A wealthy man was set to start out on a long journey to a distant land. He packed his clothes, other necessities, as well as food for the trip, He then loaded everything into his fine coach.
Before the wealthy man left on his journey, he called his loyal servant and instructed him, “I am leaving my home for an extended period of time, and I am appointing you to faithfully watch over it. I have but one request: that you take great care of my private office, as its contents are very dear to me. Please take extra special care of it!” The servant agreed, and the wealthy man boarded his stagecoach and set off.
As the clouds of dust from the stagecoach settled, the servant entered the house and wondered why the master of the house was so concerned that he ordered the servant to guard his private office. The servant reasoned that an item of immense value must be hidden inside the office.
The servant entered the wealthy man’s office and found a huge wooden chest sitting in the corner that instantly caught his attention.
The servant opened the chest and saw an amazing treasure consisting of gold, silver, precious gems, rubies, and pearls. He was very confused because the entire treasure was covered with mud and grime.
“This is indeed very odd,” the servant thought to himself. “On one hand, my master instructed me to take special care of his precious treasure, yet on the other hand, he himself is so careless with it that he allows it to become filthy with mud and grime.”
So it is with every person who was given a very special treasure. When the time comes for a person to stand in judgment before the Heavenly Court, the innermost parts of their heart are examined. Were the thoughts in the heart pure, and did the person serve the Holy One, blessed be He with goodness and honesty? For the heart is the most precious treasure contained within a person’s body, and if it is revealed that his heart is covered with filth and mud, it is due to the everyday thoughts that fill it.
How terrible will their embarrassment and shame be at that moment? It is for this reason that we pray to the Holy One, blessed be He each and every day, “Teach me Your way, O L-rd, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name.” (Psalm 86:11)
Ribbono shel Olam – Master of the Universe, please make our hearts contain only love and honour for You and not any strange thoughts!
May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)
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Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3)