Saints

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
Philippians 1:1b

Many of us have grown up with the belief that a saint is a very special Christian - a Christian who stands out above the rest, who has performed a certain number of miracles or who has led the Church in a dramatic fashion. We understand that Billy Graham and Mother Teresa can be called saints, but it strikes us as odd that all believers possess this title.
A saint is someone who is set apart to God. It is someone who is holy. And as such a saint is every and any believer in Jesus Christ. We are all holy ones. We are all set apart to God. Because of the washing of the blood of Christ we are all forgiven and are God's special possession.
The term "saint" speaks of incredible privilege. Through no merit of our own we were chosen, forgiven and adopted as God's people. We have a blessed position in creation. And for this we must stand in awe, wonder and thankfulness as we praise God for what He has done.
But "saint" also reminds us of the great responsibility that has been laid upon us. For as God's special possession we must strive to be like our Father and thereby bring praise and glory to His name.
How are we doing today at living as saints? May the Spirit of God shape our minds and hearts so that we become more like Christ today.