Towards the end of his life Immanuel Kant, the German Enlightenment philosopher, wrote an essay entitled “Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch,” in which he made an astonishing statement: “The state of peace among men living side by side is not the natural state; the natural state is one of war. This does not always mean open hostilities, but at least an unceasing threat of war.”
Kant’s conclusion was remarkable, as it was written over 200 years ago, reflecting the history of the world up until today. History books relate an endless series of wars, and our newspapers are filled with accounts of events that have changed and shaped history. States want control and power. They seek wealth, honor and respect, and want a voice in the world. Nations can develop good relationships, but that depends on who is in charge and what pressures or forces are acting on them, as the struggles in the Ukraine and the Middle East show.
Change of national rulership, corruption, propaganda, financial setbacks or threats from perceived enemies all impact states and nations. Ideologies are also developed, influencing peoples’ opinions. For example, Hitler taught his citizens were a “superior race,” leading to this false philosophy changing the behavior and attitude of many towards their neighbors. Some religious leaders also infuse the minds of their people with the belief that they and only they have the truth and, with it a mandate from God to act on His behalf. Because of this, many have argued more wars have been fought over religion than almost any other cause.
God tells us we humans do not know the way of peace (Romans 3:17). This does not mean we do not seek peace, but rather although we seek peace, other factors prevent peace from happening and continuing. James 4:1-3 is directed towards the Body of Christ, who are striving to live Christ-like lives: “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”
Paul also noted the condition in the Church at Corinth: “For you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men” (I Corinthians 3:3). If those who are dedicated to following Christ have issues with wars and fighting, we should not wonder that other individuals, families and nations struggle with these issues.
In a marriage relationship, so many aspects of life are shared that it should be considered the best chance for living in peace. A wise mate focused on maintaining peace will be alert to the times when his or her spouse is having a bad day, realizing things like illnesses, worry and fear can affect us all, and bring about changes in mood or attitude, taking note of Peter’s admonition to have a fervent love for one another (1 Peter 4:8).
Brothers and sisters, relatives or close friends should also develop good relationships, but changing habits, lengthy separations, illness or frustrations can lead to differences of opinion and conflict. Jealousy, coveting what others have and a growing desire for power, respect, honor or wealth all change a person and can cause division between the closest of friends and families.
Jesus Christ set the standard by His life and teachings, exhorting His followers not to be like the rest of the world and setting an example of a different approach and behavior for mankind. It takes a great deal more courage and inner strength to become a peacemaker than it does to declare war. In the Sermon on the Mount Christ declared: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
God knows it is sometimes difficult for people, groups or nations to live together in peace in today’s world, and has promised that Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, will come to rule the governments of this world and show the true way to peace, ending all wars (Isaiah 9:6-7). The Feast of Trumpets (observed on Thursday October 3 in 2024) is the annual Holy Day, which looks forward to this pivotal time in God’s plan of salvation for humanity, when He will bring this present evil age to an end and establish His rule and government (Revelation 11:15, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
