How familiar are most of us with the first verse of the 3rd chapter of Eclesiastes in the Holy Bible that begins, ”To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted…”
The Spring season has always been synonymous with the time to plant vegetation, and whatever we plant, that shall we also- reap-–unless unfavorable weather or other unforeseen obstacles prevent it. Unfortunately this subsequent succession also follows with other seeds planted in the sands of time if we but observe the early harvest of past seeds sewn.
Does at time to be born and a time to die refer solely to human nature or also to kingdoms, administrative orders, rules and rulers; and does a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted refer not only to food, grain and harvest but likewise to the seeds of love or hate, peace or war along with other seeds of evolution.
Does “a time to kill and a time to heal;” refer to people and animals alike to justify the slaughter of increasing numbers of innocent men, women and children with the sophistication of modern warfare–that once took place on designated battlefields among clearly distinguishable uniformed soldiers for whatever actions taken?
Could “a time to love and a time to hate” ever mean there is an appropriate time to hate people–or their criminal minds or other devious behavioral patterns? All are strongly promoted through a constant bombardment of criminal TV series, movies and innumerable video, play stations, cartoons, and social media games geared toward children from earliest ages and stages, too young to put it all in proper perspective––while giving other more mature criminal minds new ideas.
Prior to such advancement in demoralization of society it was commonly said that there are no bad people; only good people who have received bad training or advice. And in the most recent Baha’i Holy Writings we are taught to recognize ALL as servants of One God through different (and often denominations of same) Manifestations.
“At most it is this: Some do not know; they must be guided and trained. They must be taught to love their fellow creatures and encouraged in the acquisition of virtues. Some are ignorant, they must be informed; some are as children, under-developed; they must be helped to reach maturity. Some are ailing, their moral condition is unhealthy; they must be treated until their morals are purified. But the sick are not to be hated because they are sick; the child must be shunned because he is a child; the ignorant are not to be despised because they lack knowledge. They must all be treated, educated, trained and assisted in love (most effective through the dynamic force of example).
A common denominator to help keep things in proper perspective is daily prayer (communion with God)–especially upon rising, at noon and before retiring. Far more effective and protective, however, are the prayers of the Manifestations Themselves, an arena in which the Baha’is stand unsurpassed, due to the infancy of the Revelation.
In this new Day, only through true love of God can true love for humanity be generated as one who strives to serve God can only do so by serving man. This process leads every soul through “love and more love; a 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!” . . . as we enter the Season of LOVE.(Investigate!–1-800-22UNITE)
