The light that reflects in a mirror is its wealth. Without the light, the mirror is worth little. Our spiritual qualities, our knowledge, our service to humanity constitute our true wealth. Material possessions are necessary and acceptable, but only if they are used for the promotion of human virtue and happiness. Bahá'u'lláh says:
'Abdu'l-Bahá says:"Man's merit lieth in service and virtue and not in the pageantry of wealth and riches. Take heed that your words be purged from idle fancies and worldly desires and your deeds be cleansed from craftiness and suspicion. Dissipate not the wealth of your precious lives in the pursuit of evil and corrupt affection, nor let your endeavors be spent in promoting your personal interest."
"the happiness and greatness, the rank and station, the pleasure and peace, of an individual have never consisted in his personal wealth, but rather in his excellent character, his high resolve, the breadth of his learning, and his ability to solve difficult problems
Shoghi Effendi tells us:
"The chosen ones of God … should not look at the depraved conditions of the society in which they live, nor at the evidences of moral degradation and frivolous conduct which the people around them display. They should not content themselves merely with relative distinction and excellence. Rather they should fix their gaze upon nobler heights by setting the counsels and exhortations of the Pen of Glory as their supreme goal. Then it will be readily realized how numerous are the stages that still remain to be traversed and how far off the desired goal lies-a goal which is none other than exemplifying heavenly morals and virtues."Excepts from 'Walking together on the Path of Service'
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