Mesillas Yesharim 9 (Chapter 1)

Chapter 1 - cont'd

Sheleimus is created via dveykus which in turn is only created through mitzvot. Thus the way to achieve sheleimus is via perfecting our performance mitzvot. As a result, the essence of our role in this world is to fulfill mitzvot, to work (life is about pushing ourselves not being comfortable), and to withstand challenge. The material world is a medium to achieve this life goal. Therefore we need not be ascetic but before partaking of a pleasure in the material world we need to ask - will it bring me closer to G-d.

Provided courtesy of rabbisilber.com