Daily Frameworks for 29 December 2023

Istiqlál, 18 Masá’il (Questions), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quotes for Reflection:

Labour is needed, if we are to seek Him; ardour is needed, if we are to drink the nectar of reunion with Him; and if we taste of this cup, we shall cast away the world. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Rest ye not, seek ye no composure, attach not yourselves to the luxuries of this ephemeral world, free yourselves from every attachment, and strive with heart and soul to become fully established in the Kingdom of God. Gain ye the heavenly treasures. Day by day become ye more illumined. Draw ye nearer and nearer unto the threshold of oneness.” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ²

Question for Consideration:

Below are a number of statements related to effort. Deciding which ones are true will help you reflect further on this matter:

If you are smart, you don’t need to work hard.
Why go the long way; always look for a shortcut.
No pain, no gain,
Dream big; your wishes will come true,
The greater the prize, the greater the striving.
The greater the effort, the sweeter the reward.
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
Small steps — frequent and consistent — can go a long way.
Nothing worth having comes easily.
Excellence demands wholehearted dedication.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Just getting by is not good enough.
We should not wait for things to happen; we should pursue them.
Success is a matter of luck.
We won’t achieve our twofold purpose by magic.
We must bring ourselves to account each day. ³

Google Bard Response:

Applying Bahá’í perspectives to statements about effort:

True statements:

• No pain, no gain: This aligns with the Bahá’í emphasis on spiritual development and overcoming challenges to reach our full potential. Growth often requires effort and perseverance.
• The greater the prize, the greater the striving: This resonates with the Bahá’í teachings about seeking the “heavenly treasures” and striving to enter the “Kingdom of God.” The ultimate reward requires significant effort and dedication.
• The greater the effort, the sweeter the reward: Bahá’u’lláh describes the “nectar of reunion” with God as a reward for ardent pursuit.
• If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again: This embodies the Bahá’í principle of perseverance and resilience. We are encouraged to learn from setbacks and continue our efforts with unwavering faith.
• Small steps — frequent and consistent — can go a long way: This aligns with the Bahá’í emphasis on gradual and continuous spiritual progress. Consistent, everyday efforts hold immense power for transformation.
• Nothing worth having comes easily: This reflects the Bahá’í belief that genuine spiritual growth and service require sacrifice and dedication. Nothing of real value can be achieved without effort.
• Excellence demands wholehearted dedication: This resonates with the Bahá’í emphasis on striving for perfection in our service to God and humanity. Excellence requires commitment and unwavering dedication.
• The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step: This aligns with the Bahá’í message of taking action and starting our spiritual journey, no matter how small the initial steps may be.
• Just getting by is not good enough: This reflects the Bahá’í call for active participation in bettering ourselves and society. We are called to strive for progress and contribute meaningfully to the world.
• We should not wait for things to happen; we should pursue them: This aligns with the Bahá’í emphasis on initiative and taking responsibility for our spiritual development. We are encouraged to be active in seeking knowledge and opportunities for growth.
• We won’t achieve our twofold purpose by magic: This reflects the Bahá’í belief that spiritual progress is a conscious effort, not a passive process. We must actively work towards our goals and rely on divine guidance, not solely on luck.
• We must bring ourselves to account each day: This resonates with the Bahá’í practice of self-reflection and striving for constant improvement. We are called to evaluate our actions and intentions to stay on the path of spiritual growth.
  

False statements:

• If you are smart, you don’t need to work hard: While intelligence can be an asset, Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes the importance of effort and ardor in seeking spiritual knowledge and connection with God.
• Why go the long way; always look for a shortcut: Bahá’í teachings encourage patience and perseverance through challenges, not seeking shortcuts that may compromise the integrity of our journey.
• Dream big; your wishes will come true: While dreaming big is encouraged, Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes aligning our desires with God’s will and actively working towards achieving our goals.
• Success is a matter of luck: While unforeseen circumstances may play a role, Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes the importance of effort, striving, and relying on divine guidance for true success.
  

Remember: These statements provide a starting point for reflection. The Bahá’í view on effort is multifaceted and emphasizes the importance of dedicated action and the need to surrender to God’s will. Continue your exploration of Bahá’í teachings and apply their wisdom to your life journey.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. The Call of the Divine Beloved: Selected Mystical Works of Bahá’ú’lláh.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 28, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/call-divine-beloved/4#324331174. ↩
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Tablets of the Divine Plan. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 28, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/tablets-divine-plan/14#672337715 ↩
3. 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, 9-11. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩