The One Thing That Makes All The Difference

3:00 AM

It is dark, both inside and out. All is quiet, except the rustle of a few leaves in the gentle night wind.

Inside the house, a figure slowly creeps up the stairs. Ever so quietly, he climbs step by step, using tiptoes so as not to wake the sleeping family.

Good or Bad?

Is this figure a hero, or is he up to no good?

From the information given, it’s impossible to know.

On first instinct, you may assume the figure is a thief. He must maintain absolute silence in order to successfully carry out his mission.

However, that figure could also be a boy. He woke up feeling unwell, and went downstairs to take a drink of water. Not wanting to wake his sleeping parents or the rest of the family, he tiptoes quietly back to his room.

The Difference: Motivation

Both “figures” performed exactly the same act. The description could represent both equally well. What is it, then, that makes the one a hero and the other a villain?

The defining factor here is the motivation. The boy’s intention was admirable: to perform the mitzvah of Kibbud Av Va'Aim (honoring parents) and the mitzvah of not waking those who are sleeping. The robber, on the other hand, had only himself in mind. He did not respect other people’s sleep - he just wanted to get away with some valuables before anyone noticed!

Bitachon and Effort: Having the Right Motive

Hashem is the Guiding Force behind everything that transpires in the world and everything that happens to me personally. This is the fundamental idea of Bitachon!

Yet, at the same time, God requires me to try my best and do what I can to fulfill my needs and achieve my goals. This is the obligation of hishtadlus, effort.

There can be two people, equally hardworking, but one has complete trust in Hashem, while the other is severely lacking in Bitachon. What sets them apart?

The answer is, of course, their motivation.

One believes that whatever Hashem has set aside for him, he will have. He works hard, but only because Hashem has commanded us to put forth appropriate effort.

The other believes that if he works hard, he will earn well. In his mind, his efforts are the cause of his success. He has left Hashem out of the picture completely. (It is also possible for a person to attribute some credit to Hashem, but most credit to his own efforts. This is still a lack of Bitachon. A person should believe that his efforts serve the purpose of fulfilling his obligation, but success or failure are completely in the hands of Hashem.)

Real Service or Lip Service?

On the other end of the spectrum, there may be two people who both say “Everything is by Hashem’s decree”, but one is righteous and the other is a fool!

The righteous man truly believes that God runs the world. The man puts forth his required effort, but places his trust in Hashem to do what is best for him.

The fool is lazy and does not want to work. “Everything is by Hashem’s decree” is just his excuse to exempt himself from doing his part.

Same refrain, totally different intent!

For God’s Sake, Give Us Life!

There are several passages which we add to the amidah prayer during the Ten Days of Repentance from Rosh Hashanna through Yom Kippur. The first is:

Remember us for life, King who desires life, and write us in the book of life for Your sake, Living God.

Of course we’re asking for life - after all, everyone wants to live! But what is “for Your sake” doing in there?

Life without God has no meaning. It is only when I live my life in a Godly fashion that my life takes on purpose.

I am asking Hashem for life not because I want to eat, drink and be merry, but rather so that I can serve Hashem.

Actions are important; intention is crucial!!

Practical Bitachon

You can turn any type of work or effort into a Bitachon moment! Just remind yourself that success and failure are determined by Hashem, and your effort is just a necessary tool, not the real cause.