Little Faith Is Evident
In Hebrews 11 the great faith of those mentioned is evident by what they did. People see great faith in some people but many do not realize that little faith can also be seen. At least four times in Matthew Jesus said to his disciples, "0 ye of little faith." Jesus could say the same thing of many of his professed followers today.
It seems that many, many Christians, think that obedience in baptism is the only thing that shows they have faith. That is, "If I'm baptized people know that I am trying to live a Christian life and I don't have to do much of anything else to show my faith, except maybe attend Sunday services." I doubt if a person would really say that, but by the actions of some they indicate it.
Paul teaches, in the Roman letter especially, that we are saved by faith. But what kind of faith? You have probably heard the expression, "The faith that saves is the faith that obeys." Some say they have obeyed, but by their actions and words they show they do not really understand what true faith will cause a person to do.
True faith will cause a Christian to WANT to do things for the Lord. He'll not have to be coached, pushed, or pleaded with to be a worker in the vineyard of the Lord. True working faith will cause us to attend EVERY service, take part (listen, make comments and ask questions) in Bible study; true faith will cause us to study our Bibles every day, give as we should of time and money and interest in the Lord's work; and thus true, great faith will cause us to live as we should and hope for a home with God.
It is evidence of little faith when Christians do not attend the services of the church as they should. It is strong evidence of their little faith when they don't attend Bible study. But some do not realize that they are showing their weak faith when they don't. If one's faith is what it should be he'll want to know more of God's word. He will use every opportunity he can to strengthen his knowledge, instead of making some excuse for not being in a study of the Bible.
Again it is evidence of little faith when a Christian does not take part in the work of the church. They would never say, "Oh, my faith is weak, therefore I'll not take part in the spreading of the gospel in this community; or I'll not do any personal evangelization." But when we do not do these things it shows we are weak in faith.
We show our little faith when we murmur about what a hard life it is for us. We do not believe what Jesus said in Matthew 6:25-30 when we complain about what others have and we don't have, or worry about what little we have "to get along on."
It shows a lack of faith and understanding if we are offended when someone tries to help us by trying to help us correct our mistakes, or admonishes us, in anything. We're willing to talk about the faults of others but not listen to our own. This shows a lack of humbleness and thus a lack of faith in God's word as to what it says about humbling ourselves. (Romans 12:3; 1 Peter 3:8, 9)
Yes, our little faith is seen by others, just as certainly as anyone's great faith is manifested. "By their fruits ye shall know them."
Let us build our faith to have the right attitude, more interest, and seek to do more for the Lord. Thus, our MUCH faith will be evident.
Walterboro, South Carolina