Your life of faith toward God is as unique to you as your fingerprint.
Consequently, the assumption that we can teach ‘faith’ to other believers by a series of percepts and principles is to misunderstand the very nature of it. The core of one’s faith is acquired by a holy process whose origins are hidden in God Himself.
That is not to say we shouldn’t study faith. There are, in fact, certain concrete things which may really, and positively impact our capacity to believe. Our spiritual heritage and experience, the testimony of others, the scriptures, our devotional experiences, and the voice of the Spirit are some building blocks of faith. But they alone don’t account for the faith that you personally own. It is remarkably individual and very powerful.
As an example, I recently listened to a geneticist describing the role of DNA in our development as humans. It was once thought that DNA explained every detail of our makeup and appearance, but we now know that is not true.
DNA is like a ‘parts list’ for a construction site. We could assemble identical materials (lumber, shingles, windows, doors, etc.) in different locations and tell a builder in each place to construct a house. Well, those houses would have many similarities because they were made of identical materials. But without doubt there would be distinct differences because of the unique vision, creativity, and skills of each builder.
The truth is, as potent and precise as DNA material is, the final organic layout which became YOU originated somewhere else, quite unexplained by science.
In the same way, the development of our faith is predictable in some ways due to our common experience of the gospel and our engagement with God’s Spirit and His people. Yet it also has a most distinct flavor, vision, strength, and emphasis which is all our own, and because that is so we must employ that faith where, when, and how we’re led to use it. It won’t work for things out of its sphere or grasp. It is your faith, a divine supply to impact matters and people of God’s appointment in your life.
Christians share a common conviction that Jesus Christ has saved the world, and we have a share in that salvation. Beyond that, however, the differences in how folks explain that, and respond to it are considerable. We all believe God is, but just how, and what, and where He is . . . those things are understood and explained throughout the church in widely varying concepts and terms.
The point is, we must learn to value the faith that has developed and continues to develop within us. No one ‘believes’ precisely what you do, or the way you do.
I can recall being frustrated as a young believer as I observed Christians who had a capacity to believe in and for things completely outside my reach or interest. Why couldn’t I believe like that? What’s missing in my faith that they apparently have?
You’ve observed it . . . one person’s faith focuses them on the great truths of doctrine and theology; another sees only the plight of lost souls. One’s faith links his prayers to his neighbors, while some other Christian aims his faith at folks on the other side of the planet. Others have faith to build great enterprises for the good of society, or the church. Still others exercise a robust faith to establish a godly home and family that testifies to the goodness and grace of God.
Vigorously believe the vision and leading God has put in your heart and avoid comparing it to that of other saints. I gave up trying to copy other ‘faith-filled’ Christians; my faith didn’t embrace what theirs did. I admire the faith of a great many saints, but I’m only responsible to act on the leading of the Spirit in my heart. Almost invariably, I have faith for that!