As you point out, it is particularly difficult to follow the
laws of Baha'u'llah in present-day society whose accepted practice is so at
variance with the standards of the Faith. However, there are certain laws that
are so fundamental to the healthy functioning of human society that they must
be upheld whatever the circumstances. Realizing the degree of human frailty,
Baha'u'llah has provided that other laws are to be applied only gradually, but
these too, once they are applied, must be followed, or else society will not be
reformed but will sink into an ever worsening condition. It is the challenging
task of the Baha'is to obey the law of God in their own lives, and gradually to
win the rest of mankind to its acceptance. - The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 6 February 1973;
‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986’)
