“It shall be done to you according to your faith.” Matthew 9:29
Faith is the key that unlocks everything about the Christian life. It’s the standard by which all Christians are measured and life is to be lived. While we all live by faith in something, there’s no power in faith alone. And misplaced faith is dangerous and prone to failure. So, what are the warning signs of misguided faith?
First, don’t confuse positive thinking with faith. Positive thinking is based on our desires—if we believe hard enough, then we will get what we want. Biblical faith is based on God’s desires for us as revealed in His Word. Positive thinking says, “Believe and it will be so.” Biblical faith says, “Believe because God has said it is so.” If we can just name it and claim it, then we’re in control rather than God.
Secondly, do you talk about faith instead of talking about Jesus? Faith in faith itself makes no sense. Biblical faith is dependent upon Jesus Christ. The objective of faith is to seek and trust Him, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). The object of our faith must be right in order to achieve the objective of our faith.
Understand, the size of your faith doesn’t matter if your faith is misplaced. Even the least amount of genuine faith accomplishes more than immense faith in the wrong person or thing (Matthew 17:20). We get it backwards. We think stronger faith brings more material blessings. But Jesus is the treasure; not the things He gives. When you have the Blesser, you get the blessing.
What warning signs of misguided faith do you recognize in your own life? Hebrews 12:2 tells you how to correct it, “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…” You see, it’s all about your focus. If you talk about your faith as if it’s all about you and your life, then you’ll focus more on your wants, your feelings, and your circumstances than on Jesus. Remember, the object of your faith must be right in order to achieve the objective of your faith. Biblical faith begins and ends with Jesus.