Our share in creating a better world

WE CAN each have a share in creating a better community, a unified nation, and a peaceful world, by expressing our God-given talents and capacities in service to humanity.

- FLORA TECKIE

As we commemorate July 18 — designated by the United Nations as the Nelson Mandela International Day - we are reminded that what made Nelson Mandela a respected figure internationally was his attitude towards serving others.

Serving others should become an integrated facet of our everyday life, as it is through serving others that we can bring about social change.

According to the Baha’i Writings: “the honour and distinction of the individual” consist in being “a source of social good,” and that peace, justice, and security will only be firmly established in the world when all people "become united and coordinated in service to the world of humanity”.

Service to humanity, with pure intentions, in addition to the positive results for those helped, also immensely enriches our own lives. Serving others should not be motivated by the hope of recognition or reward. It should rather be motivated by the love of God and humanity. A life of service to humanity requires humility and detachment.