The believers, as we all know, should endeavour to set such
an example in their personal lives and conduct that others will feel impelled
to embrace a Faith which reforms human character. However, unfortunately, not
everyone achieves easily and rapidly the victory over self. What every
believer, new or old, should realize is that the Cause has the spiritual power
to re-create us if we make the effort to let that power influence us, and the
greatest help in this respect is prayer. We must supplicate Bahá'u'lláh to
assist us to overcome the failings in our own characters, and also exert our
own will-power in mastering ourselves.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi, 27 January 1945 to an individual believer) The Compilation of
Compilations, vol. I, Excellence in All Things)
