Yesterday was “Taco Tuesday” at the American Legion across the street. So, Diane and I walked over, ordered a carry-out, and watched the people while we waited. The tables and bar were packed, an interesting collection of people. No, this wasn’t your Sunday morning church-going crowd, but I’m sure there were some followers of Jesus in the crowd. No halos above them; they were Christians hanging with the crowd at the Legion. Oswald Chambers description fits them – and fits you and me as we follow Jesus in the realities of our lives – “your particular sainthood.”
Is there a saint of old who is your hero? Someone whose legend makes you imagine that he or she was Christianity incarnate? The ancient people who now have a “St.” in front of their names were in fact just being faithful in their own particular lives. “Saint,” as you know, biblically is anyone who’s been made holy by the blood of Jesus. “You are a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9). In God’s sight, you have “St.” in front of your name because God sees you through the death and life of Jesus. But, on this side of heaven, we’re still sinners, trying to follow Jesus at home, at work, at the restaurant and bar. We each have our story, we each have our struggles, temptations, sin, and in each of our lives can be forgiveness and hope.
The Spirit of Jesus holies us amidst all the mess of life. “It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). He's "the holy and righteous one" (Acts 3:14). He puts His halo over you. Chambers: “Have you been wondering why you are going through the things you are? It is because of the relationship into which the Son of God has come in His Father’s providence in your particular sainthood” (August 7).