The Thing About Faith

Luke 17:5-10 offers us an opportunity to consider our faith. Many of us know the part that goes, 'if you had the faith of a mustard seed'. It is that small thing that works wonders and miracles. We know the part about moving mountains (or Sycamine trees) and casting them (or planting them) in the sea. Faith can move mountains. Right?

Realistically, however, there is not one recorded instance of a person performing such a miraculous act. It is still wholly a matter of faith. But, that's the thing about faith – some see it one way, others discount it altogether. Among those who see it, I fear it is often misinterpreted.

Man often sees the attributes of God in man as a supernatural state. To be perfect, for example, necessitates a flawless state bordering on that of the superhero. At the very least, it establishes arbitrary lines which the normal human may not pass. I have often heard arguments from the non-Christian, such as, 'you can't smoke and be a Christian', or, 'you can't drink', etc. Even the Catholic church sets such lines when it tells it's monks and nuns they may not have relationships.

From practicing Christians we get similar limitations, such as, 'I'm just a sinner saved by grace'. Seems everyone equates being good with self-limitation. We set the standard so arbitrarily high that nobody can reach it. I think the same is true for our interpretation of faith. Many Christians, in their prayers, ask for faith in the same way the apostles did in Luke 17:5. It is seen as a thing in itself that may be given, intact, as a gift.

But in his answer, Jesus said, 'you have to work for it'. Let's look at his answer to a request for faith. It appears the apostles believed they had faith which Jesus could just 'miraculously' ratchet up. And yes, Jesus did tell them a little faith can work wonders. I think what he meant by the mustard seed was not so much the quantity, or the power per quantity, but rather something that grows, becomes, accrues, etc.

After his statement about faith, Jesus made this point – and he made it loud and clear: if you want faith, you have to work up to it. There are no short cuts, just the long way around. What is the long way around? Essentially, it consists of all the pennies that add up to a dollar.

This is what Jesus told them. Luke 17:10, “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”

The servant coming from the field cannot reasonably expect his master to set aside the order of things to elevate the servant beyond his station. There are still a lot of little tasks that must be completed before the servant can reach his desired goal.

Christians know the parameters of their service to God. The many small and ordinary tasks are laid out in black and white. These tasks are where we are at. We must focus on the little things. If we want faith from God or an increase in faith, we must approach it on our own – by the numbers. A dollar is achieved one penny at a time. Perfection is a goal we may come to, not by avoiding the commands of God, but by attending each and every one.

Christians assume that perfection is outside the normal reach of man, but it is not. This is what the Bible tells us about the perfection of man. Matthew 5:44, 45, and 48: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

These are some of the small and ordinary tasks the Christian must remain focused on. You may obtain faith, and even perfection, by working for it. Focus on the commands of God and do not try to get ahead of yourselves.