• Editor’s note: “Spiritual leaders answer” is a weekly column inviting Kaua‘i’s religious and spiritual leaders to share their doctrine’s perspective on a suggested subject. Every Friday, a topic is printed, inviting a response. Due to space limitations, submissions are
• Editor’s note: “Spiritual leaders answer” is a weekly column inviting Kaua‘i’s religious and spiritual leaders to share their doctrine’s perspective on a suggested subject. Every Friday, a topic is printed, inviting a response. Due to space limitations, submissions are edited. Thoughts or suggestions for future topics are always welcome. Next week’s subject is on addiction. The topic at the end of the column is for the following week.
The Baha’is of Kaua‘i
Baha’u’llah’s (prophet founder of the Baha’i Faith) oldest son was named Abbas. In adulthood, Baha’u’llah designated him as the perfect example for the Baha’is to follow and gave him the title “The Master.” Abbas, however, preferred to be called ‘Abdu’l-Baha, the servant of Baha or the servant of Baha’u’llah.
‘Abdu’l-Baha regarded service to humanity his highest aspiration and Baha’is strive to follow his example. Whatever work we choose we are encouraged to approach our duties in the spirit of service. Service in this light is equivalent to prayer and, therefore, benefits not only humanity but also ourselves.
It is also significant that the services of some occupations more profoundly affect humanity than others. For instance, the services provided by farmers and teachers are designated as among the most important. The farmers provide us with sustenance and are the foundation of the body politic. The teachers expand our intellects and provide us with skills to advance our civilization. Wonderful will be the day when the humble, but crucial work of these servants are recognized by society.
“Blessed art thou, since thou art engaged in rendering a service which will make thy face to shine in the Abha Kingdom, and that is the education and training of children. If one should, in the right way, teach and train the children, he will be performing a service that which none is greater at the sacred threshold … You must, however, struggle unceasingly to perfect yourself and win ever higher achievements.”
Rebecca DeRoos
Science of Mind practitioner
As promised in the Bible, “The measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you.” Mark 4:24, not necessarily in the way or time or from the person(s) you would expect. Let the joy occur in the giving. The reward is received in its own time and place.
Giving of one’s self to another has more than one reward. As a former school teacher, the service of giving information and inviting creativity brought joy in and of itself. Servicing is not about receiving out of giving of one’s own self and accomplishments. If your service is preceded with joy in giving, it becomes fun.
Topic for next week:
• Will you speak to us on greatness?
• Spiritual leaders are invited to e-mail responses of three to five paragraphs to pwoolway@kauaipubco.com
• Deadline each week is Tuesday, by 5 p.m.