A Growing Faith

And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." So the Lord said, "If you have the faith of a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up the roots and be planted in the sea', and it would obey you. . . . So like wait you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, " We are unprofitable servants. We have done what is our duty to do." (Luke 17:5-10)

When the apostles asked for an increase in faith, Jesus shared a lesson on obedience. Strange? No, it is not strange with Jesus! Jesus did not always answer a question directly. Many times he responded with another questions. Other times, like in this case, He responded with a short story or parable to teach a practical lesson. Jesus reminds us all that as we are obedient in serving God, being careful to do all He teaches us, we will see and increase in faith. 

As we serve others, we experience the presence of His Spirit. As we follow His commands, we become closer to Him. At the end of a day when we please God, we are satisfied. Faith cannot be strengthened without obedience in our actions. Actions are to reflect our faith. Faith and actions go hand in hand. One increases the other! (James 2:14-26, Ephesians 2:8-9)