Consolidation is as vital a part of the teaching work as
expansion. It is that aspect of teaching which assists the believers to deepen
their knowledge and understanding of the Teachings, and fans the flame of their
devotion to Baha'u'llah and His Cause, so that they will, of their own
volition, continue the process of their spiritual development, promote the
teaching work, and strengthen the functioning of their administrative
institutions. Proper consolidation is essential to the preservation of the
spiritual health of the community, to the protection of its interests, to the
upholding of its good name, and ultimately to the continuation of the work of
expansion itself. (17 April 1981, written on behalf of the Universal House of
Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies; Compilation ‘Entry By Troops’,
prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice)