Power basically is of two kinds, real and perceived. Today’s world is drunk and staggering with perceived power, taking no heed of, nor learning any lessons from the fallen men, nations and empires that lay in history’s wake. Untold numbers of individuals have acquired and held powerful positions by various means, but power itself can be infinite and people are finite. Perceived power is selfish, insensitive, exclusive and often cruel while real power is natural, inclusive and all-embracing. Perceived power is of man; real power is of God.
Throughout the annals of history are strewn with accounts of God’s investment of real power into the hands of individuals and administrative orders which, after generations of abuse and/or misuse, is taken from them and invested into different hands. This “changing of the guard” of power holders has been done sometimes through violent revolutions and sometimes through quiet, divinely orchestrated attrition. However the more famous and perceived powerful the lifestyle, the more likely the transition will be a rebellious one, often fanned by flames of envy and/or greed.
In today’s materialistic society, still governed by religion and politics, it is near impossible for the leaders of either not to become influenced by, and subsequently use their power to influence others, hopefully based upon the common good rather than on personal preference and/or viewpoint.
“With fire we test goal and with gold we test servants,” we read in the Baha’i Holy Writings. We also read: “In the world of existence there is no greater power than “The Magnet of Love!” However a magnet only attracts pure medal! Hate, jealousy, violence and other warring mentalities, whether on individual or international scale, are highly profiled (i.e. promoted) in, and inevitably by the media (Roanoke Tribune excluded); yet love is much stronger! Once pure hearts are cleansed of the dross of worldly seductions perpetually bombarding them on every side, they can more easily be drawn to the true power of “the Magnet of Love.”
Such is the love channeled through the respective administrative bodies of the Baha’i Faith worldwide through the Power of Love–that nothing can exceed, outweigh or outlast!
Abdu’i-Baha, eldest son of Baha’u’llah, Prophet/Founder and perfect Exemplar of the Baha’i Faith, calls on every soul to “..have love and more love–that melts opposition, sweeps away all barriers, abounds in charity, large-heartedness and noble striving; boundless, irresistible, sweeping love!
“Each one must be a sign of love, a center of love, a sum of love, a world of love, a universe of love! Ah me; hast thou love? Then thy power is irresistible! (Investigate)
