Today’s reading is from Leo Tolstoy. It is part of his larger work translated “I Believe” in the Late 19th Century. Tolstoy’s essay is entitled “I, Like the Thief.” In the essay Tolstoy compares his conversion experience with that to the thief on the cross. Tolstoy sees himself on the verge of death, like the thief and sees him suffering in the evil of the world, like the thief. Also like the thief he was dramatically rescued out of death by Christ. The difference for Tolstoy is that he received a new lease on this life whereas the thief had only to look forward to the life hereafter. The most striking line of the whole essay for me is in the first line where Tolstoy says, “I came to believe in Christ’s teachings, and my life suddenly changed;” For me, coming to have a personal relationship with Christ did not result in a dramatic, perceivable life change. But my direction and aspirations did change. A Christ led life is different, it should be and it is worthwhile.
One of the differences is a Christ led life is a life of service. Mark 10:35-45 is instructive for following Christ as a servant. Jesus says it plainly in Mark 10:45 that He came to serve. The challenge of our Spiritual formation today is to find a way to serve another, be it a spouse, neighbor, or stranger. Our life’s change should result in change in another’s life.