World Peace - One Person at a time

By Randy Gilbert (c)2002

If you want peace in the world, then be proactive, for it is only by proactively creating peace in our individual lives that we will create lasting peace in the world.

In his little but powerful book, "As A Man Thinketh," James Allen penned these words, "To live continually in thoughts of ill-will, cynicism, suspicion, and envy, is to be confined in a self-made prison hole. But, to think well of all, to be cheerful with all, to patiently learn to find the good in all - such unselfish thoughts are the very portals of heaven; and to dwell day by day in thoughts of peace toward every creature will bring abounding peace to their possessor."

Taking responsibility for your own thoughts and actions is the foundation of being proactive and that is the one trait found in every successful person and organization. The more you take control of your thoughts, the greater is your success, your influence, and your power for good.

Peace doesn't just happen; it is made by choosing, believing, and then acting on peace creating thoughts. In fact, all achievement, of whatever kind, is the result of definitely directed thoughts governed by discipline.

By choosing pure, good, and well-directed thoughts you can ascend to the higher plane of existence called "peace of mind." By creating a sphere of peace, you will be able to draw people in and ignite their passion for peace, just as one glowing member ignites the other logs in a fire.

There are many thoughts that create peace of mind and when acted upon by enough people will create a lasting peace in the world. Here are three proactive tips to help you do your part.

"How can you take the speck out of your brother's eye when you have a board in your own?" is a wise question. It is very difficult to solve the peace problems among your brothers and sisters in the world, when you have not taken care of your own.

Even if there were peace in the world, you would not be any happier or better off if you do not have peace within. First remove the conflicts that you have, and then you will have a clearer vision of what you can do to bring peace to the world.

The first step to finding peace within is to remove the conflict between "what you want" and "what you are." It's a truism that your outer world will always conform to what you are, not to what you want. By choosing your thoughts wisely, you can change what you are, and then your outer world will change and become what you want.

The gateway to destructive thoughts is wide, but the one to peaceful and constructive thoughts is narrow. If you believe that every problem carries with it the seed of an equal or greater opportunity, then you will find good in every situation.

Peace requires the disciplined effort of finding good. Just like the pilot of a large jetliner must apply concentration and skill in order to land on just the right portion of a runway, so you also must apply yourself to judge every situation rightly so you land in just the right place in deciding what's best for you.

Don't focus on your weaknesses; rather focus on using your strengths, gifts, and talents to find and create good. In that way you will conquer your problems and turn good thoughts into good habits, which in turn will make a good world.