We’ve not really known war. Not in my lifetime. I’ve lost people I know and love as a result of war. One friend died within 2 weeks of his retirement from the military. He went down in a Chinook. He was the pilot and 9 people from his helicopter in total died. He left behind a wife and 3 beautiful daughters.  He was one of my best friends growing up in Maryland.

We can know for a certainty that this nation will also end in war.

We will see genocide and even fratricide.

It seems like all is aligning to this end.

Hopefully among us, we will learn that even a dispute can lead to war. It’s my prayer we can learn how to communicate in a way that is healthy so that some group, no matter how small, learns how to live in peace — together.

Meanwhile, China aligns with Iran. It is after all, its main source of oil. And Russia fights against Ukraine, and in some ways, ironically, against the globalist jihad we’ve seen fighting for “freedom” that comes in the form of promoting transgenderism and gay rights.

Today, China is demonstrating a willingness to attack the Philippines. And has made it clear it wants Taiwan.

Israel now fights Iran. The US seems poised to defend Israel.

It all seems very imminent. Maybe Trump and the US can avoid a war for now, but the powers are definitely aligning.

What do we do to prepare against a third World War that many say has already begun?

If you’re like me, you feel at times helpless.

Maybe as Covenant Christians we can practice what we preach — practice what we believe in.

I admit it’s at times sad, and frustrating that we can’t seem to do better than Paul and Peter — both of whom had the Holy Gift. We simply don’t know how to get along. We refuse to bury our weapons of war and refuse to treat each other as brothers and sisters. We use sharp words and our keyboards to maim one another — and yet we’re on the same team.

Part of the problem, in my opinion, is that we still lack the ability to discern.

We lack the awareness or the ability to discern truth from error. In the name of “love and kindness” we struggle to defend true principles. Or even the truth.

Death is all around us. End times are near. Will we succeed or will we fail? Will we bury our own weapons of war or will we continue to treat each other as enemies? Will we be worthy of Zion? The only nation that will soon not be at war?

For the times I have treated any of you as enemies, I am truly sorry. I am part of the problem.

I think we can all imagine a time in future where civilization will be lost. What will that look like? The Book of Mormon has made it clear that our nation will eventually be swept clean of its inhabitants.

Meanwhile — we watch the news — and wonder what’s next, I think we can all envision things changing. Uncertainty. Disruption in supply chains. Food shortages. Lock downs. Horrifically I think we can all imagine a day soon coming where open war will come to us.

In all of this, it truly is difficult to remain focused on the prize. God help us.