How to feed your faith (The gift that grows)

Put it down. 

Huh? The impression was so strong it startled me. I was sitting poolside holding my kindle, squinting in the sun, following the gripping story, seeking to understand the author’s perspective. It’s true, I didn’t exactly agree with the line of logic presented, but I was almost finished and wanted to read every page so I could fully understand her perspective.

But then, though it sounds bizarre, I had to put it down. I prayed and waited. Again: Don’t read anymore.

It seemed strange. I mean, this was a Christian book! It wasn’t like I was reading trash! But as I sat there and prayed, the stronger the impression got–don’t read anymore.

And when I finally put it away, the moment of clarity came: It will erode your faith. 

Now, I understand I’m walking a FINE line here. I am an advocate of reading widely, especially from those perspectives you might not readily agree with. We have to see other sides of the mountain! So much of my current journey is just an effort to see outside my own limited experience.

But then, we must be cautious. Why? Because our faith is precious. 

This past year I’ve come to see faith as a gift that grows. It is a gift, yes, I didn’t earn it, but I can hold it and nurture it and cultivate it and GROW it, by God’s grace, by what I feed it and what I do with it and what I allow into the garden of my heart.

Our faith is our greatest treasure. Proverbs 4:23 says,

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

My experience has been that we quote this verse to our girlfriends when they begin dating a new guy. That’s fine, but the context is about heeding God’s commands, His truth, because His words are life and health to us. We are to be careful how we speak, how we live, what we do, because the inner person of the heart is so precious.

The heart is where faith is cultivated. Where it’s grown. 

We must guard our hearts because if we allow garbage, sin, unbelief and cynicism, sarcasm and triviality, if we allow that in, our faith will be damaged. It will be stunted, shriveled.

It won’t grow.

We desperately need more faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Lack of faith was what prevented Jesus from doing mighty works. Faith is our greatest need, so the question, Does this build my faith? is a legitimate one to ask, when discerning whether something should be allowed into your heart and life.

I don’t mean only allowing happy things. There is profound brokenness in this world, and Jesus never shrunk back from facing it. But do we face it with faith, seeking ways to offer hope, or do we entertain perspectives that lure us away from loving Jesus? Do we allow voices into our heads and hearts that chip away at the strong faith Christ is working in us?

We must protect that precious faith God is working in our hearts. Feed it. How?

• Read, study, memorize, and meditate on Scripture.
• Sing songs that speak of His truth. Not only ones that pour out how we feel, but songs that proclaim and remind our hearts WHO HE IS.
• Read books that build your faith and that boldly proclaim His truth and remind you of His promises.
• Spend time with people who speak words of life and faith, who build you up and make you want to love and trust and serve and believe Jesus more.
• Ask God directly, in prayer, to increase your faith. Cry out daily, “I believe! Help my unbelief!”

Our faith, the gift that grows, is more precious than gold. May you guard it, feed it, and have the joy of seeing Jesus show Himself good and glorious again and again.

{Thanks for reading.}