In general, Torah study increases our watchfulness. However, specifically meditating on stories and sayings of our sages that speak of the importance of our service and the far-reaching consequences of our smallest failures teach us to be careful.
Three attitudes motivate us to monitor our thoughts, words and actions. They are, in order of importance, (1) to strive for a whole achievement, (2) to seek respect, and (3) to avoid discomfort and pain.
To strive for a whole achievement
We long to do our best in a full and focused way. Thus, we worry and feel embarrassed that we will overlook or fail to do something we could have easily done.
To seek respect
We realize that the more we reach for and accomplish, the higher will be our standing in the world of truth, a world where all that counts is what we have done with our lives.
This motivation is most powerful. When we perceive that to keep pace with our friends and not fall behind those who are "less than us" is all-necessary, we embarrass ourselves into fulfilling our potential.
In addition, we know that our ability to accomplish and accumulate good deeds, a correct life-outlook and wisdom is limited. What we don't do before we die, we lose forever.
To avoid discomfort and pain
We realize that the heavenly courts will judge our lives to the smallest detail with precision, rewarding and punishing us exactly. Thus, we will strive to fulfill our duty that we may receive our full reward and not suffer any hurt.
The greater we become, the greater our potential to do still more, and the greater our influence and responsibility. The Torah records how the greatest personalities received heavy punishments for what we might regard as small mistakes. This teaches us to watch even our lightest actions and words. (See Mesillas Yesharim, Chapter 4, for examples.)
Never say this act or this moment isn't important, for when we give up on the details of our life, we give up our lives. (Baba Kama 50a)
The heavens judge us strictly, as well as with mercy. They judge us strictly. We need to pay the full price for even the smallest wrong. However, they also judge us with mercy. How so?
We receive time in which to repair the damage we have done.
When the punishment does come, it does not destroy us, allowing us room to make changes.
When we think over and regret our sin, resolving not to repeat them, we become as new people. Our change of heart makes it as though we never committed this sin in the first place. Moreover, at times the heavens may regard the smallest change we make as a full repair.
When we correct our ways, we wipe away the punishment that awaited our old selves. Thus, we can receive both justice and mercy. This is only possible however, when we open our eyes and monitor our actions. (From Mesillas Yesharim, Chapter 4)
Visit the author's site. Subscribe to "Keep Smiling".
