This notion of “functional faith” came to me as I lay in bed awaiting sleep to unfold. The thought caused me to imagine the consequences of functional faith to the believer. As an engineer, functional means that whatever it is that’s functional, it does what it’s supposed to do. It simply works. And functional faith is faith that successfully brings us through our failures and the adversity that we inevitably face. Faith has that purpose, to keep us in oneness with God to ensure our future with Him. The following scripture shed light on faith and what it means for us.
I begin with two passages in scripture where I believe Jesus is telling us why faith is so important,
Luke 18:7-9 New King James Version
7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
In these words from Jesus, He highlights the one thing He will be looking for in us, FAITH. This is not surprising when we recall the moment His key disciple Peter was about to be tested by Satan.
Luke 22:31-32 New King James Version
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
31 [a]And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
In these two passages Jesus makes clear the critical nature of our faith not only for our journey in this life, but for the life after Jesus’ return. There is another passage that offers some insight into our task with our stewardship of our faith.
Luke 12:48 Living Bible
…. Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater.
The “much” here is the faith that God has shed abroad in our hearts.
Romans 12:3 New King James Version
Serve God with Spiritual Gifts
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
Romans 12:3 New Living Translation
3 Because of the privilege and authority[a] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
Ephesians 2:8 New King James Version
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
This faith that God has so generously given to us, in all its greatness, has imputed to us great responsibility. It is clear from the words of Jesus in these passages that faith is key to our future. He found it necessary in Peter’s case to pray that his faith would not fail him. We can extrapolate that the same love that Jesus had for Peter, He also has for us. Then He prays for you and me that our faith will not fail us. Best we take that to heart.
I find it interesting how the Message Bible offers some insight on how we can manage our stewardship of this precious gift of faith from God.
Romans 12:3 The Message
3 I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
This last statement is like a compass for us as we navigate life and our journey. Let the gratitude for “what God is and by what he does for us” be the spirit that rules our vision and our character. Apostle Paul offers profound perspective on how we can be effective in prospering our God-given faith in Philippians.
Philippians 4:6-7 New King James Version
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Paul gives interesting insight into pitfalls and weapons we have for diligent protection over the gift of faith in Ephesians. The Message translation offers wording that is quite clear.
Ephesians 6:13-18 The Message
Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
If we take these words to heart, we can experience how our faith will be strong, resilient, and profound.
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Turning Point
The evolving guidance of the words of God as presented in scripture instill profound gratitude and inspiration to continue to grow in this faith that God has gifted to us. I hope my sharing these insights they will be a turning point for you my readers as they are for me.