Recently we have been discussing the topic of faith in bible study classes. In Luke 17:5-10, the faith of a mustard seed seems like a miniscule amount, but my assertion is that faith is the most highly concentrated substance on earth. Therefore, a mustard seed amount of faith can create reactions billions times larger than you might expect. More combustible than nitroglycerine or TNT, faith can create an explosion that reaches every corner of the globe and beyond.

However, it was stated that we all have received a measure of faith(Romans 12:3) that obviously must be a microscopic amount. Or, we lose vast comparative amounts of faith as we grow older and are influenced by "the world." I believe the concensus of the class is that faith alone is the power that unleashes the spiritual potential in us that can change our lives, our church and our world.

As a pastor, my question is how can we unleash such a powerful substance like faith within the members of our congregation (and myself). I have determined that the only barrier between most of us and the fullness of our faith is "the self." Jesus said that anyone who would be one of his followers must first deny themselves, take up the cross and follow him (Matt 16:24). I would argue that denying one's self is not natural. In nature, self-preservation is the first law. In the supernatural (or spiritual) world, self-denial is the primary law. God, neighbor and self is the order of how one is asked to distribute one's love. The answer is that we have to diligently work at overcoming our survival reflex and its selfish consequences in order to build the faith that I am speaking about. Practice makes perfect ... practicing prayer, practicing faith in God and practicing generosity where we instinctive tend to be selfish.