How do we make a difference in 2023?

It is the beginning of a new year, with new hopes and new dreams. Let us mark the start of 2023 with resolutions for the betterment of our communities and of the world. The new year is a time for change, for transformation. Let us transform not only our physical surroundings but also our patterns of behaviour, and our ways of dealing with one another.

Bahá’ís view spiritual transformation as the basis for both lasting improvements in our own lives, and central in our approach to the betterment of the communities we live in. The spiritual dimension, in practical terms, is the source of qualities that enable us to rise above narrow self-interest: qualities such as co-operation, compassion, love, justice, courage, trustworthiness, humility, and to be willing to sacrifice for the common good. The spiritual dimension also includes qualities that will help in building a unified, peaceful, and prosperous world civilization.

How do we make a difference in a world burdened with deepening moral crises?

According to the Bahá’í Writings: “The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct”. We can make a difference if our inner lives become like mirrors reflecting the teachings of God for this age. We can make a difference through our action. As prescribed by Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, “Let deeds, not words, be your adorning”.

 We can make a difference through our unity, by embracing the entire diversity of the human family, and by benefiting from the full range of talents and insights which many thousands of years of experience have refined. Unity in our families and communities will be possible through the acceptance and the practice of the principle of the oneness of humanity. It will be achievable through embracing and celebrating both our oneness and our diversity.

 We can make a difference by focusing attention on our personal spiritual transformation and the development of our spiritual capacities. As stated in the Bahá’í Writings: “… the world of spirit needs new life, the world of mind necessitates new animus and development, the world of souls a new bounty, the world of morality a reformation, the world of divine effulgence ever new bestowals …, thoughts must be lofty and ideals uplifted in order that the world of humanity may become assisted in new conditions of reform. When this reformation affects every degree, then will come the very Day of the Lord of which all the prophets have spoken. That is the Day wherein the whole world will be regenerated”. 

For feedback please contact:  tshwane@bahai.org.za; or call 083 794 0819

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