Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells uses an oft quoted principle, מַעֲלִין בַּקּוֹדֶשׁ וְלֹא מוֹרִידִין One elevates to a higher level in matters of sanctity and one does not downgrade.
Today I will share with you a unique application of this principle, as described by Sefer HaYashar. Since he will be saying quite a chiddush, it’s worth taking a moment to discuss Sefer HaYashar’s provenance. Although there is some unclarity as to who the author is, with some ascribing it to Rabbenu Tam. The Chida in Shem HaGedolim (Ma’arachas Sefarim “Sefer HaYashar”) considers it to be either the Ri MeOrleans (one of the Baale Tosafos) or Rav Zerachia Hayevvani. Regardless, this Sefer is an accepted Rishon, thus we can accept him with authority. Sefer HaYashar (13) applies this principle not just as a classic hierarchical value, such as in our Gemara where we cannot demote a Cohen Godol, but also as an operative spiritual and developmental guide. Here are his golden words of advice about how to practice spiritual and religious growth:
וצריך בהתחילו לבוא אל עבודת אלקּיו לבל יחשבנה כמלאכות, אשר אם יקוץ בהן ויניחן אין לדאוג עליו, רק הוא צריך לבל יקרב לעבודת אלקּיו עד יסכים עם לבבו לשקוד עליה כל ימיו, ולהתחיל במעט ממנה כדי להוסיף בה בכל יום כמו שאמרו רבותינו, זכרונם לברכה (ברכות כח.) ״מעלין בקודש ולא מורידין״.
When he begins to come to worship his God, he should not consider it as something which, if he wearies of it, he can put aside and not worry about it. But he should not draw near to the service of his God until he has agreed with his heart to concentrate diligently on it all of his days. And he should begin with a little, in order to increase his worship every day, just as our Sages, of blessed memory, said (Berakhot 28a), “In matters of holiness one ascends rather than descends.”
וצריך לזכור לנפשו כל תנאי העבודה, ואם יכיר מלבבו כי לא יוכל לסבול כל תנאיה, יקח מהם מה שיוכל לסבול, וטוב לו המעט התמידי מן הרב אשר לא יעמוד.
He should review in his soul all the conditions of worship, and if he discerns in this heart that he is not able to bear all of its conditions, let him select from them that which he is able to bear. Better for him to do what is little, but consistent, rather than much, which does not last.
Sefer HaYashar is giving us the gift of sound advice. No matter how important Torah and Avodah is, nay, BECAUSE Torah and Avodah are so important, we cannot afford to be scatter shot in our approach. One must prepare to take on religious responsibilities without being a dilettante, and therefore build up slowly so that once a certain behavior or undertaking is established, there is no retreating. Sefer HaYashar is making religious service both harder and easier. He is saying do not take on anything too fast before you are ready, but once you take it on, do not drop it.
Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation 
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