The first day of November is traditionally observed as All Saints' Day.   Presbyterians, and persons who claim the Reformed tradition as their own, have a broad understanding of what it means to be a saint.   But have you ever thought that you might be a saint?

In the New Testament the word appears only in the plural form and, according to one scholar, "refers to all members of the churches who are Christians consecrated to God through Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 8:4)." Taking its cue from the apostle Paul, the early church, in the Apostles' Creed, affirmed its belief in "the communion of saints" in the article dealing with the Holy Spirit.

Most of us shy away from identifying ourselves as saints.   But if you are committed to Jesus Christ and his Church, and if you try to live as his faithful follower, even though it is difficult, you are a saint!  None of those who are traditionally considered saints were perfect, but they strove to live their lives according to the model presented by our Lord Jesus Christ.   If we do the same, then we are of that same heritage.  We can claim unity with those who have gone before us in the faith.   What an inspiration it is to think that alongside us in spirit is that "great cloud of witnesses," as the writer of Hebrews put it.

November is also the season of thanksgiving -- although that is a year-round season.   Think of all those saints who have influenced you over the years, either directly or indirectly.  Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, school teachers, friends, next door neighbors, colleagues at work, doctors, nurses, authors of important books you have read, persons who have made a positive difference in your life.   How can we not be grateful for them?

You are among the saints!   Live like it -- with joy -- and give thanks for all those, both living and dead, who have been faithful to the calling to follow Jesus Christ.

As always, I am grateful for the saints of Westminster.

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"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith ..."

Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV