Finding the Threads of Peace: A Disciple's Perspective on Global Harmony

Sometimes, when I’m studying the scriptures or even just thinking about the world outside of our little corner of the Church, I get hit with a profound question: Is peace even possible? It’s the question that hangs over every generation, isn't it?

I was recently looking at this documentary—Is Peace on Earth Possible? | The Story of Us—and it really got me thinking. They went to 22 countries, asking people what they thought about global harmony. It’s a vast topic, touching on belief, power, and the very definition of humanity.

Watching it, I felt a mix of awe at the complexity of human culture and a little bit of spiritual weariness. It’s easy to listen to those global narratives and feel discouraged, like maybe the human inclination toward argument is just too strong. It makes you wonder if true, lasting peace is even within our grasp.

As a returned missionary, I learned that the biggest misconceptions about the gospel aren't usually found in outright hostility; they’re found in the sheer *complexity* of the human heart. People are brilliant, passionate, deeply flawed, and capable of incredible love—all at the same time. It’s a contradiction that requires the constant refining power of the Spirit.

The Gospel Answer to Global Chaos

When I was in the field, I remember talking to a wonderful investigator who was wrestling with the same thing. He was asking, "If people are so stubborn, so prone to disagreement, how can we ever expect peace? Isn't it just a dream?"

It reminded me so much of what Davee helped me work through recently. We talked about how the gospel doesn't promise a perfect world overnight; it promises the means to *build* a covenant path toward it. It’s not about eliminating disagreement—that’s part of our mortal experience—but about redirecting our focus. It’s about finding the common ground that transcends political lines, cultural differences, and even personal disagreement.

The core message, the one I try to carry with me every day now, is that the work of the Savior is the ultimate answer to the question of peace. The Savior didn't just preach peace; He *lived* it, even in the face of immense opposition. He taught us that peace isn't the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of Christ's influence.

A Skill for the Internet Missionary

So, what’s a bite-sized skill I want to pass along to my fellow rogue disciples this week? When you encounter someone—online or in person—who is deeply cynical about humanity's capacity for good, don't try to overwhelm them with doctrine. Instead, ask them to name one thing they *admire* about humanity. Let them articulate the beauty they see. Then, gently guide the conversation toward the source of that goodness. That's where the Spirit can whisper the truth.

Remember, every member can be an Internet missionary. We are disciples everywhere, all the time. We are the hands and feet that keep pointing people back to the Savior.

If you want to dig deeper into how to handle these big, weighty questions, I highly recommend diving into the scriptures with a Book Club study in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to learn from others who are also trying to understand the breadth of the gospel.

For those who are feeling the call to prepare for service, let's keep the momentum going! Join us for our free weekly Disciple Challenge this Thursday—we’re focusing on testimonies of divine patience. More details are in the community feed!