Daily Frameworks for 23 December 2024

Kamál, 13 Masáʼil (Questions), 181 B.E.

Walking Together on a Path of Service

Quotes for Reflection

THE first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws, Who representeth the Godhead in both the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation. Whoso achieveth this duty hath attained unto all good; and whoso is deprived thereof hath gone astray, though he be the author of every righteous deed. It behooveth every one who reacheth this most sublime station, this summit of transcendent glory, to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseparable. Neither is acceptable without the other. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Source of Divine inspiration. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

O YE peoples of the world! Know, verily, that an unforeseen calamity is following you, and that grievous retribution awaiteth you. Think not the deeds ye have committed have been blotted from My sight. By My beauty! All your doings hath My Pen graven with open characters upon tablets of chrysolite. — Bahá’u’lláh ²

Indeed, the laws of God are like unto the ocean and the children of men as fish, did they but know it. However, in observing them one must exercise tact and wisdom… Since most people are feeble and far-removed from the purpose of God, therefore one must observe tact and prudence under all conditions, so that nothing might happen that could cause disturbance and dissension or raise clamor among the heedless. Verily, His bounty hath surpassed the whole universe and His bestowals encompassed all that dwell on earth. One must guide mankind to the ocean of true understanding in a spirit of love and tolerance. — Bahá’u’lláh ³

They that immerse themselves in the ocean of His utterances should at all times have the utmost regard for the divinely-revealed ordinances and prohibitions. Indeed His ordinances constitute the mightiest stronghold for the protection of the world and the safeguarding of its peoples—a light upon those who acknowledge and recognize the truth, and a fire unto such as turn away and deny. — Bahá’u’lláh ⁴

By God! His Law is a fortress unto you, could ye but understand. Verily, He hath no purpose therein save to benefit the souls of His servants, but, alas, the generality of mankind remain heedless thereof. Cling ye to the cord of God’s laws, and follow not those who have turned away from the Book, for verily they have opposed God, the Mighty, the Beloved. — Bahá’u’lláh ⁵

Take hold of it, O people, and observe that which hath been sent down in it of the wondrous precepts of your Lord, the Forgiving, the Bountiful. It will truly prosper you both in this world and in the next and will purge you of whatsoever ill beseemeth you. He is indeed the Ordainer, the Expounder, the Giver, the Generous, the Gracious, the All-Praised. — Bahá’u’lláh ⁶

THE ordinances of God have been sent down from the heaven of His most august Revelation. All must diligently observe them. Man’s supreme distinction, his real advancement, his final victory, have always depended, and will continue to depend, upon them. Whoso keepeth the commandments of God shall attain everlasting felicity. — Bahá’u’lláh ⁷

Say: From My laws the sweet-smelling savor of My garment can be smelled, and by their aid the standards of Victory will be planted upon the highest peaks. The Tongue of My power hath, from the heaven of My omnipotent glory, addressed to My creation these words: “Observe My commandments, for the love of My beauty.” Happy is the lover that hath inhaled the divine fragrance of his Best-Beloved from these words, laden with the perfume of a grace which no tongue can describe. By My life! He who hath drunk the choice wine of fairness from the hands of My bountiful favor will circle around My commandments that shine above the Dayspring of My creation. — Bahá’u’lláh ⁸

Question for Consideration

From a Bahá’í perspective, how do the laws and ordinances of God pertain to one’s life and the efficacy of one’s effort on the path of service? ⁹

Perplexity Pro Response ¹⁰

The Bahá’í Faith emphasizes the profound importance of God’s laws and ordinances in shaping one’s spiritual journey and enhancing the effectiveness of service to humanity. These divine commandments are viewed not merely as rules, but as essential guideposts for personal growth, protection, and the realization of one’s full potential in contributing to the betterment of the world.

Foundation of Spiritual Growth

Bahá’u’lláh teaches that observing divine ordinances is essential for attaining “everlasting felicity” and achieving “Man’s supreme distinction, his real advancement, his final victory…” [1]. These laws serve as the bedrock for spiritual development, aligning individuals with God’s will and creating a foundation for their spiritual journey. Crucially, recognizing the Manifestation of God and observing His ordinances are described as “twin duties” that are inseparable [2]. This interconnection implies that true spiritual growth and service are contingent upon both acknowledging divine authority and following its guidance through obedience to laws, forming the cornerstone of a Bahá’í’s spiritual life and service to humanity.

Protection and Guidance

God’s laws serve as a “fortress” [3] and “mightiest stronghold” [4] for humanity, offering protection from spiritual and moral dangers while providing a framework for navigating life’s challenges. This divine guidance not only safeguards individuals but also contributes to the well-being of society as a whole. Furthermore, adherence to these precepts is seen as a means of personal transformation, with Bahá’u’lláh stating that following them will “purge you of whatsoever ill beseemeth you” [5]. This purification process enhances one’s capacity for effective service to humanity, aligning the individual’s actions with divine purpose and fostering spiritual growth.

Wisdom in Application

While emphasizing the importance of following God’s laws, Bahá’u’lláh advises exercising “tact and wisdom” in their observance. This approach ensures that the application of laws fosters unity and understanding rather than causing discord or alienation. Bahá’u’lláh encourages believers to guide mankind to the “ocean of true understanding in a spirit of love and tolerance,” highlighting the need for prudence and consideration of others’ readiness when sharing and applying divine ordinances. [6]

Efficacy in Service

Adherence to divine laws amplifies the impact and reach of one’s service efforts, with Bahá’u’lláh stating that through these laws, “the standards of Victory will be planted upon the highest peaks.” This perspective frames obedience not as a burden, but as a joyful expression of love for God, enhancing motivation and dedication on the path of service. The “sweet-smelling savor” of these commandments serves as a spiritual connection and encourages their observance “for the love of My beauty,” inspiring believers to “circle around” them with enthusiasm and devotion. [7]

In conclusion, from a Bahá’í viewpoint, the laws and ordinances of God are not mere rules but vital spiritual tools that shape one’s character, provide guidance, offer protection, and enhance the efficacy of service to humanity. They are seen as indispensable for personal growth and for maximizing one’s contribution to the betterment of the world.

Citations

[1] Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh – Bahá’í Reference Library

[2] Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh – Bahá’í Reference Library

[3] The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting – Bahá’í Reference Library

[4] Tablets of Baháʾ’u’ʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas – Bahá’í Reference Library

[5] Tablets of Baháʾ’u’ʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas – Bahá’í Reference Library

[6] The Kitáb-i-Aqdas – Bahá’í Reference Library

[7] Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh – Bahá’í Reference Library

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How do the laws of God serve as a guide for personal growth and development?
• What role does the recognition of God’s Revelation play in observing His ordinances?
• How can one balance the observance of God’s laws with practical wisdom in daily life?
• What are the consequences of neglecting God’s ordinances according to Bahá’í teachings?
• How do Bahá’í laws contribute to the betterment of society?
• How do Bahá’í teachings define the efficacy of service?
• What are the twin duties mentioned by Bahá’u’lláh?
• How can one balance personal deeds with the recognition of God’s Revelation?
• What is the significance of observing God’s ordinances in daily life?
• How do Bahá’í teachings address the concept of retribution?

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1935. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/8#693296320. ↩
2. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1935. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/5#158173273. ↩
3. Bahá’u’lláh. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 21, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-aqdas/3#730958297. ↩
4. Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Baháʾ’u’ʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1978, 156. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/2#108212210. ↩
5. Research Department of the Universal House Justice. The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting.” Bahá’í Reference Library, May 2000. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/importance-obligatory-prayer-fasting/2#261393293. ↩
6. Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Baháʾ’u’ʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1978, 156. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/7#363300397. ↩
7. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1935. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/7#084732016. ↩
8. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1935. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/8#087466198. ↩
9. Ruhi Institute. Walking Together on a Path of Service. 2.1.1.PE February 2024. Vol. Book 7. 14 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2024, 12-14. Download PDF. ↩
10. Perplexity Pro. “From a Bahá’í perspective, how do the laws and ordinances of God pertain to one’s life and the efficacy of one’s effort on the path of service?” Edited by Steve Bosserman. December 21, 2024. https://www.perplexity.ai/page/baha-i-laws-and-service-lcbIoL.YRSOQwwMtNhJjaw. ↩