European Bahá'í youth in particular face tremendous and
challenging tasks in the immediate future. Can one doubt that the manner in
which the governments of the European nations have rallied to the defense of
the persecuted Bahá'ís in Iran will draw down blessings from on high upon this
continent? And who among the people of Europe are more likely to be kindled by
the challenge and hope of the Message of Bahá'u'lláh than the youth? Now is an
opportunity to awaken the interest, set afire the hearts and enlist the active
support of young people of every nation, class and creed in that continent. The
key to success in this endeavour is, firstly, to deepen your understanding of
the Teachings of the Cause so that you will be able to apply them to the
problems of individuals and society, and explain them to your peers in ways
that they will understand and welcome; secondly, to strive to model your
behaviour in every way after the high standards of honesty, trustworthiness,
courage, loyalty, forbearance, purity, and spirituality set forth in the
Teachings; and, above all, to live in continual awareness of the presence and
all-conquering power of Bahá'u'lláh, which will enable you to overcome every
temptation and surmount every obstacle.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a
message dated July 4, 1983 addressed to the European Youth Conference in
Innsbruck)
