Gimmee, Gimmee

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

Seems like a pretty good request. Isn't that what we are all supposed to be about, increasing our faith? And shouldn't we be asking for it since it is a gift? Seems reasonable, which is why I should be cautious. I have learned the long, slow way that when I think something is "reasonable" then Jesus will probably disagree. There's going to be a twist somewhere, an ironic turn that will bring me up short.

So I proceed cautiously as Jesus makes a big jump when he says in response to the request for faith, Should a slave get thanked because he did what he was supposed to do?

Huh?

As usual Jesus cuts to the heart of what the apostles were really saying. They were playing the age old human game of turning to whoever they think is their god and in full, possibly fake humility, saying - "Gimmee. I've been good, I want to be better. Thank me for doing what you asked so Gimmee."

If I simply do what God wants me to do, if I follow Jesus because He is the Lord, then what reward is there supposed to be in doing that? This is simply grace. By going an extra mile I am not showing how much better I am than say that guy over there, I am simply doing my thing as a Christ-follower.