“Increase my faith.” Most of us have prayed this prayer before. We are not alone; the apostles asked about this too (Luke 17:5) After mentioning the power faith possesses, Jesus answers their request.

Which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down to eat’? But will he not say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, and properly clothe yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink’? He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’ -Luke 17:7-10

We do not have record of how the apostles responded to this statement. Imagine what they might have been thinking! After all they appear to be looking for a magic faith pill. Yet Jesus’ answer is, “Do your job like a servant.” Some of the things God asks His people to do are counter-cultural and tough. There has to be an easier way! There’s not.

We had a professor at Harding that modeled how faith is increased. For the longest time, he lived with a car held together by duct tape. As he saved money for a new vehicle, a need would become apparent within their local congregation. This man would simply withdraw the money and take care of the need. It took so long to actually buy this much needed car that he began calling his duct taped vehicle the “Jesus-mobile!” This reoccurring financial sacrifice helped him to see both God’s hand in caring for his needs, and how he was God’s hand in caring for the needs of others.

As we obey God’s commands and allow Him to mold us, we will appear weird to the world. Active Christians build faith—their own and others. James compares Christians to farmers.

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. -James 5:7-8

As a farmer provides food for himself through his patient, constant effort, he also provides for those who buy his crops. Building a Christ-like faith requires patience in careful study, prayer, self-examination, taking of others and elimination of sin. While this is not easy, it is necessary if we are to become the people God wants us to be.

There is no shortcut to a stronger faith. No magic pill exists. The formula God supplies requires constant, daily sacrifices. We must be dedicated to serving God personally and helping others to do the same. Through this painstaking practice, our faith increases. There is no other way.