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| Our Inner Life - Baha'is under the Provisions of the Covenant (BUPC) |
Not by the force of numbers, not by the mere exposition of a set of new and noble principles, not by an organized campaign of teaching--no matter how worldwide and elaborate in its character--not even by the staunchness of our faith or the exaltation of our enthusiasm, can we ultimately hope to vindicate in the eyes of a critical and skeptical age the supreme claim of the Abha Revelation. One thing and only one thing will unfailingly and alone secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred Cause, namely, the extent to which our own inner life and private character mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Baha'u'llah.”
Humanity, through suffering and turmoil, is swiftly moving on towards its destiny; if we be loiterers, if we fail to play our part surely others will be called upon to take up our task as ministers to the crying needs of this afflicted world. (Shoghi Effendi, Baha’i Administration, p. 196)The great lesson which we learned from ‘Abdu’l-Baha during this visit was the power of the penetrative spirit of the Baha’i Cause. I went to him feeling strong in the letter of the teaching, but found myself weak in its spirit, and he made me realize as never before that the letter devoid of the spirit killeth that which we would bring about.
Love and harmony can only be established through love and harmony. It is only through being in spiritual harmony oneself and truly loving humanity that one can possibly work in the Baha’i Cause and bring harmony and peace to the hungering souls of the world. (CMR, Through Warring Countries unto the Mountain of God, p. 93)
Dear friends,
Today we have the guidance of the Golden Books of Baha’u’llah that are meant to be lived and not merely read as mere words on parchment. This animating spirit of the Oneness of Humanity, by the power of the Covenant--the life-blood of which courses through our very veins--alone can accomplish the spiritual transfiguration of ourselves and others ushering in this Golden Age of Divine civilization upon the earth. Thus, Abdu’l-Baha states:
with the greatest regret, I counsel you [each individual believer] saying:--Guard ye the Cause of God, protect His law and have the utmost fear of discord (W&T, p. 19: http://uhj.net/abdul-baha-will-2.html)When each believer in and of himself and herself arise to teach this faith, they too have the responsibility to guard this Cause. Then the great triumph of the Cause of God will appear, when we have first allowed the Will of God (every single provision of the sacred Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha) to triumph within our own inner life. As Jesus said: “Take this cup from me! Nevertheless, not my will O Lord, but Thine!”
Your servant,
Neal.
