Aaron

I understand that youth are the ones who are to change the world in the Bahai faith, but when I person reaches twenty-five does this mean that we cannot change the world anymore.

arthra

In considering this question I was reading the Writings on the subject of youth and found it interesting that Baha'u'llah Himself often referred to Himself as "..this Youth" when He was older than twenty five years..

But no doubt we are thinking of such references as the following:

The Guardian has urged, over and over again, the paramount necessity for Bahá'í Youth to exemplify the Teachings, most particularly the moral aspect of them. If they are not distinguished for their high conduct they cannot expect other young people to take the Cause very seriously.He heartily agrees with you that unless we practise the Teachings we cannot possibly expect the Faith to grow, because the fundamental purpose of all religions -- including our own -- is to bring man nearer to God, and to change his character, which is of the utmost importance. Too much emphasis is often laid on the social and economic aspects of the Teachings; but the moral aspect cannot be over- emphasized.

(From a letter dated 6 September 1946 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer) 62

(Compilations, The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, p. 61)

A very great responsibility for the future peace and well- being of the world is borne by the youth of today. Let the Bahá'í youth by the power of the Cause they espouse be the shining example for their companions.

(From a letter dated 15 April 1965 written by the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States)

(Compilations, The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, p. 55)

The fact that youth are encouraged and extolled to efforts in teaching and other efforts does not mean in my view that people of say adult or elder years cannot also change or alter the world.. Youth are encouraged I think because they generally have their whole lives ahead of them and are willing many times to step forward but this does not mean that the rest of us are not also offered the same privilege and opportunity..

All the Bahá'ís, new and old alike, should devote themselves as much as possible to teaching the Faith; they should also realize that the atmosphere of true love and unity which they manifest within the Bahá'í Community will directly affect the public, and be the greatest magnet for attracting people to the Faith and confirming them.

(From a letter dated 4 April 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Stuttgart, Germany)

(Compilations, The Compilation of Compilations vol II, p. 313)

CK9

Arthra thanks for sharing these quotes and I really agree with your view on this.

Also, let's consider that Martha Root, whom the Guardian praised as the 'archetype of Baha'i teachers', rendered her greatest services to the Faith in her 50's. This was after her father passed away and she inherited the house, which she sold, providing her with the funds to undertake her most extensive teaching campaign.

Every one of us has been chosen and blessed to be a Baha'i in this Day! Let's not worry about our shortcomings, age, or anything else: -

"Now is the time to serve, now is the time to be on fire. Know ye the value of this chance, this favourable juncture that is limitless grace, ere it slip from your hands." - Abdu'l-Baha

Aaron

Thanks everyone. Sorry about not replying in such a while. Both response were very helpful.

tonyfish58

I am a Baha'i of 28 years but have been on the planet a little longer

One point to consider is what ages Baha'u'llah & Abdul'baha passed from this earth

They changed the world right into Old Age and will do for ever more

Cheers Tony