God’s Definition of Faith

“The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith’” (Luke 17:5). The men who comprised Christ’s close circle were asking something important of their Master. Desiring a greater understanding of the meaning and working of faith, they were saying, in essence, “Lord, what sort of faith do you desire from us? Give us a revelation of what pleases you so that we may grasp faith in its fullest meaning.”

On the surface, this request seems commendable. Yet the disciples asked this of Jesus because they were confused. In the previous chapter, Christ had baffled them, saying, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much … Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” (16:10-11).

Jesus knew his followers’ flesh wanted to avoid what they considered to be the lesser matters of faith, so he told them, “If you’re faithful in the little things, the foundational matters of faith, you’ll be faithful in the greater things, too. So, prove yourself trustworthy in the basic requirements of faith. Otherwise, how can you be trusted with a deeper measure?”

If we’re honest, we will admit to being much like Jesus’s disciples. We would prefer to proceed straight to the larger matters of faith, to obtain the kind of faith that moves mountains. And, like the disciples, we often judge faith by visible results — grand buildings, large crowds, impressive book sales. Brilliant, clever people have accomplished great things for God but they do not necessarily represent God’s definition of faith. Indeed, no work, no matter how great, is of any value to the Lord unless the lesser, hidden matters of faith are being attended to.

Do you believe the Lord has given you a dream that requires a miracle? Have you been challenged to step out in a new direction that demands supernatural faith? It’s important to understand that God often does years of preparation before he fulfills the vision he has planted in us. God may be saying, “Set aside your dreams and visions for a season and get to know me intimately. Forsake any hidden sin, submit to the Holy Spirit, and then you’ll see my holy vision come to pass in your life.”