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Progress toward peace

A Christian Science perspective: There is divine support for building a lasting peace for war-torn nations and their neighbors.

  • By Kari Mashos

For nations to move forward and find peace and stability after war, an awakening to the need to unify rather than divide is important. Often that comes through a realism born of necessity, but lasting peace is spawned by a realism based on something more than human willpower and desire, no matter how well intentioned our efforts.

In my own experience I’ve found that a growing understanding of the reality that God, the universal divine Mind, is the source of true intelligence can forward real and reliable progress toward resolution. This kind of spiritual realism, acknowledging God as infinite and all-knowing good, has inspired me to listen for divine wisdom. I’ve found that approach fosters unity.

In particular, I’ve come to deeply appreciate what two ideas from the Bible bring in order to accomplish unity of purpose to do good, and not evil: the First Commandment – “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3) – and the golden rule. These are not just traditional doctrines, but foundational laws that bring lasting, healing results. When we strive to obey them, we are affirming and seeing the practicality of God’s infinite goodness.

To pursue peace is natural as we come to see God as the power of good, not evil. This will of God was explained in a message that accompanied the birth of Christ Jesus: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). In healing the sick and sinning, Jesus showed our true nature as God’s children, spiritual and good.

The Bible’s book of Job states: “There is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding” (32:8). As God’s children, we reflect qualities that originate in the all-knowing Mind­ – such as inspiration and wisdom – and that enable us to have the right ideas to move forward.

In “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” Christian Science discoverer Mary Baker Eddy gives an insight into the power of divine Mind to bring this recognition to humanity. She writes: “The necessity for uplifting the race is father to the fact that Mind can do it ...” (p. 371). Acknowledging God as our infinite source of right ideas is a powerful impetus for peace in the necessary work of rebuilding after conflict. In recognition of the International Day of Peace today we can support progress toward peace by letting spiritual realism inspire our prayers.

As welcome as human pragmatism is, divine Mind can offer more. The spiritual truth is that we all truly coexist under a universal banner of divinely secured peace. Acknowledging this purifies our thoughts and inspires selfless actions. Our earnest efforts to humbly stop clinging to power struggles and instead to seek the guidance of divine Mind readies us to listen for the inspiration of the Almighty that gives us a unifying understanding that fosters peace.

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