“the lump that must leaven the peoples of the world”

The companions of God are, in this day, the lump that must leaven the peoples of the world. They must show forth such trustworthiness, such truthfulness and perseverance, such deeds and character that all mankind may profit by their example. 

- Baha’u’llah  (cited in Shoghi Effendi, ‘The Advent of Divine Justice’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Excellence in All Things)