All of these creations that G-d made follow exactly what He
designed them for. They posses no inclination to do anything more
or less than that. Animals may have their own desires and
instincts, but they have no sense of intuition to do good. Man
alone has this intuition, and this was given to him from G-d when
He breathed into his nostrils the "Nishmas Chayim" (breath of
life). Only then did the universe have its essential meaning to it.
We human beings are the purpose of the world that G-d created. All
that was created was tailor-made to be benefitted by mankind in the
best possible manner. And when abused it would become harmful to
him.
It is man's duty to recognize and to appreciate all these things
that G-d does for him. It is mankind alone who is entrusted with
this sublime ability and who is capable of this. If we ourselves do
not take the time and effort to affirm our appreciation, then who
will? The trees and the plants? The mountains and the seas? The
monkeys and the zebras?
This may seem like an easy task, but in fact it is not. Human
nature is to appreciate initially, and then gradually to take for
granted whatever one has. We are given precepts and obligations in
order to constantly remember the One who gave us all of this.
G-d put man in control of the world and all that is therein. Man
with his actions can bring the entire universe to its highest use
in serving him to enable him to recognize his Creator, or he can
degrade it to its lowest form by using it as a means to fill his
lusts and base desires. It is all dependent on his free will which
direction he chooses for himself. Should he wish to use the world
to serve his Creator and show his appreciation for all He has done
and come closer to Him, he will not only raise himself, but the
entire universe which serves him will rise with him to its ultimate
purpose. If, on the other hand; he uses G-d's creations only to
satisfy his lusts and feed his animalistic desires, then he will
not only bring destruction upon himself, but the entire universe
will lose value as well. Of what purpose can it be now? Just so
that its inhabitants destroy themselves through it?
"Kol echad v'echad chayav lomar bishvili nivra haolam" (San.37)
Each and every individual must take to heart that the world was
especially made just for him as he is. G-d created many different
people and no two are exactly alike. Each and every human being is
a world to himself/herself, and is a central part of the universe.
A Jew who is commited to G-d and to his Torah is given the especial
task of doing his part to bring society to a state of improvement
in a today's world. The Torah has in it the means and indeed the
only means of doing this (see OWT. footnote). By following the
Torah we are actively bringing improvement to the world.
The Torah is meant not merely to be kept, but to be constantly
worked on and improved. It is like a plant which when healthy will
not fail to grow and produce more seeds on its own. If it does not
grow or produce more, then this is a sure sign that the plant is
sick. If even a small growth on the plant was healthy it would grow
well on its own and eventually take over the plant itself.
Similiarly, if the Torah does not cause improvement in its
follower, this is an indication that he/she is either not yet
observing it well enough, or is not yet taking enough interest in
its essence. It is of crucial importance; therefore, that those who
do appreciate the importance of the Torah do whatever they can to
strengthen it in themselves and in others.