"Free Will" \ Day 10 \ 30 Days to Teshuvah
"During a person's lifetime there are two material factors that challenge him. The first one, to fulfill all of his earthly desires, is not in his control. (The second will be explained on Day Twelve.)
Just as there are two material factors, there are also two spiritual factors that relate to a person regarding his Divine Service. In contrast to the material realm, both spiritual factors are in his control!
The first one is that at all times every person has the free will to be completely devoted to HaShem's Service."
(Ohr Yisrael, Letter Six).
In which realm does man have a greater opportunity to succeed-- in his earthly enterprises or his spiritual enterprises?
Our earthly orientation and our instinctual yearning for material acquisition fill us with determination to achieve fame and fortune. On the other hand, when it comes to our spirituality we perceive that we are encumbered by bodily forces that impede us from ascending the spiritual heights.
However, the reality is just the opposite! As far as material affairs, no matter how strongly we are motivated to attain wealth, financial success is not dependent upon our will.
Conversely, the enormous power of our free choice grants us the opportunity to fully succeed in our devotion to HaShem -- by virtue of our will alone! If we decide to refrain from all inappropriate actions and to fulfill all the MItzvos, it is within our inherent power to do so.
For instance, Ruth the Moabitess, was the non-Jewish daughter-in-law of Naomi. After the death of Naomi's husband and two sons, Naomi decided to leave Moav and return to the Land of Israel. Ruth pleaded with Naomi to allow her to come with her and join the Jewish People. Initially, Naomi urged Ruth to remain in Moav with her family. However, when Naomi saw Ruth's passionate determination to embrace HaShem and His Torah, she agreed to allow Ruth to accompany her. Ruth became a great Tzedekes and eventually merited to be the great-grandmother of King David!
Tip -- Envision yourself climbing to the top of a mountain with tremendous determination, and with each step advancing to higher level of holiness!
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