|  I
recall a cute comic strip depicting Moses coming down
from Mt. Sinai with the Ten Commandments written in
stone. “I've got good news and bad news,” he announces
to the Israelites waiting anxiously at the bottom
of the mountain. “The good news is that I got Him
down to ten.” The crowd cheers. “The bad news is that
adultery is still in.”
It
is not uncommon for people to think the commandments
spoil the fun of life -- that G-d is really a cosmic
party pooper, and that there is a conflict of interest
between man and G-d.
People
think that serving G-d is demeaning; servitude implies
a slave-master relationship. But that is not the real
meaning of serving G-d. The opportunity to serve G-d
is the greatest gift we could ever imagine. It's empowering.
To serve G-d means that we can do something on behalf
of G-d. It's an unbelievable honor!
The
Talmud teaches that if you come close to fire, you
will be warm; that the servant who comes close to
the king partakes in royalty.
I've
been at the home of some very, very wealthy people.
I always find it so interesting that the various workers
in the home -- gardeners, caterers, hair dressers,
etc. -- live in the mansion with their boss, eat the
same food, and enjoy the use of the same facilities
like the pool, sauna and jacuzzi during their breaks.
The workers in the palace in many ways enjoy the life
of royalty. They come the closest and thereby enjoy
the most intimate encounters with the king.
Working
for G-d is not a diminishing experience. It's the
most incredible elevation of status. If I build my
business for my sake, to make money for me ,
it is really no big deal. But if I build my business
for G-d's sake -- if I look at what I do and I ask
myself how can I promote G-d's purpose in this world;
how can I bring into the world more love, peace, kindness,
justice, wisdom; how can I be an instrument serving
to reveal Divine qualities and ideals in the world
-- it's an unbelievable opportunity! This is the secret
to a profoundly meaningful and fulfilling life.
There's
an amazing song by Bob Dylan: “You're gonna have to
serve somebody.”
Everybody's
serving somebody. There's nobody in this world that
isn't serving somebody else. The question is not --
to serve or not to serve. The question is - who
to serve?
If
my life is dedicated to gaining approval from certain
people, then I am always less than they are. But if
my life is dedicated to G-d, then the sky's the limit
to my self-worth. There is no greater mission waiting
for me. There is nothing higher.
All
human beings have been given a mission in this world.
There is a universal mission that we are all obligated
in. However, there is also a unique mission for every
nation -- United State, England, China , Israel ,
etc. And within each nation's mission each citizen
has a special, personal mission. Sometimes you know
your mission and sometimes you don't know your mission.
But that doesn't mean you're not performing it. All
in all, it is important to remember that even if you
are not sure what your precise personal mission is
-- even if you don't feel like you're fulfilling your
mission -- you may in fact be on target. This is one
of the most important lessons of the Torah and Kabbalah.
Each and every one of us has a Divine purpose and
mission on earth.
By
now I am sure you are wondering how you can find out
what is your calling and mission. The Vilna Gaon,
who was one of the greatest sages of the Jewish people
in the 18th century, tells us how. He quotes Ecclesiastes
-- “In all your ways know G-d and He will straighten
your path” – and explains the difference between a
“way” and a “path” like this: A “way” is known to
everyone. It's the highway. Everyone knows where the
highway is. It's a public thoroughfare. But a “path”
is off the beaten track. A path is not public. It
is the private and unique way for the individual.
There
are certain ways that we serve G-d that are common
to us all. These ways are not unique to any of us.
They are the highways of life. You can't get anywhere
unless you get on those highways. However, once you
get on the public highway, suddenly you will see a
sign that says, “David -- exit 3 miles left.” That
is where David turns off to continue his journey to
fulfill his mission. Now Jan who was also on the highway
sees David get off and feels a little jealous. “Lucky
guy! He found his path.” But with some patience Jan
plods forward until she discovers her path. And sure
enough there's a sign for her too. “Jan, 5 miles exit
left.”
Everyone
has a unique path waiting for them to journey upon.
To find it we've got to get on the highway. Collectively
we have a mission. It's the highway. The collective
mission of human beings is to become more and more
humane.
Each
nation has a mission. One nation may be responsible
to lead the advancement of technology in the world.
Another perhaps is meant to lead research and development
in the field of medicine. Another perhaps is called
upon to increase art and music. And yet another may
be appointed to head up promoting the moral and ethical
progress of the world.
After
we have accepted our mission as a member of the human
race and our mission as a member of our specific nation,
then we will be we shown our individual mission. Until
that time you should work at becoming a more decent
human being and a better citizen of your nation. You
get on the public highway when you fulfill G-d's commandments
and then G-d will lead to your unique path.
Each
and every one of us has a mission in life -- a calling.
The thing you have to always remember is “Who” is
calling. G-d is calling you to be His agent on earth,
and the mission He is asking you to fulfill is not
only your mission but G-d's mission.
Unfortunate
is the person who thinks he or she doesn't have a
mission in life. Nietzsche, the German philosopher
famous for saying that G-d is dead, ironically insisted
that “unless a person feels that some infinite whole
is working through him, his life has no meaning.”
That
“infinite whole” is G-d and every one of His commandments
is an opportunity to experience the profound meaning
of service. Our mission in life is our meaning in
life.
Rabbi
David Aaron
Author of Endless Light, Seeing G-d, The Secret Life
of G-d, Inviting G-d In and Living a Joyous
Life |
