increase our faith

In my QT this morning, Luke 17, I noticed the disciples came to Jesus with this statement: "increase our faith" (which really is a question: how can we increase our faith?). Then comes the familiar "mustard seed" sermon. It is interesting to me that I have never connected what seems so obvious this morning. Jesus merely comments on the tiny "amount" of faith required to do great things (and between the lines we know that was likely the disciples motivation: how can we do great things- how can we be great men?). The answer to their question is much more practical and riveting.
Luke 17:7-10And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down to eat'? 8 But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.' "
Could it be that the way to increased faith is increased obedience? Could it be that embracing servant hood is the way to increased obedience? But there is more to the story is there not? Jesus says that when we are completely obedient, we should view ourselves as "unprofitable servants" unprofitable meaning literally useless. As servants, our measurement is not our duty, but anticipation. As a servant, do I do my duty because God says so (compliance) or do I lovingly and joyfully rejoice in serving the Master (true obedience)?

As you may know, we have just moved my Mother into our home this weekend. Although we have cared for her these last 7 years, we have now embraced a new level of service. And I must admit, my heart has not been so joyful. Yet, my continued prayer to God for 35 years has been, "God, show me how to trust you more!" Or, as the disciples have said, "increase my faith". Somehow, I've imagined that God would push a magic button and Viola! I would be able to trust Him more. Yet, the key to trusting Him more is live my life as His servant, giving myself to His ways each day. For me, the increase of my faith is as Paul said, (Phil 1:21)"...to live [today]is Christ". Tomorrow belongs to Him and I will trust Him for it. Later on Jesus will teach these young men, these disciples, about true greatness in the Kingdom (Mark 10:43-45).

The answer to the disciples was not, "Try harder!". Rather, it is simply "Be who I have made you to be" and your faith will increase!-- By His grace alonephil