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LOVE
OF POSITION
Each individual has the
seeds of virtue as well as the potential for evil. Such undesirable
characteristics as passion and the desire to show off exist
alongside such good qualities as sincerity, altruism, and
self-sufficiency. We should take all these qualities into
account when considering human nature so that we will not
be disappointed.
It is natural for every person to entertain love of status
and fame to some degree. If these desires are not satisfied
in acceptable ways, those without self-control may harm both
themselves and their community. The ambitions of such people
may have to be diverted into harmless channels, otherwise
their frustrated and unsatisfied desires will cause harm.
It may be harmful for some unrefined souls to satisfy their
desire for prominence by seeking status. Nevertheless their
pursuit of this may be a good thing, for it will prevent them
from doing greater evil. For example, it is preferable for
a singer who wishes to make use of his or her God-given ability
to sing hymns rather than obscene songs.
Sincerity or purity of intention determines the quality of
the deed and of the one who performs it, and whether or not
God will accept it. However, as it is not easy for everybody
to serve the faith with complete sincerity, consideration
should be given to whether the good in them exceeds the evil.
Many deeds performed for show, and without sincerity, should
not be judged as absolutely harmful. People sometimes may
contaminate their deeds by their egos and their desire, and
may not always be seeking God’s approval and repenting of
their mistakes. But, we have no right to claim that they are
not on the side of the truth.
If each individual in a group tries to impose himself or herself
as the only authority in a certain field and some others imitate
him or her, discipline is destroyed, confusion in engendered,
and the community is divided against itself. Ultimately, this
destroys order due to the confusion over who is really in
charge and the ensuing power struggle between the rulers and
the ruled.
If the successful members of a government or efficient executives
of a state or institution demand the lion’s share of benefits
in consideration of their abilities, the government is paralyzed,
the state collapses, and the institution descends into chaos.
A government subsists on discipline particular to itself,
a state is maintained by its principles, and an army is founded
upon structures of command and obedience. Anything contrary
to this signifies neglect of those vital elements that traditionally
have ensured the cohesion of human societies.
If only people’s hearts were content with what the Sublime
Creator bestows upon them! If only they would seek His Divine
pleasure! Some self-seeking people turn their backs on the
sun’s light and are content with the dim light of the lanterns
in their hands. With these, however, they will never find
the door to eternal light.
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