The very fame of our strength and readiness would be a means of discouraging our enemies; for ’tis a wise and true saying, that “One sword often keeps another in the scabbard.” The way to secure peace is to be prepared for war. They that are on their guard, and appear ready to receive their adversaries, are in much less danger of being attacked than the supine, secure, and negligent. (Benjamin Franklin, via Quoty)

To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace. (George Washington, via Quoty)

Agreed. I had this very discussion with my mother last night, who commented that she went through the same “phase I’m in” when she was my age, obsessing (?) with current events, their political implications, and possible association to last day prophecy. We agreed that history repeats itself, yet there is a downward spiral of morality and spirituality that compounds the seriousness of these repeated events. Eventually the wars and destruction will become far worse, and we won’t be able to use the reasoning “oh, this happened decades ago too, so no biggy…” :)

Wilford Woodruff once said, referring to the second coming, “I would live as if it were to be tomorrow—but I am still planting cherry trees!”

Wise counsel, wouldn’t you agree?

It took me back to my college days at BYU (late 50′s through the mid-60′s), when some professors, and some conservative pundits were convinced that we would soon have war with the Soviet Union. People were building bomb shelters underground in their back yards to prepare for the nuclear holocaust to come.

Many Church members thought the Millennium was just around the corner, I was inclined to think they were right. The culture of drugs and sexual license was in gaining momentum, and it seemed that America was forsaking the principles of the Founding Fathers.

My parents lived in New York, and when the Church announced they were locating a chapel and offices across from Lincoln Center, I asked them why we were going to all that expense when it would likely be destroyed in the chaos prior to the Second Coming. My parents pointed out that the Brethren knew what they were doing, and that I should not put off all my plans for the future, because it would probably be a very long time before the Second Coming arrived. Now the Manhattan temple is located in that building in Mid-town NYC. Good thing I was not the one in charge back then!

In my opinion, it’s a great idea to be prepared in all the ways (materially and spiritually) our leaders have told us about. It’s very wise to try to promote peace by living righteously and reaching out to other in love and compassion.

But, it is probably also prudent to do what we need to in order to enjoy living, serving, and raising a family in the world as it is now, just in case the “big changes” are still a good ways off. :)

I do see your point, but I’m referring to personal peace amidst times of chaos. That only comes with preparation “for war”. Serving AIDS orphans in Africa does promote peace, yet it won’t do me a world of good when the dollar collapses and store shelves are emptied. Both kinds of preparation, then, are beneficial.

The Boy Scouts put it best in their motto: “be prepared”. That includes preparation for pretty much anything and everything, as it doesn’t specify any one type of preparation…