D'var Torah: "Let a person always regard himself and the entire world as if they are half culpable and half meritorious. If he performs one Mitzvah, happy is he, for he tips himself and the whole world to a meritorious status. If he commits one sin, he tips himself and the world to a culpable status" (Kedushin 40b). Our Sages offer us a highly motivational perspective for spiritual growth. Each one of us stands at the pivotal point of whether the world will be judged favorably, or unfavorably. We view ourselves as partners with all of mankind. Since we see the status of the world as fifty percent culpable and fifty percent meritorious, every deed that we do profoundly affects the welfare of the world. We are inspired to perform Mitzvot, in order to bring merit to the entire world. Likewise, we are motivated to not commit any sin, so as not to bring culpability upon the world.
Moral: Each Mitzvah that we do saves the world and benefits mankind with light, life, and joy.
Application: Review this important teaching: "Let a person always regard himself and the entire world as if they are half culpable and half meritorious. If he performs one Mitzvah, happy is he, for he tips himself and the whole world to a meritorious status. If he commits one sin, he tips himself and the world to a culpable status." Imagine that you are a partner with all mankind. Be inspired to perform Mitzvot and avoid sins. Take advantage of the opportunity to save the world. Bring a favorable judgement on the world with each Mitzvah that you perform.
(Based on Kedushin 40b and commentary of Bnei Yehodiah)
