PAST COLUMN #10

From the West Meadow
By Pastor Wesley Higgins

Jesus makes a statement that should make every Christian take time to analyze his or her role in life. This statement is recorded for us by Luke in Luke 17:10-- Jesus says, "So likewise you, when you have done all these things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’"

The implication is very clear: a Christian can’t just do the minimum requirements–he or she must be active in the faith, going above and beyond. It’s not enough to merely say we are Christian; we must be living a Christian life. As someone once said, it’s not enough to "talk the talk, we must walk the walk."

But what is most amazing about Jesus’ statement is the topic He was addressing. In verse 5 of Luke 17 the apostles are recorded asking Jesus to "increase our faith." In verse 6, Jesus comments on the power of faith. Then in verses 7 through 10, He tells a story to explain to the apostles what they (and we) must do to increase faith.

What Jesus is explaining is that in order to increase one’s faith, one must be willing to go above and beyond duty. Put another way, if you are only doing what is expected of you as a Christian, don’t expect to have the kind of faith that will move mountains, or in this case a mulberry tree.

Matthew 5:6-7 gives a good outline of what is expected of a Christian. Among other things, supporting your church (Matt 6:19-21); obeying the law (Matt 5:17-32); seeking God (Matt 6:5-18);caring for the unfortunate (Matt 6:1-4). But remember, Jesus says if we want to increase our faith we must go above and beyond duty.

In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus is shown judging the nations based on the individuals’ responses to the needs of those around them. As well, the apostle James tells the various Israelite nations scattered abroad (James 1:1) that they have a responsibility to do what they can when they see a need (James 2:14-26). James says it’s alright to pray for someone (our duty), but if we have the means, we should physically help them (14-17). By so doing we are showing our faith. In fact, James explains that if we don’t do good "works" our faith is dead (20). Just as a Christian without God’s Spirit is not really a Christian–"for the body without the spirit is dead"(26)--so a Christian’s "faith without works is dead also".

As Jesus says: if you want to increase your faith, go above and beyond duty.

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