Author
Elder Jim Fairchild |
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, the phrase "No God No Peace, Know God Know Peace" serves as a profound reminder of what our faith journey can bring to our lives. This statement encapsulates a truth that resonates deeply within the journey of discipleship, guiding us toward a more fulfilling and peaceful existence. |
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:10 NRSV
Matthew 6:10 NRSV
First believers continued Christ’s mission by proclaiming the Living Christ, inviting all people into community, valuing the worth of each person, generously and compassionately meeting their needs, and pursuing justice and peace for everyone.
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Seeking God’s will on earth as it is in heaven is to try to make God’s kingdom tangible among us, in this life. Zion is a world safe for the endangered and vulnerable, a place where the lamb and the lion shall lie down together without any anger. This is what we mean in our mission statement about promoting communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.
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Understanding the Blog Statement
At first glance, the phrase might seem simplistic, yet it carries a powerful message. The first part, "No God No Peace," suggests that without a relationship with God, true peace is elusive. The absence of spiritual connection often leaves individuals feeling restless and searching for meaning in temporary or superficial pursuits. This lack of peace can manifest in various forms, such as anxiety, discontent, or a sense of emptiness.
At first glance, the phrase might seem simplistic, yet it carries a powerful message. The first part, "No God No Peace," suggests that without a relationship with God, true peace is elusive. The absence of spiritual connection often leaves individuals feeling restless and searching for meaning in temporary or superficial pursuits. This lack of peace can manifest in various forms, such as anxiety, discontent, or a sense of emptiness.
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The second part, "Know God Know Peace," speaks to the profound serenity that comes from knowing and experiencing God's presence in our lives. God yearns to establish a lasting covenant of peace with humankind and with all of creation. It emphasizes that engaging in a relationship with God allows one to find inner peace, regardless of external circumstances. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep-seated sense of assurance and calm that anchors us amidst life's challenges.
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“Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s shalom, invites all people to come and receive divine peace in the midst of the difficult questions and struggles of life. Follow Christ in the way that leads to God’s peace and discover the blessings of all of the dimensions of salvation.”
D&C 163:2a
D&C 163:2a
Applying the Statement to Our Discipleship Journey
Discipleship is a journey of learning, growth, and transformation. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that reflects His teachings and love. The statement "Know God Know Peace" is particularly relevant to this journey, as it underscores the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God to stay focused on the mission.
Discipleship is a journey of learning, growth, and transformation. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that reflects His teachings and love. The statement "Know God Know Peace" is particularly relevant to this journey, as it underscores the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God to stay focused on the mission.
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Living the peace of Jesus Christ involves generously and compassionately offering witness, ministry, sacraments, and community life that reconciles and restores people to right or righteous relationships with God, themselves, others, and creation. This holistic approach to proclaiming and demonstrating the gospel is faithful to our best understanding of God’s will. This approach is the fullest meaning of restoration.
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Embracing Community
Discipleship also involves engaging with a community of believers. The gospel of Jesus Christ emphasizes the importance of community and its role in the spiritual development of individuals. We are called to create communities of Christ’s peace in our families and congregations and across villages, tribes, nations, and throughout creation. In community we experience God's presence through the love and kindness of sharing with others, reinforcing the peace that comes from knowing Him.
Discipleship also involves engaging with a community of believers. The gospel of Jesus Christ emphasizes the importance of community and its role in the spiritual development of individuals. We are called to create communities of Christ’s peace in our families and congregations and across villages, tribes, nations, and throughout creation. In community we experience God's presence through the love and kindness of sharing with others, reinforcing the peace that comes from knowing Him.
“Heed the urgent call to become a global family united in the name of the Christ, committed in love to one another, seeking the kingdom for which you yearn and to which you have always been summoned. That kingdom shall be a peaceable one and it shall be known as Zion.”
D&C 161:6b
D&C 161:6b
A disciple pondering all of the world’s problems knelt before God in fervent prayer, his heart breaking from all of the pain, suffering and injustice he has witnessed in the world.
"Dear God," he prayed, "look at all the injustice, poverty, pain and suffering in Your world! Why don't You send help?"
God responded, "I did send help. I sent you."
"Dear God," he prayed, "look at all the injustice, poverty, pain and suffering in Your world! Why don't You send help?"
God responded, "I did send help. I sent you."
The peace of Jesus Christ encompasses all the promises, hopes, and blessings of the gospel as revealed by God through Christ, and affirmed by the Holy Spirit, God’s promised presence within our midst.
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The statement "No God No Peace, Know God Know Peace" beautifully encapsulates the essence of our discipleship journey. We share the peace of Jesus Christ by caring for one another, for all people, and for the earth itself, and invite others to come, be transformed, and then go forth to serve others.
So where do we begin? I believe the following scripture is a good place to start. |
“Above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.”
D&C 163:3b
D&C 163:3b
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