Yesterday, September 21, was the International Day of Peace. Peace on Earth is something everyone wants, at least in theory, but how can we actually bring it about? Our world has seen centuries of conflict, so political solutions don’t seem to have a lasting effect. 

What can we, as individuals, do to bring about lasting peace?

In an address titled “Peace on Earth,” Dr. George King said:

“Some people, who are really humble, have said to me, “I know, but what can I do? I want to do so much. I am so small. I am so limited.” Well, maybe that person was small. Maybe they were limited, although, in my estimation, their honesty made them big, their humility—lack of hypocrisy—made them even bigger. But, supposing they were as small as they thought they were. Their light, wherever they go, will be noticed. It will be felt. It may not be recognized, but certainly will be felt. 

So, peace on Earth starts with the goodwill within us all. And if there was enough goodwill—real goodwill, I mean—in this, or any other country today, that country would never be able to go to war against anyone and kill others. And yet that country would have a greater protection than all the rockets, and all the missiles, and so on. It would have a real lasting protection, because you cannot conquer goodwill with a bullet or an atom bomb. You can only appear to conquer it but, sooner or later, it’ll grow again: only not in ones, next time, but in hundreds.”

So we must change ourselves first. We all have a great potential for good within us, we just need to put our emotions and little differences aside. This is easier said than done, but if we want peace, isn’t it worth making a difficult change?

Something you can try

When I know there is something I need to change about myself, but I find it difficult, I use Dr. King’s Secret of Personal Prayer.

It provides a simple formula for success in personal prayer. It is a wonderful practice that helps you realize how you can help yourself, whilst also seeking help and guidance from God.