra Taft Benson has given us this insight:
"It is my conviction that the world needs, as it needs no other thing, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the people of the world want what the gospel will give, but they do not realize it. They want the anchor which the gospel provides, which gives them the answers to the problems that face them; which brings them a feeling of security and a feeling of inner peace. The gospel is the only answer to the problems of the world. We may cry peace. We may hold peace conferences. I have nothing but commendation for those who work for peace. But it is my conviction that peace must come from within. It cannot be imposed by state mandate. It can come only by following the teachings and the example of the Prince of Peace." (Title of Liberty, pp. 213-214.)
Do we want peace in our lives, in our families, among our friends? Then, let us turn to the Savior, the source of peace. Peace, a gift of the Lord, will abide with us when we live His plan and keep His commandments.
Before declaring, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world," Jesus told His apostles, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace." (John 16:33.) He also said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27.)
Do we really want peace? If so, let us turn to the Prince of Peace.