Can penance lead to peace?

It did for Charles Colson.

Colson was ambitious. He graduated from Brown University with honors and got his law degree at George Washington University. He joined the marines and served as a captain. He built a successful law firm. He went on to work in government.

There, his passion led him to be appointed as Special Counsel to President Nixon. But then his ambition spun out of control.

Colson was named President Nixon’s “hatchet man.” He ruthlessly worked to promote Nixon’s administration, but in doing so, he gave away confidential FBI information with the press and then lied about the White House’s involvement in the Watergate burglaries.

In 1973, Colson went to prison.

A close friend gave him CS Lewis’ book “Mere Christianity.” Finally, Charles halted his worldly ambitions.

With Jesus by his side, prison gave Colson something unexpected — insight. He got a view not only into his own heart but into the failings of the prison system.

When Colson was released, he set to work creating “the nation’s largest outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families.” Prison fellowship was born. Faith-based programs became available for inmates and their families in 120 countries worldwide. Colson’s chastening not only gave him new perspective, but also brought new life to thousands.