Sainthood

People have been lifting other people to exalted positions of spiritual significance throughout history. They make statues and set them on un-climbable marble columns in the town square. I think in some ways it is an easier way to live.

We can live like little boys and girls who never grow up.

"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." 1 Corinthians 13:11 KJV

"And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ." Matthew 23:9-10 KJV

As children we need examples and they are given to us readily. Examples of people who do the right things and wrong things are ways to tell character lessons and instill moral fiber. Children need those lessons.

What happens when children become adults? Suddenly they become accountable to adult responsibilities... the middle man is taken away.

Oppressive societies want their inhabitants to remain childlike in these ways. It makes it easier to keep people under their thumbs. Other cultures strip all honor and respect from people causing a loss of innocence on fundamental levels.

God has a balance. A way to mature without loss of innocence. It is grace.

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Peter 3:18 ESV

Grace by nature gives glory to God while giving dignity to people.

"To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 1:7 ESV

All people can hear and answer the call to be Saints. The word actually means called out ones. Freedom means accountability. When we stand before God there will be no merely moral man standing between us and Him to shield us.

If anything shields us it will be the gracious relationship we have with Christ. Being in Christ will be the Ark that saves us.

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Romans 12:9-10 ESV

It is from this vantage point that true honor can be shown. We don't worship people but we do honor them more and more. Grace lets us love ourselves and have the power to face the future head on with no buffer but God Himself. The honor of a pioneer is a priceless thing. Let's love God, others and ourselves just that way.