Peace.
What a wonderful word this is. It causes us to think of serenity, calmness, love and tranquility.But can we ever really have peace in a world that is filled with rampant immorality, violence of all kinds, terrorism, mass genocides, hatred and iniquity in high places? As discouraging as these conditions are in the world, the answer is still an affirmative yes.
We can have peace, but it will not be in the world's view of peace. It will be a spiritual peace in our hearts, lives and homes. Such peace will enable us to rise above the evils of the world and not be torn down by them.
This was affirmed by the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, when He declared: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33.) Our peace is centered in Jesus Christ and is a personal possession given by Him to us through our obedience and righteousness.
The Savior spoke again of this type of peace when He declared, "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.) What comfort these assurances bring us. We will likely not know worldly peace until the Savior comes again to usher in that great millennial era. But here and now we can be at peace through a knowledge of God's will and by keeping His commandments.
The peace of Christ as contrasted with worldly peace is within the grasp of all of God's children. But it is not an automatic gift. It must be an earned reward.
For instance, in Proverbs it is written: "When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Prov. 16:7.) Obviously we should not cease praying for peace among the nations, but our best effort should be within ourselves and in our homes.
The simple words of a special hymn admonish us to keep the commandments, and then promises: "In this there is safety and peace." (See Hymns, No. 303.) How can we find the peace of Christ? We can find peace through personal and family prayers, knowing that we are heard and understood by the Father who loves all His children.
We can earn peace by scripture study as we learn better the various commandments we should be keeping.
We can gain peace by attending the worship services and meetings of the Church. There we gather to lift up each other with the combined power of our spirits blending together.
We can gain peace by periodic fasting, coupled with personal prayers. Then as we share our tangible offerings following the fast we can spread to others in need more peace of mind for them.
We can find peace as we serve in the holy temples. There we can leave the mundane world and for a few hours gain a glimpse of true peace as we serve and meditate within those sacred walls.
We can build peace among family members as we hold family home evenings and share gospel principles, fun and food together.
We can promote peace when we take an active role in our neighborhoods and communities. As we keep up our guard against evil things, we will build trust and love among neighbors and associates.
We can bring a degree of peace to homeless or troubled souls as we seek ways to comfort them in their afflictions and encourage them to improve their lives.
We can bring peace to our spouses and families by our fidelity and virtuous conduct. What greater feeling of peace could there be than to know that one's spouse is totally and absolutely faithful in the marriage and family relationship? Would that these and other efforts could bring world peace among the nations, but until the Savior comes again to bind the adversary such will not be the case. However, the peace that passeth the understanding of the world can be ours through Jesus Christ as a tangible reward for our righteous living.
May we find such personal peace so it can sustain us against all that rages in the world about us.
