When you and the path you have chosen get along just great, it’s hard to know whether your motives are sincere.
But when you come across a path to do good,
and this path goes against every sinew of your flesh
and every cell in your brain;
When you want only to flee and hide from it
—do this.
Then you shall know your motives are sincere.
According to that advice a person should run away and hide if his/hers motives are sincere. Reply
Sincerity I "did it" and turned away deciding flee from this thing that went against every sinew of my flesh and every cell in my brain. But it doesn't make me feel good, as much as it unnerved me walking away just doesn't make it okay. Maybe it my heart that's ruling my brain. Reply
Do this? Do what? I think you are missing part of this, please check and confirm. Thank you Reply
Sincerity
Did you ever understand what
What does this mean? Is it nothing? I still am uncertain.
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sincerity This is so true and I am tested by this on a daily basis in my job. But I also don't believe it is my ego when I do a good deed. I am mentoring a teacher and I like to call it paying it forward. She needs so much help and people put her down and make fun of her. I do this as I am thankful for all the people before me who helped. I get nothing from doing this except thank-you Hashem for what you gave me in knowledge and experience in my field of education and life. Reply
Choose the Path of Life or Death
Our nature is programmed to always choose that which benefits myself - this choice is the 'tree of knowledge' - I calculated it good for me.
It takes effort to overpower this instinct to forget about my self, in order to give and care for others, especially if I know I will not receive any reward in return for my giving - this choice is the 'tree of life' - G_d's nature.
It takes much effort, will and prayer to correct our nature - this is our real purpose: to choose Life over death - develop the holy soul (lives eternally) or remain with the animal nature (death) until you correct it.
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Daily Dose Today What do you mean by "Do it". Do what you what to hide and flee from, or go ahead, flee from it? I am lost here Reply
SINCERITY I try with all my force to understand your “advice/sayings,” and often, I can’t. If every sinew, and cell in my brain tells me no, this has always been my inner voice. With accuracy, my gut feeling, which I believe is G-D’S warning. When I have heeded this, it was wise, if I went against it, it turned out wrong. When there is an opportunity to do good, or help someone, I know this in my heart, head, and soul, simultaneously. This is when, and how, I act in good faith. In all sincerity, it is a split second decision at times, not a thought process. I do what needs doing, without thoughts of how this will impact me. When I get that “gut feeling,” to stop and think, I know I must re-evaluate. This may not mean DON’T; it may just mean think of an enhanced or more efficient approach. The other method seems more like a “fools rush in, where angels fear to tread.” Reply
that is really touching... Reply
I´m not sure I did understand...
Does this mean that sincerity is an attribute of the animal soul?
Is it?
And frankness?What about frankness?
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Sincerity and Honesty What is coming across my path right now from otheres are the things I need to do for myself, not suprisingly. I had thought NOT to do these deeds because I could NOT be sincere about it if I could not help myself. This is a different viewpoint and I am looking forward to additional comments. I should like to know how motivation can become sincere and not resentful. Reply
“Do this” means to do that good thing that you really don’t feel like doing.
It’s very difficult to squeeze these teachings into tight packages. It seems I’ll have to add some words here.