Isaiah’s Rx For Curing Contention
The Power of Publishing Tidings of Peace and Great Joy
Contention Garners Attention
I liked to fight in the fifth and sixth grades and would take on any kid willing to have a go. It was thrilling! Even when I came out on the short end, I would return for more the next day.
I now understand what triggered my youthful behavior. But that is a story for another day.
Looking back, one of the lessons I learned from those schoolyard days is contention has appeal. It is intoxicating, gets noticed, and others like getting involved even when it’s none of their business.
In today's world, we are surrounded by contention.
Want proof? Open any media outlet on your electronic device and randomly read the headlines.
I’m not saying we need to avoid the news of the day. Doing so would not be wise.
We are responsible for staying informed, thinking critically, and forming opinions to shape personal life strategies.
There are plenty of news and entertainment sources to choose from covering today's hostile emotional and physical struggles.
And content purveyors are very anxious to own your attentive click!
Where is the Peace in a Contentious World?
Although adrenalizing, I have learned being in fight mode will drive away the spirit of peace, and I don’t like that feeling of distance from the Spirit.
Most people feel the same way. I bet you do, too.
How to Push Back Against the Darkness Created by Contention
The source of contention is very clear in LDS doctrine. It’s the devil!
3 Nephi 11:29-30
“For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.”
The origin of contention is unmistakable. Further, anger and contention have no place in Christ’s Doctrine.
I believe that is one reason the Savior personally endorsed the teachings and prophecies of Isaiah.
3 Nephi 23:1
And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.
Isaiah Provided the Cure for Contention Nearly Three Millennia Ago
In Isaiah 52, Isaiah shares his vision and prophesies great blessings come to those “that bringeth tidings of good, that publisheth salvation;”
Thanks to Nephi obtaining the plates of brass before leaving Jerusalem for good, we gain even more clarity from Isaiah’s writings about the blessings that come to those who seek peace and bring forth Zion.
1 Nephi 13:37
“And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.”
Then Mosiah came along and added some commentary clarifying who are heirs of the kingdom of God, saying,
“They who have published peace, who have brought good tidings of good, who have published salvation; and said unto Zion: Thy God reigneth,” and,
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace!” and finally,
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!”
(See Mosiah 15:11-19 for the full text)
The action required to overcome contention is very clear.
Begin and then continue publishing peace and tidings of great joy!
Two great blessings are promised to those creating content that inspires peace.
The gift and constant companionship of the Holy Ghost during mortality.
By enduring to the end, they become heirs to the Kingdom of God, will be lifted up on the last day, and be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb.
What Can You Do?
The steps are simple.
First, heed your calling to find, define, and amplify your voice. You may be surprised to learn how many people are being prompted right now with the feeling they need to do something.
The recent short article “God is Calling—Slide to Answer” discusses this phenomenon.
Second, recognize that you are building Zion within Babylon for now. That means continuing to consume the content necessary to remain informed and vigilant, even if that content is tainted with mortal contention.
Third, immunize yourself and your allies from contention by creating communities of light with others sharing your values and beliefs. That means having the courage to find and amplify your voice and publish tidings of great joy.
The promises made by Isaiah are fulfilled over time as the Lord’s people come to the “mountain of the Lord,” his temple, and actively seek his counsel. That joy and peace establishes Zion as a light place (Isaiah 60:1-3).
Have faith. Be courageous.
The more points of light we gather as a united people, the brighter the light of Zion will shine until it rolls forth and fills the whole earth.
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”
- Jack Canfield
***
Thanks for reading!
Russell Anderson
P.S. If you haven’t heard, my long-time ally Bryan Hyde and I have combined resources and created a new publication.
It’s called “The Fifty-two Seven Alliance.”
When you are ready, please give the site a fair shake and let me know your thoughts.