The Torah describes four ways you might be responsible for another person’s property: You might be a borrower, a renter, a paid custodian, or an unpaid custodian.
The borrower has near-total liability. The renter and the paid custodian are liable only in cases of negligence. An unpaid custodian is only liable if he abandons his duties or uses the property for himself.
These are the four options you have when entrusted with a life on Planet Earth:
You could take it as just borrowed time to do whatever you like with life and the planet.
Your Maker will say, “Fine, have it your way. I’m not involved, and any damage is your responsibility.”
Just as a borrower takes upon himself all liability.
Or you could work out a contract with your Maker, as in, “You do this for me and I’ll do that for you.” You could be either a renter or a paid custodian.
Your Maker will say, “It’s a deal. I’ll help you out. But if you don’t keep your half of the deal, I won’t be able to keep Mine.”
Just as a renter or a paid custodian takes partial responsibility.
Or you could recognize that all you have belongs to the One Above and your entire life’s meaning is as His agent.
You are the unpaid, faithful steward of life. You do whatever you can, and He will take complete responsibility for all your needs and all your life.
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