All creation groans in longing For the world's true liberty. Floods and earthquakes, drought and famine Plague the world with awesome ill, But far greater is war's horror Caused by human, stubborn will. Blest are those who working, praying, Purpose in their hearts to be Instruments of peace, committed To the nation's harmony. And God's children free from pain. JB Phillips suggests that the world trains us to make trouble, not make peace.
Popular psychology says to put the self first, but when the self is first, peace is last.
Test this out at all levels of life. Test it spiritually and see if it isn't true that when our self-seeking comes first, peace with God comes last. Test it out personally in the circle of our family and closest friends and see if it isn't true that when self comes first, peace in our homes and among our friends comes last. Test it out collectively and see if isn't true that as ethnic groups or nations seek their own welfare first, peace comes last. Peace comes like ripples on a pond.