We often wonder whether there is a higher and a nobler purpose to life than one spent in pursuit of material aspirations. A fundamental purpose of our lives, in the Bahá’í view, is to contribute to the progress of world civilization. Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, says “All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization”.
Of course, pursuing a higher and a nobler purpose in life does not mean that we should neglect the material aspects of life. It implies progressing materially and spiritually, together and simultaneously. It also implies that the processes of individual progress and social advancement, of promoting universal standards and fostering cultural diversity be harmonized.
Bahá’u’lláh’s statement that all people “have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization,” implies that every person has both the right and the responsibility to contribute to this important enterprise – whose goal is nothing less than the peace, prosperity and unity of humanity.
To be able to contribute our share towards the creation of a peaceful world civilization, based on principles of justice and prosperity, we need to be empowered to express our God-given talents and capacities in service to humanity. Through service, the essential principles of social integration – including compassion, understanding, sacrifice, humility, and commitment to justice – are manifested in society.
Bahá’u’lláh says: “It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action. … That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth”.
There is also a fundamental purpose in our lives in relation to our Creator. God has created us to know Him and worship Him, says Bahá’u’lláh. Knowledge and worship of God lead us to the love of God; love of God in turn leads us to obedience to His commandments and service in His path.
Furthermore, civilization has evolved to the point where unity of mankind has become of paramount necessity. Therefore, it should be a very important goal in our lives to work for the unification of humanity.
The Bahá’í Writings state: “the purpose for which mortal men have, from utter nothingness, stepped into the realm of being, is that they may work for the betterment of the world and live together in concord and harmony” and that “Unification of the whole of mankind is the hall-mark of the stage which human society is now approaching” “… let us try with heart and soul that unity may dwell in the world, that all the peoples may become one people, and that the whole surface of the earth may be like one country – for the Sun of Truth shines on all alike”.
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