Elder Quentin L. Cook on finding personal peace in a world of conflict

Elder Quentin L. Cook (1940- ) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"One of the most cherished titles of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is 'Prince of Peace' (Isa 9:6, 2 Ne 19:6). Ultimately His kingdom will be established including peace and love. We look forward to the millennial reign of the Messiah.

"Notwithstanding this vision of the millennial reign, we know that world peace and harmony are not prevalent in our day. In my lifetime, I have never seen a greater lack of civility. We are bombarded with angry, contentious language and provocative, devastating actions that destroy peace and tranquility.

"Peace in the world is not promised or assured until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The Savior instructed His Apostles that His earthly mission would not achieve universal peace. He taught, 'Think not that I am come to send peace on earth' (Matt 10:34). Universal peace was not part of the Savior’s initial mortal ministry. Universal peace does not exist today.

"However, personal peace can be achieved despite the anger, contention, and division that blight and corrupt our world today. It has never been more important to seek personal peace....

"While we will never retreat from efforts to achieve universal peace, we have been assured that we can have personal peace, as Christ teaches. This principle is set forth in the Doctrine and Covenants: 'But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come' (D&C 59:23)."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Personal Peace in Challenging Times," General Conference October 2021, Sunday morning

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I love the title "Prince of Peace." What a noble and honorable designation for the only true source of peace! As Elder Cook notes, there is no peace "universal" peace in the world. We live in a time of greater contention, anger, and provocation than ever. How do we confront our challenges in that kind of world? How do we avoid being consumed by those terrible, non-Christian emotions?

We must be seeking always for personal peace. The Messiah has promised us hope and help as we confront the world. If we turn to Him, follow Him, obey Him, worship Him—in other words, do "the works of righteousness"—we will be able to find that inner peace to help us through our lives.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)