More faith?

We may be tempted to think that more faith is what we need. If we could find a way to increase our faith, then we would be able to live out our discipleship boldly and faithfully, to stand against the injustice in our world.

Jesus does not think that “more faith” is what the disciples need. Instead, he tells the disciples that if they had faith the size of a mustard seed (which is among the smallest of seeds), that would be enough (Luke 17:6).

David Tiede writes in a commentary on Luke, “There is no need for desperate quests for ‘more’ faith, as if it could be quantified or possessed.” It is God’s Spirit working in and through our faith that makes all things possible – not how much we have. Faith is not a power we have or a work we achieve, but our posture toward God, our receptivity of God’s love and power and strength and our trust in God’s promise.

This message is excerpted from “Weightlifting and the mustard seed” by Cheryl M. Peterson in the January/February 2021 Gather magazine. Today is the 17th Sunday after Pentecost.

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