Chapter 3, Mishnah 1: Akavia ben Mahalalel would say
"Reflect upon three things, and you will not come to the hands of transgression. Know from where you came, where you are going, and before whom you are destined to give a judgment and accounting. From where you came - from a putrid drop; where you are going - to a place of dust, maggots, and worms; and before whom you are destined to give a judgment and accounting - before the supreme King of Kings, the Holy One, blessed be He."
The Simple Explanation
In our Mishnah, Akavia ben Mahalalel teaches us how to avoid sin. His method is to reflect upon three specific things. Dwelling that he comes from a putrid drop can save one from vanity. Haughtiness, i.e., thinking he is the most important person in the world, can cause one to regard his own will as more important than G-d's. On one's humble source, Dwelling brings him to the realization that there is no real cause for vanity.
He thinks he will ultimately end up in a place of dust, maggots, and worms, saving him from physical and material desires. These desires all too often bring a person to sin. Realizing the end of the physical and material can curb these desires.
Finally, realizing that one must account for each of his actions, regardless of how silly they are, is an excellent deterrent to sin. This will undoubtedly help one improve his conduct, avoiding the embarrassment of "owning up" to them.
Difficulties in Understanding the Mishnah
We know that the Mishnah is very frugal with its wording; it says everything in the shortest possible way. Why does the Mishnah say one must "reflect on three things" to avoid sin? Why specify the number three? The Mishnah immediately enumerates the three things!
The Explanation
One explanation is that the statement "reflect upon three things" to stay far away from sin is a separate clause in the Mishnah. It stands alone and does not serve to introduce the three things that Mishnah lists further. Instead, it alludes to three fundamental thoughts that enable a Jew to fulfill his purpose in life.
What are these three things? The Talmud says, discussing the purpose of man's creation, that "I was created to serve my Creator." Based on this, when one begins serving G-d, he sees only two things: 1.) himself, and 2.) Hashem. The Mishnah teaches that reflecting upon these two things does not suffice. He must also dwell upon the world that Hashem created. Only by serving Hashem in and through this world can we fulfill His intention of creation; "Hashem desired to have a dwelling place below."
It is only by reflecting upon all three things that a Jew can fulfill his purpose in life. It is not enough to make a dwelling place for Hashem within himself, his body, and his animal soul. Instead, each Jew must refine and transform their portion in this world into a dwelling place for G-d. Through this service, he will bring about the complete and ultimate redemption now!
Adapted from the Sichah of Shabbos Parshas Acharei-Kedoshim, 13 Iyar, 5742
