Do you have a rebbi (rabbi-life coach)? Says Rebbi Yisrael Salanter zatzal: If not, get one!
Did you know that in recent years a new profession l'havdil has started in the velt (the world)? It's called a "life-coach," because people have realized that the average person does not necessarily have the seichal (not-so-common-common-sense) and love of emes (truth) to really know what they're doing b'chlal (at all)… (And on our level: Where's the zikui harabim [outreach]?! [See Chovos haLevavos Sha'ar Ahavas Hashem chapter 6, Madreigas ha'Adam: M'zake es haRabim, Leket Reshimos: Yamim Nora'im by ne'ila, as well as Orchos Rabbeinu erech horosav, ohs 42.] But of course every case is different)
In any area in life, from medical to business to law, v'chulu v'chulu (etc. etc.), any normal person is careful to get himself an expert in the field, and not just rely on his own intuition. Rabosi, ruchnius (spirituality) is no different—stick around those who know what they're talking about! (If you can.)
In this week's parsha, we learn about Mr. Balak, who l'hvadil elfei havdalos recognized this as well: You want to get somewhere in life (i.e. lot's of gehinom, in his case…)? Then get yourself an "expert" in the field! Get yourself a Bilam haRasha (chas v'shalom)! Even Balak recognized that if you want to get anywhere than you've got to ask the experts.
And now so much more so when it comes l'havdil to us and maximizing our olam haba (Next Worldly) dividends, just like any good businessman. You really care about maximizing your portion in the World to Come? If so, keep the number close of the Orthodox rabbi that works for you, whoever that may be.
