I love being a father, but my kids can definitely drive me crazy at times. They play well together for a while, and then they eventually find something to fight about. Most of the time, the things they argue over aren’t even worth the effort. We adults fall into the same pattern and argue far too often. I sometimes wonder why we can’t simply learn to get along.
When I imagine the end of the world, I see two possibilities. The first and most likely is a fiery ending after we destroy one another. The second is a peaceful union where the world overcomes its differences and learns how to compromise. I don’t believe for a moment that violence has to be the final chapter of our story. Hatred is easier than love because love requires sacrifice and effort, but love has far greater power. War and violence will never create lasting peace, but love and unity can.
World peace may seem overwhelming, yet we can make a real difference. We can start with ourselves and work toward true inner peace. Many people live restless lives because they are never satisfied with their situation. Wealth, power, and prestige are never-ending pursuits. People reach one level and immediately chase the next, hoping for happiness that never arrives. Addictive habits create the same cycle, as the brain demands more to feel the same rush. Modern society leaves little room for contentment, because our hearts remain restless until they rest with God.
We can also become peacemakers in our relationships. I admire people who know how to de-escalate tense situations. It may feel satisfying to speak poorly of someone or lash out when they wrong us, but those reactions only make things worse. We should also work to maintain peace within our families and friendships. Many households are divided over matters of faith or politics, and these issues can disrupt the unity of the family.
Creating peace is not always easy, but it is worth every bit of effort. I’ve learned to control my temper and let fewer things get under my skin. When we pursue our relationship with God above everything else, we stop chasing the things that create stress and anxiety. We grow more content and peaceful, and that peace spreads to everyone around us.
