What are the first words that come to mind when you think of the word "saint'? My first thoughts are images of halos, stained glass windows and people who always say and do the right things. Maybe they even stand a little straighter than I do.
Saints can be defined in the dictionary as…
1. Somebody honored by church after death: a member of a religion who after death is formally designated as having led a life of exceptional holiness.
2. Somebody in heaven: somebody who goes to heaven after death.
3. Virtuous person: a particularly good or holy person, or one who is exceptionally kind and patient in dealing with difficult people or situations.
There is a connection in our minds to holiness or perfection when we begin to consider the word, "saint". The members of the church of Macedonia that Paul writes to are described as Christians who "…excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us…" (2nd Corinthians 8:7). By Paul's definition, all Christian believers can be defined as saints! Paul describes the dramatic changes in his own life when Jesus intervenes on the path he had been on.
Galatians 2:20
20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Paul is so impressed with the holiness of Jesus that he defines the dramatic change to only be possible, by the power of Christ: living, changing and making him - a sinful man – into a holy saint!
There is a sense of awe and mystery when people are drawn to a God. Through the process of salvation, people are changed. People are made holy by their connection and association with God. In this experience of salvation, through Jesus, we've been detoured to take a higher road. We are called to be saints!
In 1 Corinthians one, Paul writes to the church members in order to confront some issues of division and pride in their fellowship. There are arguments on who is in charge, what teacher they follow. They are a group of people who are greatly in need of "grace and peace."
Yet even in the midst of their conflicts and division, Paul addresses them as "… the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ …" (vs. 1:2)
How is it possible that Paul calls a group of people wrapped up in conflict and division to be considered holy? In one sentence, Paul reminds the people of Corinth that all the church should be united in the name of Jesus and that they have been sanctified - set apart to a sacred purpose or religious use. The behavior of the people at Corinth was not lining up with their title of "saints". Paul gives them, in addressing them as "saints" the jolt, reminder, and reality check that they all need to start living like people who are "set apart", "holy", and "changed" due to their relationship with Jesus.
Paul goes on in chapter one to remind the people in Corinth of where they came in verses 26-31:
"… think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him. 30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Our actions, efforts or place of status are not what make us holy. It is in our connection and our dependence upon Jesus that reminds us in humility that we are set apart for a greater purpose. While it is uncomfortable to be sent a reality check, it's important to remember that the wake up call to holiness is one that comes from the heart of love and compassion.
1 John 3:16
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
It's tempting to try and be holy on our own. We try to live lives that look good, and sound good. Before long, we find that all our efforts only lead to desperation. While we attempt to do things on our own, God is waits, offering us the same "grace and peace" that he offered to the saints in Corinth.
We all need a reality check. Sometimes our reality check is the reminder of God's love, the fact that we are set apart to be holy or the challenge to live like the saints we truly are. The song "Do it for love" by the band the 77's captures of the beauty of living in the balance of our calling, grace and love.
Take back
All those things you said
When you were tired of living
Hold on
To the dreams we shared
They were so easy to believe in
Turn back
From the way you're goin'
It's a rocky road for sure
Lift up your heart to heaven
Dream this dream with me once more
Do it for love
Do it for love
Tell me how to love you
Let me know what I've been missing
Don't walk out of this life again
You've got me, You've got this love
This world in your hand
Do it for love
Do it for love
Our purpose and focus as children of God is to, "…30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. 'There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31)
We all must come to the place where we seek to love God with our actions, hearts, minds and strength knowing that it is necessary to rely on God's grace and peace throughout the journey. We are called and set apart to be children of God. We are called to surrender our lives to each other and to God in a way that makes us different, unique, and even holy.
Remember your calling. Remember the grace that brought you to where you are today. If you are looking for some inspiration along the way, remember to do it all for the sake and promise of God's love.
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