Why all the hardships and the pain??
The only way to build muscle is by experiencing pain, sore
muscles etc. There is no other way, period. To expand fundamentally and
inherently, you can’t be stretched just from the outside, it must come from
inside, your own internal struggle with the status quo.
One of the 13 principles of faith states, that G-d
administers rewards and punishments. “If you will go in my statutes and guard
my commandments …I will give rain in its proper times and the earth will offer
its produce….” No free lunch with G-d. If you work, “your employer is
trustworthy to remunerate your efforts.”
G-d is the essence of good. G-d, the source of this entire
world is pure kindness. If that’s the case, why doesn’t all this good and
kindness just naturally flow from G-d, since that’s all He really is anyway?
Why all the conditions, restraints and limitations? Why, the struggle of life?
Actually, mysticism explains the above principle applies to
the realm of Holiness and blessings. In the realm of darkness and negativity
the flow of energy comes without any or very little effort. Darkness, is a
state of existence because there is no light. To create light, to draw light,
an effort must be made to have it. But, why is that the case?
True good, is good when completely and totally appreciated.
What good is it, if you don't even know or feel the goodness? True good is not
just superficial, but reaches deep inside and is internalized.
Because G-d is the essence of good He wants to give that
same kind of good that isn’t fake, and doesn't want to give a good that may not
be valued by its recipients. G-d wants the good to be appreciated for ALL its’,
worth and value. Therefore, those that are not of G-ds good side and are
undeserving, what appears to be blessings in abundance, is in truth not only
not valued and/or is appreciated, it is actually the source of much heartache
and trouble in their lives.
Mysticism describes free (unearned) bread, as "bread of
shame”.
Real confidence and self-esteem can’t ever come to people
who steal and cheat. Feelings and knowledge that “I” am worth something, can
only come when the “I” is really worth something. In addition to the
corruptness and immorality in the process of trying to scam someone, there
can’t ever be real inner happiness and/or joy in possessions or accomplishments
that don't belong where they are. The blessings of life are missing.
A person will only truly relish the fruit, the product of
their own hard labor. Our sages say, “a person prefers (and enjoys) one measure
that is theirs, more than 9 measures granted for free from others”. The quality
in less, is way more, than in the superficial quantity of more.
The ultimate purpose in the obstacles and struggles of life
and in serving G-d, is to strengthen and deepen the pleasure and personal satisfaction
that comes from overcoming the test. Not only because that’s what brings the
best out of the person, but also because the deeper and higher dimensions of
G-d are conveyed through the struggle.
Spiritual fulfillment therefore requires and stresses the
need for the internal fight and the struggle with our environment.
Difficulties, create the yearning and desire for respite.When finally reached,
this makes the sweetness and pleasantness all the more deeper and richer.
Once, Rabbi Shneur Zalman wanted to gift his grandchild with
the wisdom of the Torah. The grandchild, Rabbi Menachem Mendel refused the
gift, thinking it’s better and more accomplishing when attained through hard
work. Later on in life, he was sorry for refusing the gift because he realized,
as much as he would have been granted through the gift, since G-ds wisdom is
infinite, there would still be so much more to earn through hard work and toil.
Cherish the struggle because it will bring you to the
deepest and best things G-d/life has to offer.
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