Our Habits Turn into Second Nature

People in general are raised in agreement with their egoistic natures, including observing the commandments of the Bible, and they continue to automatically uphold the notions they acquired from their upbringing. This makes it unlikely that they will ever depart from this particular level of connection with the Creator.

Thus, when our bodies (desire to receive) ask why we are observing the commandments, we reply that this was how we were brought up; it is the accepted way of life for us and our community. With upbringing as our base, habit has become second nature, and we require no effort to perform natural actions, since they are dictated both by body and mind.

Thus, there is no risk of transgressing that which is most familiar and natural. For example, an observant Jew will not suddenly have a desire to drive on Saturday.

Thinking and Acting in a New Fashion

But if we wished to behave in a way unnatural to our upbringing, and not perceived by our being as a natural need of the body, even the least significant action would generate from the body the question: Why are we engaging in this activity and what prompted us to leave the state of relative tranquility to do so?

In this case, we will be confronted by a test and a choice, because neither we, nor the society from which we come, engages in the actions that we plan to undertake. There is no one who could serve as an example and no one to support our intentions.

It is not even possible to gain comfort in the thought that others also think along the same lines as we do. Since we cannot find any example either in our own upbringing or in society, we must come to the conclusion that it is the fear of the Creator that prompts us to act and think in a new fashion. Thus, there is no one to turn to for support and understanding, except the Creator.

Since the Creator is One and is our only support, we are also considered to be unique, and not part of the masses among which we were born and raised. Since we can find no support in the masses and are solely dependent on the mercy of the Creator, we become worthy of receiving the Light of the Creator, which serves to guide us along our path.

Finding Our Free Choice in Serving the Creator

Every beginner comes across one common question: Who decides the direction of one’s path, the person or the Creator?

In other words, who chooses whom: Does a person choose the Creator, or does the Creator choose the person?

From one point of view, one must say that it is the Creator Who chooses an individual by virtue of what is known as “personal providence.” As a result, one must be thankful to the Creator for providing an opportunity to do something for His sake.

But on considering why the Creator chose this particular individual, offering this unique opportunity, the question arises: why observe the commandments? For what purpose?

Now, the individual concludes that this opportunity was given to encourage action for the sake of the Creator, that the work itself is its own reward, and that distancing from this work would be a punishment. Taking on this work is now the person’s free choice, to serve the Creator; therefore, one is prepared to request help from the Creator—to strengthen the intention that all actions undertaken will benefit the Creator. This is the free choice that a person makes.

“Finding Freedom of Choice in Life” is based on the book, Attaining the Worlds Beyond by Dr. Michael Laitman.

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