The Canker of Contention

The canker of contention
Is like a spreading sore
It can extend its infection
From just one to more and more

It's a disease that undermines
Till the spirit is driven away
And as it's a form of pride
It casts deception on our day

Peace is that which comes from above
Even, from the Prince of Peace himself
And contention is the lack there of
With the center of attention on one's self

If ever hearts of men are stirred to anger
Or to spreading rumors across the land
Let them be warned- there in is danger
For they're acting out at Satan's command

As he is the creator of contention
He'll try to gain personal acclaim over all
To turn hearts against that which is good
There to bring man unto conflict and brawl

As though with a loaded gun he aims
At family, church leaders, and divine doctrine
He shoots at the heart to take his game
As he creates discord till in pride each hardens

Now those who stir up contention
Attack, provoke, and agitate
As they work the paths of dissension
They become impenitent and filled with hate

He who is filled with such wrath and scorn
Is committed to the use of force for reform
And this has been Satan's strategy since the start
That he might win his battle and prove his part

How divisive is this evil force
That none can assume they've immunity
And must heed leaders who to us discourse
To keep hearts knit in love and unity

Shall we wrest the scriptures?
Or play the devil's advocate?
These are but contending adventures
That grasp at us till it's love we forget

The Book of Mormon teaches a better way
That we should look forward with just one eye
Having one baptism and, in God, one faith
There to know the peace of Jesus Christ

Let us hold each other in high esteem
And when comes conflict, let there be respect
That naught we do is for vain glory's gleam
But, that our love of God to all will reflect

Then the fiery pain of contention
Will simply be extinguished
As we see things with new dimensions
That aren't hard, unbridled, and anguished

Elder Russell M. Nelson
The Canker of Contention
Ensign, May 1989, 68