Fidál, 15 Masá’il (Questions), 180 B.E.
Arising to Serve
Quote for Reflection:
O SON OF UTTERANCE! Turn thy face unto Mine and renounce all save Me; for My sovereignty endureth and My dominion perisheth not. If thou seekest another than Me, yea, if thou searchest the universe forevermore, thy quest will be in vain. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Question for Consideration:
When we realize that, of all the things we do in our lives, the moments we spend sharing the Word of God with others are invested with special blessings, we arrive at a most significant conclusion: that the joy we derive from service lies in the act itself. We hope, of course, that the acts of service we perform will yield worthy results, but if we are too attached to the results, if we are overly affected by praise or criticism, we will lose the joy of teaching. That which should inspire us to serve is the love of God, not the desire to have success, to receive benefits, or to gain recognition. Detachment from all these is a requisite of joyful service.
Is a person unable to tolerate material discomfort in the field of service detached from the world? 2
Google Bard Response:
Whether someone who struggles with material discomfort in service is detached from the world in the context of Bahá’u’lláh’s quote depends on the underlying motivations and perspectives:
Potential for detachment:
- Focus on service and purpose: If the discomfort arises from dedication to a higher cause, such as serving humanity or spreading the Word of God, and the person endures it with patience and perseverance, it can be seen as a form of detachment from personal comfort for a greater good.
- Acceptance and resilience: Accepting and navigating challenges without clinging to comfort or seeking immediate escape can demonstrate inner strength and detachment from worldly desires.
Potential for attachment:
- Fear and avoidance: If the discomfort stems from fear or aversion to hardship, and the person focuses primarily on avoiding or minimizing it, it might indicate attachment to worldly comforts and unwillingness to sacrifice them for a spiritual purpose.
- Excessive self-importance: If the discomfort leads to self-pity, resentment, or blaming others, it can reflect an attachment to self-centeredness and a lack of trust in God’s plan.
Ultimately, the key lies in the inner state of mind and the motivations behind enduring the discomfort. True detachment in the context of service involves:
- Willingness to sacrifice: Accepting hardship while staying focused on the service and its spiritual purpose.
- Trust and acceptance: Trusting God’s plan and accepting challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
- Focus on service and humanity: Focusing on serving others and contributing to a greater good rather than dwelling on personal discomfort.
Remember, Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings encourage us to strive for a balance between spiritual pursuits and worldly responsibilities. We are not expected to become ascetics or deny ourselves basic needs. However, we are called upon to cultivate an inner detachment from material comforts and desires, focusing our hearts and minds on serving God and humanity.
Therefore, someone who struggles with material discomfort in service can still be considered detached as long as they are motivated by love, service, and trust in God, even while navigating the challenges with human sensitivity and seeking ways to alleviate suffering when possible. The journey toward detachment is a continuous process, and we can learn and grow even through our experiences of discomfort. Keep striving to align your actions with your spiritual values, and trust that God will guide you through every step of your journey.
- Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 25, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/2#084945209. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Arising to Serve. 2.1.1.PE September 2020. Vol. Book 2. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2020, 8. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 