THE GOSPEL OF LUKE: - Vital Christianity

147and Master, he leaves our liberty entire. If he produces in us holy desires, ifhe works in us meritorious actions, gives us virtuous inclinations and supernaturalgifts, he sets to our account the good use we make of them; and incrowning our merits, he crowns his own gifts.”1UNWORTHY SERVANTS (17:10)What did the apostles expect from their labor? We know that the disciples jockeyed forposition in the kingdom (Mt 18:1). We also know that James and John and their mother askedour Lord to have James and John sit on His right and left sides in the kingdom of God (Mt 20:20-21; Mk 10:35-37). Position, authority and power were often sought by Jesus’ followers,especially His leaders. Therefore Jesus answers sternly,“ So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say,'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty'" (Lk 17:10).The apostles asked an important request,“Lord, increase our faith."Could it be that the hearts of the apostles failed as they heard one weighty lesson afteranother from our Lord? Perhaps they wondered, "Who is able to follow such spiritualchallenges?”We have already seen that faith is foundational to spirituality:". . . anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewardsthose who earnestly seek Him" (Heb 11:6.)Faith does not come to full strength and perfection as soon as it is planted in the heart bythe Holy Spirit. Faith often fluctuates. Therefore it is not surprising that the apostles asked fortheir faith to be increased.Saving faith is not mere repetition of a creed and saying, "I believe in God the Fatherand in God the Son and in God the Holy Spirit." Thousands who know nothing about biblicalfaith mouth these words every week. Faith is acting upon God’s word.