Institutions
One of the distinguishing features of Bahá’u’lláh's embryonic world order is that it does not harbour egotistical personalities. Bahá’u’lláh has conferred authority on its institutions, whether local, national or international. But the individuals who are privileged to serve on them are devoid of any authority. Unlike men who wield power in the world today and seek to acquire fame and popularity, members of Bahá’í institutions cannot but manifest humility and self-effacement if they are to remain faithful to Bahá’u’lláh. Those who do not succeed, through immaturity or lack of faith, in living up to these standards are indeed attached to the Kingdom of Names and are deprived of the bounties of God in this age.
- Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh v 2, p. 41-42
It is their institutions that "will come to be regarded as the hallmark and glory of the age" they have been called upon to establish.
- Universal House of Justice, 27 December 2005 to the Continental Boards of Counsellors
Quote of the Day
Istiqlal 13 Mashiyyat 183 B.E.
The friends should be encouraged not to waste time on such things as astrology, etc., which you mention. They cannot be forbidden to do so. The exercise of our free will to choose to do the right things is much more important.
Shoghi Effendi – Lights of Guidance, p. 516