Spiritual Transformation and World Citizenship
To bring about lasting universal peace, there can be no doubt that we are going to have to undergo a very dramatic spiritual transformation. As world citizens, we will have the responsibility and the resulting benefits of acting towards each other as spiritually mature human beings.
Baha’u’llah (1817-1892), Founder of the youngest of the major world religions, the Baha’i Faith, wrote over a hundred volumes revealing God’s plan for the establishment of world peace through world unity. Among His many teachings are the following:
“The light of a good character surpasseth the light of the sun and the radiance thereof. Whoso attaineth unto it is accounted as a jewel among men.”
“Lay not on any soul a load which ye would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things ye would not desire for yourselves.”
“Trustworthiness is the greatest portal leading unto the tranquillity and security of the people. In truth, the stability of every affair hath depended and doth depend upon it.”
“I admonish you to observe courtesy, for above all else it is the prince of virtues.”
“Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art thyself a sinner.”
“Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts.”
“Be patient under all conditions, and place your whole trust and confidence in God.”
“The heaven of true understanding shineth resplendent with the light of two luminaries: tolerance and righteousness.”
“Be ye guided by wisdom in all your doings, and cleave ye tenaciously unto it.”
“Whoso cleaveth to justice, can, under no circumstances, transgress the limits of moderation.”
“Let the flame of the love of God burn brightly within your hearts.”
“Be most loving one to another. Burn away, wholly for the sake of the Well-Beloved, the veil of self with the flame of the undying Fire, and with faces joyous and beaming with light, associate with your neighbor.”
What a challenge! No one said it would be easy to become spiritually mature. But to thrive as truly united world citizens, we must rise to the challenge and completely transform our lives.
