"Think ye at all times of rendering some service to every member of the human race"
Service
Alongside individual progress, each individual being part of whole, also has the sacred duty of contributing to the progress and well-being of the community.
“All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization.”1
Service to humanity is an act that springs from a love for all humanity and recognition of its oneness.
“The most important principle of divine philosophy is the oneness of the world of humanity, the unity of mankind, the bond conjoining East and West, the tie of love which blends human hearts.”2
Service is the expression of man's highest nature, the means through which noble aspirations and spiritual inclinations are given concrete expression. Indeed, the principle way in which the individual fulfills his or her purpose on earth, which is to acquire the perfections of the soul, is through service to others.
“That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race.” 3
“Service to mankind is the paramount motive of all existence.”4
“Be ye loving fathers to the orphan, and a refuge to the helpless, and a treasury for the poor, and a cure for the ailing. Be ye the helpers of every victim of oppression, the patrons of the disadvantaged. Think ye at all times of rendering some service to every member of the human race.”5
Service to others gives life meaning and purpose. Any work or profession carried out in a spirit of service to humanity is considered the highest form of worship. Educating one's children and caring for one's family are also considered laudable forms of service and worship.
”Briefly, all effort and exertion put forth by man from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by the highest motives and the will to do service to humanity. This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people. Service is prayer.”6
Service can be big or small ranging from being kind and smiley, teaching something specific that we know, being a good listener, doing volunteer work in our community, encouraging people in their achievements; sharing our creativity; giving support to family/friends/ neighbours, to tending to the sick and poor. But in reality it is through service that we realize our own potentials, and find the best way to deal with our own anxieties and achieve inner peace.
“God has created man in a way that cannot be surpassed; we must not try to change his creation. Strive to attain nearness to reality through the acquisition of strength of character, through morality, through good works and helping the poor, through being consumed with the fire of the love of God and in discovering each day new spiritual mysteries. This is the path of intimate approach.”7
“The more we search for ourselves; the less likely we are to find ourselves; and the more we search for God, and to serve our fellow-men, the more profoundly we will become acquainted with ourselves, and the more inwardly assured. This is one of the great spiritual laws of life.”8
“The more we search for ourselves; the less likely we are to find ourselves; and the more we search for God, and to serve our fellow-men, the more profoundly we will become acquainted with ourselves, and the more inwardly assured. This is one of the great spiritual laws of life.”
1 Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 214
2 Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 50
3 Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 250
4 Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 279
5 Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 3
6 Abdu'l-Baha
7 Abdu’l-Baha
8 Shoghi Effendi