Growing In Faith
Wanting to grow in faith is a wonderful thing. Sometimes growing in faith is confused with growing in the faith. Growing in the faith usually refers to getting a better grasp on the core doctrines and teachings of Christianity.
On the other hand, growing in faith usually refers to the personal relationship we have with God through Jesus. The goal is deeper trust and reliance on God's love, kindness, and promises. And since Jesus is God with us, it fosters deeper fellowship with Him and a stronger connection to His work of redemption.
While growing in the faith is very important, growing in faith is critical. This should be a natural desire for those who have had their eyes opened to the beauty of Jesus and His love for them, and His work for them.
In Luke 17:5 we read of the apostles asking one thing of Jesus, “increase our faith.” This request came right after Jesus talked about how they need to be like Him. Specifically, they should be generously forgiving. Forgiving to a level that seems ridiculous, over the top, and unheard of. After all, this is one good definition of what Jesus came to do – amazing and radical forgiveness.
The disciples understood immediately that this was beyond their capacity, so they asked, “increase our faith.” So increased faith leads not only to deeper fellowship with Jesus that comforts and assures, but also changes us so we can be better ambassadors of Jesus and His gospel.
Growing in faith moves us deeper into the front lines of the mission. As we gain deeper faith, we experience closer fellowship with Jesus and better alignment with why He came to save the lost.
This doesn't mean that all deeply faithful Christians will leave everything here to become missionaries in another country. Rather, it implies that we will better represent Jesus wherever we are because we will be more like Him. If there's one significant area where we all need help, it's loving those who we don't naturally love, and being people that forgive.
To be sure, increased faith is not formulaic or something we manufacture from our will or determination. That approach leads to pride.
Instead, increased faith comes as the Holy Spirit works within us, as we look to Jesus through Scripture, as we engage in fellowship with other believers, as we hear sound preaching, as we navigate through the experiences God brings into our lives.
In addition to becoming more like Jesus, growing in faith will involve trials or struggles. It's easy to think that if I make a sincere attempt to grow in faith, God will then respond by making my life easier.
We call this prosperity thinking, and that's full of manipulation and usury. If we're genuinely seeking to become more like Jesus, the Holy Spirit will begin changing us and our longings. God will transition us from trusting in worldly priorities and inclinations to trusting in His goodness.
And this transition usually contains struggle, because leaving our idols isn't easy. The process of growth often involves challenges that refine our character and deepen our reliance on God. This journey involves both challenges and blessings.
Stay rooted in Scripture, engage with fellow believers for support and encouragement, and trust that God will guide you through every step of this transformative process. To quote Jim Elliot, a missionary who was martyred in South America, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
Jesus, you are the great prize. You are eternal satisfaction. I'm sorry for so often looking to this world to find purpose. Thank you for loving me anyway. Please cause me to see you as the only one who can meet my deepest desires.
Let's close with 2 Peter 3:18. The Apostle Peter in his letter to struggling Christians said they should
“grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Song: Give Me Faith