2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Calendar
CALLED TO BE SAINTS
FRIDAY, JULY 1
Philippians 1:1-5
Exodus 19:5-8
“Thy word is a
lamp unto my feet…”
CALLED TO BE SAINTS
“He certainly was a real saint, a blessing to everyone.” Such a statement is sometimes heard when an elderly Christian passes on. Such a person is generally one who had a quiet, gentle manner, bearing the difficulties of life with joy and exhibiting godliness in his daily life.
Rather than saying such a person was a saint, it would be better to say that he lived as a saint should live. Scripture clearly teaches that all believers are saints. The New Testament word “saint” is derived from the word “holy,” so saints are literally the “holy ones.” Christ died to make us holy (Col 1:22). When we accept Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we are made holy and called saints (Col 1:12).
The reason that only a few people today are referred to as being “saintly” is that Christians often fail to exhibit God’s holiness. Although we are made saints by God’s power, we are responsible to live in such a way as to reflect this holiness (1 Pet 1:15).
The Apostle’s heart was filled with joy because the Philippians lived as saints should. They had accepted Christ as Saviour, followed Him as Lord and were obedient to His Word. These saints were obeying the scriptural admonition to always “follow that which is good” (1 Thess 5:15). There is nothing that brings greater joy to a Bible teacher than to see those he loves and nurtures following the Lord (Phil 2:2).
We too, as saints of the Lord, should be obedient Christians. Our lives should not only bring joy and encouragement to those who faithfully teach us the Word of God, but we must also bear a testimony of holiness to those still outside of Christ.
In the coming days, we shall meditate upon the instructions in Philippians concerning how saints should live in order to exhibit God’s holiness. May God challenge our hearts to obey these instructions.
THOUGHT: Who are the “saints”?
PRAYER: Father, may I desire to reflect God's holiness in my daily life.