Most people spend their lives in pursuit of pleasures and possessions. The promise of paradise does not move them. They work hard for ephemeral palaces on earth, but not for eternal mansions in paradise. They devote their energies to be at the top of their graduating class in this world- a glamorous illusion that endures for but a little while and then vanishes. But when it comes to graduating from this world, their standards go down. "A student rushed into the office of his faculty advisor just after mid-terms, 'I need help!' The professor asked, 'What's your trouble?' The student replied, 'I got an F in science, an F in math, and a D in geography.' 'Well, what's your explanation for that?' asked the professor. The student replied, 'I think I spent too much time on geography!'" (2:1)

Sacred Scriptures assure us that no learning however small, no act however insignificant, will be lost, that the One who has made the universe can certainly preserve our deeds and reward us accordingly (2:2)

And if anyone gives a cup of cold water to one of these little ones...I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward. Christ (Matt. 10:42) (2:3)

Again, those who have had near-death visions indicate that: (2:4)

Death does not destroy the self, its sense of individuality, identity, or consciousness (2:5)

The soul enters a new spiritual dimension, indescribable in its beauty and perfection (2:6)

Physical pain and infirmity (blindness, deafness, etc.) disappear (2:7)

The soul gains new gifts and powers, like the freedom to travel throughout the universe without any instrument, and to pass through physical barriers (2:8)

The soul remembers and reviews all the events of its life, including caring or uncaring acts (2:9)

There is some kind of evaluation of one's life (2:10)

The soul has a chance to meet loved ones who have died (2:11)

The individual returns with a sense of purpose and meaning for this life. He or she learns that the most critical goal in life is to love and to learn- to love all humanity (not just one's family members) and to seek knowledge.6 (2:12)

The following are a few brief quotes from people who have had near-death visions: (2:13)

"All pain vanished." "There was a feeling of utter peace and quiet, no fear at all." "After I came back, I cried off and on for about a week because I had to live in this world after seeing that one." "It opened up a whole new world for me...I kept thinking, 'There's so much that I've got to find out.'" "I heard a voice telling me what I had to do- go back- and I felt no fear." 7 (2:14)

Baha'i sacred writings on the afterlife are abundant. Here is an excerpt from Baha'u'llah's works: (2:15)

Thou hast asked Me concerning the nature of the soul. Know, verily, that the soul is a sign of God, a heavenly gem whose reality the most learned of men hath failed to grasp, and whose mystery no mind, however acute, can ever hope to unravel. It is the first among all created things to declare the excellence of its Creator, the first to recognize His glory, to cleave to His truth, and to bow down in adoration before Him. If it be faithful to God, it will reflect His light, and will, eventually, return unto Him. If it fail, however, in its allegiance to its Creator, it will become a victim to self and passion, and will, in the end, sink in their depths (2:16)

Whoso hath, in this Day, refused to allow the doubts and fancies of men to turn him away from Him Who is the Eternal Truth, and hath not suffered the tumult provoked by the ecclesiastical and secular authorities to deter him from recognizing His Message, such a man will be regarded by God, the Lord of all men, as one of His mighty signs, and will be numbered among them whose names have been inscribed by the Pen of the Most High in His Book. Blessed is he that hath recognized the true stature of such a soul, that hath acknowledged its station, and discovered its virtues.8 (2:17)

In this world we see only the visible. Sometimes we doubt that we will ever enjoy the fruits of our labor. "One cold February day a snail started climbing an apple tree. As he inched slowly upward, a worm stuck its head from a crevice in the tree to offer some advice: 'You're wasting your energy. There isn't a single apple up there.' The snail kept up his slow climb. 'There will be when I get there,' he said." (2:18)

Among the most beloved and blessed attributes in the sight of God is patience. Those who endure the unpleasant with resignation will receive "the choicest gifts:" (2:19)

Say, this earthly life shall come to an end, and everyone shall expire and return unto my Lord God Who will reward with the choicest gifts the deeds of those who endure with patience. Verily thy God assigneth the measure of all created things as He willeth, by virtue of His behest; and those who conform to the goodpleasure of your Lord, they are indeed among the blissful.9 The Bab (2:20)

We all know we can never get out of this world "alive." And yet we live as if we will. Life is a journey; we must consistently set goals and move on. What matters is not where we started but how far we have traveled. Our life is like a taxi ride. Whether we go anywhere or not, the meter keeps ticking. Sooner or later our earthly ride hits a dead end. And the ticking taxi has no reverse gears (2:21)

O CHILDREN OF NEGLIGENCE!

>Set not your affections on mortal sovereignty and rejoice not therein. Ye are even as the unwary bird that with full confidence warbleth upon the bough; till of a sudden the fowler Death throws it upon the dust, and the melody, the form and the color are gone, leaving not a trace. Wherefore take heed, O bondslaves of desire! (10 Baha'u'llah- ) (2:22)

All sacred Scriptures encourage us to take advantage of the opportunities we have in this life to advance spiritually. While here, on our journey towards God, we can advance in one instant as much as a thousand years. This will never again be possible. The most critical feature of this world among all the worlds of God is this: It sets the pace for everything that follows throughout all eternity. We are asked a thousand times and more to seize the moment before it is gone forever: (2:23)

Seize your chance...inasmuch as a fleeting moment in this Day excelleth centuries of a bygone age ...Neither sun nor moon hath witnessed a day such as this. (11 Baha'u'llah- ) (2:24)

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