Measure of Faith

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3).

How do we think of our self? What yardstick do we use to measure success? Paul is warning us to be careful of pride and not to think too highly of our self, but think according to the “measure of faith” that God has dealt us.

This “measure of faith” is not a reference to degree of faith. This is a statement regarding our faith as the measuring stick in life. Some use wealth, talent, notoriety, accomplishment, etc. as their yardstick of success. God is only interested in our faith.

“Our talent, learning, rank, or wealth, is a very improper rule by which to estimate ourselves. All may be wholly unconnected with moral worth; and the worst as well as the best people may possess them” (Albert Barnes).

Faith in the Holy Triune that is the one true God is uniquely Christian. To be a Christian means what? To have faith in Christ (Acts 11:26).  The only way to God the Father is through who? Jesus Christ (John 14:6). What is the way to heaven? What is truth? Pilate asked Jesus the same question. (John 18:38). Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). We are children of God by our faith in Jesus Christ! (Galatians 3:26)

God is not concerned with our achievements in this life. He is concerned about our faith in Christ and staying true to His will and way. He is concerned about our dependence in, and our obedience to Christ, which is the true "measure" of our faith. God is concerned about our relationship with Christ.

Now here is something very important. Our faith has been “dealt”, or distributed to us by God. Our faith in Him comes from Him. It is by God's grace and mercy that we have been given this gift. We do not generate faith, but we can perpetuate it.

So the question is, “What have we done with our faith?” This what the parable of the talents is all about.

(Note: A “talent” literally means “something weighed” and is a reference to a sum of money.)

“For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey” (Matthew 25:14-15).

The man with five talents traded them and gained five more. The man with two talents did likewise and gained two more. But the man with one talent buried it and did nothing.

Are we doing the same thing with our faith? Remember, “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17).

Are we using our faith, growing our faith, most importantly, are we dependent upon our faith in Jesus Christ?

After a long time the man returned to his three servants. To the servants that increased their talents the man said, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21).

But to the one servant who did nothing with his one talent, the man said, “Thou wicked and slothful servant….Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents” (Matthew 25:26 & 28).

Please keep in mind that faith is not inert. Proof of faith is in its manifestation. Not only are we to have faith, but we are to exercise it too. We are to put faith into action. This is also how we grow it. Faith; use it or lose it. When you do use it, you also grow it.

“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19-20).

God gives us faith. It is up to us if we want to be like the good servants or the bad one. What we do with the faith God gave us is the measure of our faith.

Bill Hitchcock