Article July 16, 1979 Issue

Our individual peace efforts

DIANE TREW FUNKE

When heads of state can be seen working at conciliation through diplomacy, I question my own role in the achievement of world peace. As a concerned citizen, what contribution can I make?

As I think about this, it occurs to me that the conflicts that have pitted nation against nation throughout recorded history often appear to be little more than tribal, petty acts of aggression based on selfishness and vindictiveness. It becomes increasingly clear to me that global confrontations are really magnifications of neighborhood squabbles and fights. Another's thoughtless trespassing on one's property, a neighborhood dog menacing the children, property overflowing with discarded junk encroaching upon a well-cared-for yard—these kinds of conflict are familiar to us all. What are they if not border disputes that may erupt into our own little wars?

Understanding this, I then ask myself, "Am I contributing to world peace by a peaceful life with my neighbors? Or am I contributing to world strife? Do I have Christly compassion for all within the radius of my thought? Do I love all equally? Or is my sense of love a personalized, family-centered concentrate that dilutes increasingly as it spreads out to mankind?" Good questions! Here is my challenge.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

No devil in infinite good