
Mastering Our Desires: A Journey of Inner Renewal
This post was adapted from the teaching on Parasha Bereshit given on October 26, 2024 at Rosh Pinah Congregation
In Genesis 4:7, we find that G-d counsel’s Kayin, who is grappling with the feelings of anger and jealousy toward his brother Hevel, saying: “Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” This powerful line touches on a theme that resounds throughout both the TaNaK and the Brit Chadasha—the call to master our inner inclinations and align ourselves with G-d’s will. This journey, often referred to as Tikkun HaNefesh (the healing or repair of the soul), is not just about resisting temptation but about transforming our desires to bring us closer to G-d.
As we explore this concept, we see that Yeshua serves as the ultimate example of how to face the inner struggle of yetzer ha’ra. He, too, was "tempted in every way, just as we are—yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Through His life, He shows us what it means to wrestle with our inner inclinations and emerge victorious, demonstrating that spiritual growth lies not in escaping temptation but in learning to master it.
The Battle Within: Yetzer HaRa and Yetzer HaTov
Jewish thought has long understood that each person possesses two inclinations: the yetzer ha'ra (evil inclination) and the yetzer ha'tov (good inclination). These are not simply forces of good and evil; rather, they represent the complex motivations within us. The yetzer ha'ra is the part of us that seeks pleasure, success, and self-preservation. While these drives are necessary for survival and growth, they must be held in check by the yetzer ha'tov, which guides us toward love, kindness, and obedience to G-d.
In Colossians 3:5, Rav Shaul urges believers to "put to death" the earthly nature—urges and desires that, left unchecked, can lead us away from G-d. But this doesn’t mean rejecting all desire. Much like Jewish wisdom teaches, Rav Shaul’s message is about transforming these inclinations. Thus, the yetzer ha'ra isn’t inherently evil; it’s a raw force that, when disciplined, can serve G-dly purposes. For example, ambition, when driven by love and humility, can lead to great contributions to family and society.
Transforming Desire: Following Yeshua’s Example
Yeshua’s life illustrates the path to Tikkun HaNefesh as He showed perfect self-mastery. Though He faced temptation, He did not succumb to it. He invited His followers to "deny themselves and take up their cross" (Matthew 16:24), a call that mirrors the challenge of mastering the yetzer ha'ra. His life exemplifies what it means to live in alignment with G-d’s will—He wrestled with human inclinations yet elevated them, always choosing the path of love, obedience, and self-sacrifice.
Rav Shaul echoes this in Philippians 2:5-8, where he speaks of Yeshua, who "emptied Himself" and took the form of a servant, humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross. This humility, a willingness to submit every desire to G-d’s higher plan, is the ultimate goal of Tikkun HaNefesh. Yeshua demonstrated that true strength lies in aligning our heart’s inclinations with G-d’s purpose, even when it requires self-denial.
The Path of Spiritual Renewal: Ruling Over Sin
The journey of inner renewal is one of balance. G-d doesn’t ask us to eliminate our desires but to master them, as Genesis 4:7 so powerfully reminds us. Every time we struggle with the temptation to act out of selfish ambition or anger, we are given an opportunity to "rule over it" and grow spiritually. The ancient Jewish saying, "Who is strong? One who conquers his inclination" (Pirkei Avot 4:1), reflects the wisdom of this path.
In each victory over the yetzer ha'ra, we strengthen our spiritual character and draw closer to G-d. Rav Shaul’s encouragement to "put on the new self" (Colossians 3:10) speaks to this same transformation—each step toward self-mastery refines our soul and aligns us with G-d’s image. By following Yeshua’s example, we embrace the call to be co-creators in G-d’s divine plan, actively participating in the healing of our souls and the world around us.
Our Struggle, G-d’s Kingdom
The mission of Tikkun HaNefesh ultimately goes beyond personal transformation; it contributes to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). As we learn to rule over our inclinations, we not only improve ourselves but also bring G-d’s light into the world. This transformation within us has a cosmic impact, allowing us to become vessels through which G-d’s kingdom can manifest on earth.
Each time we choose the path of the yetzer ha'tov over the yetzer ha'ra, we are reminded of Yeshua’s invitation to take up our cross daily, striving for a unity with G-d that transforms us and brings hope to the world. Through our struggle, we contribute to G-d’s kingdom, advancing His vision of peace, justice, and love.
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