The Inner Inclinations Are Not the Enemy
You were not born with “bad” traits. You were born with raw materials waiting to be tuned.
“Why do I have such strong urges that seem to contradict my spiritual path? Why did God create me with inclinations for lust, fear, or anger if I am supposed to be holy?”
The human being was created with inclinations, traits, and qualities known as “The Instinct” (Yetzer). There are congenital inclinations—like attraction to sex, to food, to certain emotions. Free Will is not about choosing your inclinations, but choosing how to respond to them.
Whether to let them rule over us. Or to direct them according to the Purpose.
Even congenital inclinations are part of what the Creator gave in order to serve a purpose. Therefore, there is no “betrayal of yourself” If you learn to manage them with wisdom.
The Zohar says that the Creator created all things so that Man would choose the path that fulfills the Will of Creation. The inclinations are a Tool. Not a limit.
Like a musical instrument: One string might be thick and loud. But only in the hand of the player can a melody be created. So is Man: the inclinations are fixed. But the Light that arrives through them depends on the Choice.
Free Will is not to fight the inclinations. But to Illuminate them and use them for a spiritual goal.
A congenital attraction is not an injustice. But Raw Material. A person who is capable of moving their inner Will from “personal pleasure only” To a “Higher Purpose” Does not live in contradiction. But reveals true power of choice: to choose the Light within the inclination.
The Soul is Divine Light living inside the vessel of the Body. Free Will is the power of the Soul to direct the energy of the inclinations to a place that brings one closer to the Infinite Light.
A Practical Example: Suppose a person has a strong inclination for sex. This is a congenital and clear inclination. Part of the creative plan of his body and psyche.
If he lives only according to the inclination— It becomes a force that drives him toward self-pleasure only, a life of lust, frustration, and loss of purpose. Here, Free Will is almost invisible: everything is “dragged” by the emotion.
But if the person learns to know the inclination, To understand the power within it, And intends to use it for something higher— For example: the value of connection, love, creativity, attachment, or self-correction— Then the inclination does not disappear. But is Converted into a Vessel of Light.
He is not “against himself.” On the contrary. He utilizes the raw material of the inclination for a Divine Goal. As the Teaching of Mashiach teaches: Every internal force— Even if strong or difficult— Can become a bridge to the Light.
Every congenital inclination—sex, lust, fear, frustration, ambition— Is raw material. Not Light. Not Darkness. It is like earth that has not been tilled.
Most people live with these inclinations ruling them. They identify with the feeling. And life runs in recurring loops.
How do we know the inclination has turned into a Vessel of Light?
Cessation of Identification: The person can feel the urge without being swept away by it automatically. According to the Baal HaTanya, this is the first stage where the Soul begins to rule over the Body.
Inner Intention: The person directs the energy to a goal connected to the Soul (e.g., turning sexual attraction into true connection or creativity).
Inner Quiet: When the inclination serves the Soul, there is no more pressure or internal conflict. The psyche feels freedom.
External Result: Actions and relationships begin to “flow” and not create recurring loops. According to the Zohar, this is a sign that the internal vessel has undergone repair.
If the inclination still causes frustration, guilt, or dependence— The force is not yet converted to Light. But this is not failure. The Soul is simply waiting for you to turn inward, know the material, and choose the Intention.
When this happens, Even a very strong congenital inclination—sex, fear, or ambition— Becomes a Crown that connects you to the Divine Revelation.