Life is a constant struggle, not only against the forces about us but greater still, against the forces within us. The biggest deterrent to spiritual and subsequently societal progress derives from the smallest word in the English language, “ego!”
Through such self-destructive instrument, all of the attributes and actions that tend to separate us from one another become obscure and indistinguishable.
Too often severe tests are necessary to burn away the hard covering of egotism from the mirror of the heart that the revitalizing Sun of Truth and reality may shine through. Rather than the outgrowth of self-love and pride this equal opportunity destroyer can instead be the product of low self-esteem and insecurity (in denial) blinding us to the subsequent expressions of such destructive attitudes. Among them we find numerous displays of compassion and concern by doing right things–often for wrong reasons.
We are repeatedly assured in the Baha’i Holy Writings that good deeds performed for wrong reasons will nullify the actions. Deception is temporary–even if it lasts to the grave while truth is eternal, transcending time!
Of the many key words and phrases that help withstand the changes and chances of time nothing could be more effective than the word “appreciation,” the foundation upon which attitudes are based upon. In view of the continuous explosion of science and technology within this nation and throughout the world families, whether rural or exclusive were more close-knit as appreciation and respect abounded even among those with menial comforts. This same situation exists today among the more primitive, un-and underdeveloped areas making it more evident that the more sophisticated mankind becomes the less respect we show for one another and for others. Also the more material things we accumulate the less we are willing to “share with others”–a common trait among our ancestors.
This denotes that mankind is clearly maturing physically, mentally and academically while remaining in spiritual infancy–among a continuous surging of religious doctrines.
With the primary purpose of religion being to unite mankind we find in the Baha’i Holy Writings, “If religion becomes a source of division and alienation, it is better to be without it!”
“God is Love¬–“Love begets love and Peace begets peace–while hatred, deceit, egotism and warring mentalities all likewise promote the same.
God’s greatest gift to man is that of intellect and understanding, the power by which man acquires knowledge and can think for himself as well as through the knowledge of others. It is hoped that this knowledge will soon be used to foster an environment of true civilization for the peoples of the world!
The choice is OURS!
