They [NSA members] should never be led to suppose that they are the central ornaments of the body of the Cause, intrinsically superior to others in capacity or merit, and sole promoters of its teachings and principles. They should approach their task with extreme humility, and endeavour by their open-mindedness, their high sense of justice and duty, their candour, their modesty, their entire devotion to the welfare and interests of the friends, the Cause, and humanity, to win not only the confidence and the genuine support and respect of those whom they should serve, but also their esteem and real affection. ...
- Shoghi Effendi (Quoted by the Universal House of Justice in a letter dated 27 March 1978 written on its behalf to all National Spiritual Assemblies; ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986’; also in ‘Baha’i Administration’)
