Jesus was not a Saint; therefore, nor am I

This week I am starting a blogging challenge put on by WordPress. It is a great tool to help bloggers get their creative juices flowing and improve their ability to develop content. Each day we get a new question to blog about.

Monday’s question: In 300 years, if you were to be named the patron saint of X, what would you like X to be? 

Interesting question, but here’s my answer. In 300 years, I do not wish to be remembered as a saint. I do not wish to be remembered at all, except as a sinner saved by Jesus. I would be OK if my epitaph read, “Here lies a messed up, wrecked person that found new life in Jesus” versus “Here lies one of the greatest saints, who accomplished many good works.” Having said that, I thought the question of sainthood and the start of our new message series at Believers Church, #FollowMe, was a perfect conversation piece.  So, here goes!

How does Christianity relate to sainthood? I believe there are many Christians that strive hard to be seen as a saint, but shrink back at being labeled a true Christ follower. However, as Christians we are to be Christ-like, not saintly. Sainthood, can be achieved more readily than being Christ-like, as sainthood only requires that we are ‘seen’ as good. Being Christ-like requires that we ‘be’ good and therein lies the challenge. Following Jesus should not be equated to being saintly. Sainthood is a man-made label.

You see, Jesus was not a saint. He was and is the true Son of God. His power is greater and more awesome than a mere human could muster. In fact, Jesus knew how to shake things up and leave those around Him in awe and wonder. He was also kind and compassionate beyond belief. This is my Savior. I cannot measure up.

In spite of myself, He asks that I do one thing -follow Him. He calls me to throw off the nature of this world and take on His.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV

He knows I am weak in character, flawed beyond belief, and helpless without Him. Yet, He loves me anyway. No, I could never be a saint. Saints do not need a Savior, sinners do!

I appreciate the fact that there are those who wish to honor the great humanitarians of our day by bestowing such a title. Some have done tremendous things in the name of world peace and love. However, unless we realize our need for Him, we are nothing but works, and works will not save us.

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT

No, I don’t want any parts of sainthood. Just give me Jesus and His free gift of salvation, and we’ll call it even.

Blessings!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

 

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