Subdue the citadels

I want to write a series of posts about what Baha'u'llah says to the people of Baha, and a series about the framework for action, which I imagine will be progressively intertwined. This is about what Baha'u'llah says to the people of Baha.

"Say: We have ordained that our Cause be taught through the power of utterance. Beware lest ye dispute idly with anyone. Whoso ariseth wholly for the sake of his Lord to teach His Cause, the Holy Spirit shall strengthen him and inspire him with that which will illumine the heart of the world, how much more the hearts of those who seek Him. O people of Baha! Subdue the citadels of men's hearts with the swords of wisdom and of utterance. They that dispute, as prompted by their desires, are indeed wrapped in a palpable veil. Say: The sword of wisdom is hotter than summer heat, and sharper than blades of steel, if ye do but understand. Draw it forth in My name and through the power of My might, and conquer then with it the cities of the hearts of them that have secluded themselves in the stronghold of their corrupt desires. Thus biddeth you the Pen of the All-Glorious, whilst seated beneath the swords of the wayward."

(Baha'u'llah, The Summons of the Lord of Hosts, p. 77)

Some thoughts about putting this into practice:

1. Imagine people's hearts imprisoned in citadels guarded by their corrupt desires. Think of wisdom and utterance as swords to use against those corrupt desires.

2. Think of temptations to dispute with people as veils that someone tries to wrap around you, to blind you.

3. Learn more about what God means by "hearts," "wisdom," "utterance," "dispute" and "desires," in this context.