Today is Memorial Day in the United States—a day set aside to honor all those who sacrificed their lives so we could live in freedom and peace. What would our world be like if they had not fought to overcome tyranny and evil? The Bible tells us to “Give to everyone what you owe them … if honor, then honor” (Romans 13:7).

Will wars ever cease? History, I’m afraid, doesn’t give us any reason to be optimistic. Conflicts and wars have raged almost since the beginning, when Cain killed his brother Abel (see Genesis 4). Even in our own time, terrorism and open warfare threaten many parts of the world. Jesus warned that even as the end of the present world approaches, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. … Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Matthew 24:6-7).

What is the problem? The problem isn’t just economic inequality, or racial conflict, or social injustice—although these are certainly serious issues. The problem is deeper than these, however—because the basic problem is within our own hearts and minds. Would wars happen if we weren’t greedy, or power-hungry, or filled with envy and hate? This is why we need Christ, because only He can change our hearts and fill us with true peace and love. Have you opened your life to His transforming power?

But some day all wars will cease—when Christ comes again! He alone gives us hope for lasting peace—in our hearts, and in our world. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).