In daily private devotions, millions of Bahá’ís around the globe recite a prayer by Bahá’u’lláh, Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, that begins "I bear witness, O my God, that Thou has created me to know Thee…" This is in acknowledgement of the belief that human beings are spiritual in nature and have an obligation to acquire qualities that lessen separation from God and build capacity to serve humankind.
Bahá’u’lláh made it clear that all human beings "have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization." His son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, said, "Bahá’u’lláh announced that no matter how far the world of humanity may advance in material civilization, it is nevertheless in need of spiritual virtues and the bounties of God. … Just as [man] advances by progressive stages from the mere physical world of being into the intellectual realm, so must he develop upward in moral attributes and spiritual graces. In the process of this attainment he is ever in need of the bestowals of the Holy Spirit. … Without the presence of the Holy Spirit he is lifeless. Although physically and mentally alive he is spiritually dead."
From a Bahá’í perspective, it is through the progressive revelation of the law of God and His teachings by the Manifestations of God that people learn of the infinite bounties of the spiritual realm–in contrast to the limitations of the mere human world of existence–and are thereby inspired to develop their souls.
For a more extensive introduction to the subject of understanding the purpose of life, refer to the topic "The Purpose of Life." For independent study of the Bahá’í Writings on the subject of spiritual growth, "‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the Journey of the Soul" provides several quotes as a starting point. For collaborative study of this and other subjects, please call the Bahá’ís of Comox (250.702.3041).