Therefore it is not so much a matter of which is more
important, the teaching work or family and personal responsibilities, but how
we can seek a balance in our lives to accomplish both of these sacred tasks.
But in addition to the progress and development of the spiritual life of each
believer, individually and as a member of a family unit, the foundations of the
administrative institutions of the Faith must likewise be continually
strengthened. ..these two goals go hand in hand. ... (Excerpt of a letter from
the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, dated April 19, 1979;
printed in Duties of an Assembly Member prepared by the Canadian National
Spiritual Assembly)
O ye loving mothers, know ye that in God's sight, the best
of all ways to worship Him is to educate the children and train them in all the
perfections of mankind; and no nobler deed than this can be imagined.
(‘Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha’)
As regards your plans; the Guardian fully approves indeed of
your view that no matter how urgent and vital the requirements of the teaching
work may be, you should under no circumstances neglect the education of your
children, as towards them you have an obligation no less sacred than towards
the Cause. (From a letter dated July 17, 1938, written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer; printed in compilation:‘Baha'i Education’)
If the believer is the only one of his family who has embraced
the Faith, it is his duty to endeavour to lead as many other family members as
possible to the light of divine guidance. (Letter from the Universal House of
Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, dated April 17, 1981; printed in
The Seven Year Plan booklet published by the Canadian National Spiritual
Assembly’)
