He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not life up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
[Excerpted from Live Christ’s Peace by Stassi Cramm, Herald House Publishing, 2013, pp. 50–51]
Our spiritual condition is connected to God’s reign on Earth. It wavers when we do not spend time with God. “The work of preparation and the perfection of my Saints go forward slowly, and Zionic conditions are no further away nor any closer than the spiritual condition of my people justifies” (Doctrine and Covenants 140:5c).
The good news is we don’t have to wait to be perfect to create Zionic conditions. As we center on God, we are compelled to act in ways that bring forth the kingdom. Spending time with God changes who we are and how we respond through holistic stewardship to bring forth the kingdom in little and big ways.
I have seen glimpses of the vision of Zion where ordinary people—centered on God’s grace and love—accomplished extraordinary feats in the name of Christ. You may have experienced this too. Look around. When people center on God, they see one another and the world more like God does. They enthusiastically respond to make the world more like what God wants it to be. It’s just that simple.
I love that we are bold enough to believe that with God we can make God’s vision of Shalom happen. I hold onto this call during times of discouragement or frustration.
The call to promote God’s peaceable kingdom is part of who we are as a people. When listening to God is not our priority, we become complacent about the vision of Zion as if it is not about the here and now. This makes the hope of Zion less compelling, and our sense of urgency diminishes.
Building God’s peaceable kingdom is about us all doing the work together. However, first, we must call on God’s name and be present with God. Then it’s Onward! without hesitation!
Prayer Phrase
“Do not be afraid, for I am your God…” (Isaiah 41:10).
Voices of God
What is the voice of God saying to us? Do we hear the whispers of God’s longing for shalom; God’s dream of beauty and wholeness for all creation? Do we hear the “voice” of God calling to us in faces and eyes, in the sounds of suffering and joy, in scripture and sacred word, in tears and laughter, in silence and noise? Spend a few moments reflecting on when and how God’s voice speaks to you. When did you first feel called to join God in the pursuit of peace and justice? How does the call of shalom continue to come to you through the many “voices” of God?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.