A Real Saint?

The story is told of two brothers, Bill and Frank, who lived in a small town in Montana. Ever since childhood the two had been notorious bullies. They had constantly taunted, beaten, and taken advantage of those who were weaker than they were. The two also had well-deserved reputations of being hard drinkers, crooked gamblers, and unashamed womanizers. They were easily the two most disliked people in the town.

One day the older brother, Bill, suddenly died. Younger brother Frank went to make arrangements at the local funeral home. He told the funeral director that he would pay $1,000 to any pastor who would conduct the service and tell those gathered that his brother was “a real saint.” The director called every clergyman in the county, but none were willing to conduct the funeral service on those terms. He was preparing to contact Frank and tell him this, when suddenly his phone rang. It was the pastor of the largest church in town. He told the director, “On second thought, I have decided to do that funeral service and take the $1,000.” This news spread quickly through the town. Folks were absolutely shocked that the community’s most respected clergyman was willing to compromise his principles in this way. Yet, when the time for the funeral came, the church was full of people who had come to hear what the pastor would say about the deceased.

The pastor began the funeral service this way: “Friends, as you know the man lying in this casket was a vile scoundrel, who cared nothing for God or his fellow man. I want you to know, however, that compared to his brother, Frank, Bill was a real saint!”

Friends, this story reminds me that it is easy to consider myself a “good person” (or even a saint) when I compare myself to some of the other people around me. If we set the standard low enough, most of us can convince ourselves that we are an OK person. However, the Bible tells us that God has a very different standard. He does not compare us to other people, instead He compares us to Jesus Christ, His perfect Son. Compared to Jesus there is no human being who really measures up. Some fall short because they are guilty of sins like those of Bill and Frank. Drunkenness, dishonesty, and sexual immorality are sins they commit repeatedly. Their actions clearly fail to meet God’s standard. Others, however, fall short because of sins like pride, envy, and selfishness. Though these sins are not as apparent to other people as some, these attitudes are still very sinful. Someone who is “proud” because he doesn’t do the nasty things his neighbor does is a sinner. That is why the Bible tells us “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Yet, in His grace, God provides a way to meet God’s perfect standard. The Bible says that through the life and death of Jesus we can be made righteous. (Romans 5:19) For those of us who truly trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, God regards His righteousness as our own. The Lord graciously declares sinners to be saints. He then helps us overcome our sinful actions and attitudes. Friend, please remember, trusting and following Jesus is the only way to become a real saint.