Daily Frameworks for 09 September 2023

Jalál, 02 ʻ’Izzat (Might), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

In every country where any of this people reside, they must behave towards the government of that country with loyalty, honesty and truthfulness. This is that which hath been revealed at the behest of Him Who is the Ordainer, the Ancient of Days.

It is binding and incumbent upon the peoples of the world, one and all, to extend aid unto this momentous Cause which is come from the heaven of the Will of the ever-abiding God, that perchance the fire of animosity which blazeth in the hearts of some of the peoples of the earth may, through the living waters of divine wisdom and by virtue of heavenly counsels and exhortations, be quenched, and the light of unity and concord may shine forth and shed its radiance upon the world.

We cherish the hope that through the earnest endeavours of such as are the exponents of the power of God—exalted be His glory—the weapons of war throughout the world may be converted into instruments of reconstruction and that strife and conflict may be removed from the midst of men. — Bahá’u’lláh ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration:

Considering the above quote, what would the world look like if we were all truthful and honest? ³

Google Bard Response:

The quote from Bahá’u’lláh speaks to the importance of truthfulness and honesty in creating a more peaceful and united world. If everyone was truthful and honest, the world would be a much different place.

• There would be less crime and corruption. People would be less likely to lie, cheat, or steal if they knew that they would be caught and held accountable.
• There would be more trust and cooperation. People would be more likely to trust each other if they knew that they could rely on them to be truthful. This would lead to more cooperation and collaboration on solving problems.
• There would be less conflict and war. Wars are often caused by mistrust and misunderstanding. If people were more truthful and honest with each other, it would be more difficult for conflicts to escalate into violence.
• There would be more peace and harmony. A world where everyone is truthful and honest would be a more peaceful and harmonious place. People would be more likely to get along with each other if they knew that they could trust each other to be truthful.
  

Of course, there are some challenges to achieving a world where everyone is truthful and honest. Some people may be afraid to tell the truth because they fear the consequences. Others may simply be used to lying and cheating, and it may be difficult for them to change their behavior. However, if we all work together, we can create a world where truthfulness and honesty are the norm.

The quote from Bahá’u’lláh also mentions the importance of unity and concord. These are qualities that are closely related to truthfulness and honesty. When people are truthful and honest with each other, it is easier for them to unite and work together. This is why Bahá’u’lláh believes that the spread of truthfulness and honesty is essential for creating a more united and peaceful world.

I hope this answers your question.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Baháʾuʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. Ebook. Internet Archive: Project Gutenberg, 2005, 14. https://archive.org/details/tabletsofbahullh17310gut/page/n23/mode/2up. ↩
2. Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed September 08, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/2#617337283. ↩
3. Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 7. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩