The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the authoritative views of the Baha'i Faith.
How do we identify standards of right and wrong and know how we should behave? In a world where these things seem so unclear, the Baha’i teachings offer humanity a guiding light.
Our world challenges us to rise above our negative influences, to embrace healthy practices, and to uphold high standards of morality, integrity, and trustworthiness.
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When we strive to live our lives with courtesy, dignity, piety, sanctity, and godliness, freed from the trappings of this world, we progress and draw power to us to soar to new heights; if we do not we will lose that power and energy that flows through us from on high and be dragged down by the weight of the moral decay, depravity, and degradation of the world.
The great spiritual educators suffered and sacrificed their lives for a single purpose: so that we might be adorned with a good character and conduct. Baha’u’llah, the prophet and founder of the Baha’i Faith, explained:
The purpose of the one true God in manifesting Himself is to summon all mankind to truthfulness and sincerity, to piety and trustworthiness, to resignation and submissiveness to the will of God, to forbearance and kindliness, to uprightness and wisdom. His object is to array every man with the mantle of a saintly character, and to adorn him with the ornament of holy and goodly deeds.
We reflect these inner virtues in all aspects of our lives — home, family, business, work, friendships, and community. The Baha’i teachings ask us to bring ourselves to account each day to make sure we continue to progress spiritually, assuring us that our good deeds and characters will help transform the world of humanity even if we cannot see it. Abdu’l-Baha, the son and successor of Baha’u’llah, said that “The most vital duty, in this day, is to purify your characters, to correct your manners, and improve your conduct.”
When we improve our characters and conduct, we make our lives and the world better. Sound and upright minds, along with praiseworthy moral qualities, all manifest that good conduct. Baha’u’llah wrote that “The sword of upright conduct and a goodly character is sharper than blades of steel.”
What is Character?
Psychologists define character as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. It is the unique combination and composition of all our virtues. It is our true identity. Developing a good character is a process of freeing ourselves from the darkness and limitations of our material existence with the light of our inner spiritual powers. Using the light of our virtues, such as righteousness, sincerity, and trustworthiness, allows us to overcome the darkness of our selfish and evil passions and desires, and to have due regard for our spiritual well-being and the well-being of others. When we do those things, our influence will be diffused throughout the world; we become like leaven to the peoples of the world and models for all people.
How to Create a Righteous Inner Character
The Baha’i writings assure us that a good character “surpasseth the light of the sun and the radiance thereof.” To achieve this high station of a righteous character – which each of us can attain if we work at it – means leaving wrongdoing and worldly desires behind. Baha’u’llah revealed:
… Honesty, virtue, wisdom and a saintly character redound to the exaltation of man, while dishonesty, imposture, ignorance and hypocrisy lead to his abasement. By My life! Man’s distinction lieth not in ornaments or wealth, but rather in virtuous behavior and true understanding.
Through education, effort, and refinement, we can develop the excellence, purity, and integrity of our own character and actions and transform ourselves and the world.
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Sometimes, the knowledge and love of God is enough to do this, but at other times, the fear of God is a more helpful and potent motivator. Baha’u’llah likened the fear of God to a commander and an upright character and deeds to its armies. Without the fear of God, we would find it difficult to overcome the forces of passion and evil and achieve a victory for what is right and good.
Our lives – when they’re distinguished by truth, love, and justice and the related virtues of truthfulness, honesty, fair-mindedness, kindness, courtesy, trustworthiness, equity, righteousness, and rectitude – will have a transformational force, not only on us personally, but on everyone around us. When our character and deeds reflect these noble virtues, hidden potentialities become energized, exerting a positive influence on our world. When we have conquered our selfish and worldly desires and attachments, we endow our minds and souls with tremendous power.
Dr. Rodney Clarken is professor emeritus from Northern Michigan University, where he served as professor and head of the School of Education. He was also an assistant dean and professor at the University of Detroit and the University of the Virgin Islands. His over 50 years of...
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