GATE OF TRUST
G-d, in His wisdom, decided to test the person as to whether he will choose to serve G-d or to rebel against Him.... it will become clear if he wishes to serve G-d or disobey Him, based on his choice* of the means with which to obtain his needs.
Commentary
Based on his choice. Does he choose to acquire his materialistic needs in a manner that is aligned with the laws of the Torah? Or will he approach this endeavor in any way possible, even if he must transgress G-d’s will? (Marpei Lanefesh; Tov Halevanon).
The Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, writes: A person must be happy with his material lot. He is equally happy if he has abundance or not, because he knows that it is all from G-d. Someone who does not equate these two (having and not having) demonstrates that he acts for himself, loving himself to the extent that he removes himself from under the authority of G-d.
The reason why he desires a “materialistic life” is that it makes him feel good. Concerning him it may be said that it would be better if he were not born, because the main reason man was placed into this world is to test him with physical, materialistic trials, to ascertain what is in his heart—will he turn to other gods, namely, the passions of his body? Or will his desire remain with G-d, thereby living a real true life, knowing that all his experiences are from G-d Himself?
The Alter Rebbe concludes: If a person knows the truth and lives with the belief that everything is truly from G-d and is inherently good, then the concealment of the good is removed, and only revealed good will remain (Iggeret Hakodesh Epistle 11).
From Chovot Halevavot
GateofTrust.org
