Day 31: Be Like Him

Read Luke 15-17

As Christians we are often reminded that we are made in the image of God and that we should be more Christlike in our words and actions, but how many of us can truly say we are acting as such on a daily basis? Jesus is always teaching us how to be like him and he continues to do so in Luke 17.

"So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. (Luke 17:3 NIV)

Jesus knows we are bound to stumble in our faith and forgives us of our mistakes - in fact often times we expect him to forgive us, but how often do we do the same for someone who has wronged us? Every time we have sinned against God, we are adding to the suffering Jesus endured on the cross for us. Every time someone has sinned against us, our suffering last but for a moment. So this Lenten season, let us change our perspective on forgiveness – to not only be forgiven by our Savior but to also forgive those who have wronged us.

Of course this is easier said than done and the disciples thought so too, so they asked Jesus to “Increase our faith!”

He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. (Luke 17:6 NIV)

With faith as small as a mustard seed. How crazy is that? When I learned this story for the first time I used to wonder why I couldn't get a tree to move, did I really not have faith in God, would I ever have such faith so I could move a tree? My dad responded to me with a question, "Do you know what the significance is of Jesus saying mustard seed?" And of course I said, "Yeah, because it is so small!" and he told me I was wrong, "The significance of saying it is a mustard seed that a mustard seed is full, there is no room inside a mustard seed. In the same way, our faith whether big or small must consist of only faith, no room for doubt or questions." Is this the type of faith we strive for? Do we strive to move trees and mountains?

Jesus then continues by explaining what type of mentality we should have as Christians.

So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ ” (Luke 17:10 NIV)

Jesus uses an example of the relationship of a servant and master and how the master does not ask for the servant to come and eat with him but rather expects the servant to serve him food and then eat after the master is done because that is the servant’s job. We should have the same mentality with everything we do. We should not expect gratitude for doing what God has called us to do.

So this Lent season, let’s remind ourselves to not only be forgiven but to also forgive; to have true faith without doubts; and to be humble in whatever God calls us to do. Let us become more like Jesus and allow his Holy Spirit to control our lives.

- Shilpa Abraham