Good communications, the pivotal point of world order, is contingent upon the divine communication of all related parts as all creatures of nature have their unique mode of communication. In nature all forms of fish, fowl, animals and insects enjoy such divine communication. Mankind, however, being the crowning touch of all creation in intellect and genius, is alone also endowed with “the dangerous weapon of free will,” ultimately posing the biggest threat whether through deliberate or unintentional miscommunication, diverse interpretation and subsequent selfishness and greed.
Each species of nature understands loving communication as well as some degree of self-defense and how to send warning signals when a threat is imminent or perceived. Seldom if ever is there any likelihood of their issuing false or deliberate deceptive signals as theirs is natural, divine communication. Yet, in today’s super hi-tech society, it is nearly impossible to talk to a human while attempting any business transaction. Man also practices mastery of deceit in varying degrees through all sorts of honorable titles, positions and professions, thus changing Christ’s proposed “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” into a potential hell instead.
Falling prey are increasing multitudes of those being “kept” by the cunning “My brother’s keeper” concept as opposed to the reality of being instead, “My brother’s brother.”
In today’s constantly advancing technological communication systems, never has the need for perfecting the divine art of communication been more critical as the art of personal conversation has become obsolete. No need for further controversy over English as a second language as no one speaks it fluently as a first language any more. I constantly challenge the youth and adults of today to seek distinction, not through mod fashions, makeup, or weird hair do’s but through eloquent speech! Nothing would turn a head quicker than this foreign language! However the art of speaking eloquent English is more recently being replaced with phony British accents instead.
Communication between parent(s) and children from infancy is especially void with no old fashioned gathering of daily 2-parent family meals–except possibly on holidays or other special occasions when even then the “quality time” is spent texting, with games or other solo distractions. The results, today’s children (and adults) are left to drift with emotional and environmental tides until some catastrophe dashes them ashore against the sharp edged rocks of life’s realities. This unfortunately is becoming more commonplace with the rising of tensions and emotions on every level, from individual family through international attempts to communicate–verbally or through weapons.
We have often heard it said, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” To this we might add that any knowledge or lack of it can be a dangerous thing if not properly balanced with wisdom.
In the Baha’i Scriptures we are apprised, “Not everything that is known can be disclosed, nor can everything that can be disclosed be regarded as timely; neither can every timely utterance be considered as suited to the capacity of those who hear it.” This is especially pertinent in the art of divine communication.
I vividly recall a discussion between two senior brothers on their different opinions of their father’s influence upon them while growing up. One fondly remembered his stern, disciplinary upbringing while the other strongly disagreed. “He never taught me anything! He never even talked to me in his life,” one emotionally exclaimed. “The point is,” the older brother calmly exclaimed, “teaching ain’t always talking.”
This wise philosophy has been expressed throughout the ages by poets and sages and especially in “Baha’i Words of Wisdom” as we read, “The essence of faith is fewness of words and the abundance of deeds,”-– the truest form of the divine art of communication, especially for this New Day! “He whose words exceed his deeds, know ye that his death would be better than his life.”
As we continue to mature physically and mentally as well as in science and technology, let us also strive to mature spiritually that, we may (as men and nations)“ACT in such a way that our hearts will be free of hatred.” Only then can we lead by example and not by force. (Investigate! 1-800-22-unite)
