Today is All Saints Day. Very recently The Vatican made a saint of Kateri Tekakwitha. As a student of history I read biographies of those people the institution of Christian religion has elevated to such honour. I respect them for their faith lived. They inspire me. But…

To honour people in this extreme way, whether living or dead, shows complete contempt for the teaching of Jesus and the commands of God.

Why?

Kateri Tekakwitha, the patron of ecologists, e...

Kateri Tekakwitha, the patron of ecologists, exiles, and orphans, was beatified by the Roman Catholic Church. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Anyone living who likes titles, honours, to be in authority or an authority, who likes accolades and prizes and recognition for the work they do have crossed a sacred line. To elevate ourselves, or let others do that displays ignorance, or willful disobedience to Creator who alone is worthy of ALL praise, not just some of it.

True servants of Jesus Christ do their work because the call of God takes them to it and through it. “That’s the way it is with you. When you’ve done everything you’re ordered to do, say, ‘We’re worthless servants. We’ve only done our duty’ ” (Luke 17:10 God’s Word).

To elevate the dead because someone proves a miracle happened by invoking their name is idolatry of the highest level, and that requirement must be met for such an elevation.

True, a spiritual person shows respect, but a true disciple loves even the unlovable (like enemies for example).

Religious institutions do not want people to approach God directly and radically. Those who do and live life spiritually instead of religiously, would not submit to the authority of some ego-centred pastor, or anti-biblical church laws, or a denominational tradition that subverts Jesus’ new commandment, “Love each other in the same way that I have loved you. Everyone will know that you are my disciples because of your love for each other” (John 13:34-35 God’s Word). For religion, membership in the group is the identifier, not radical, humble, God-alone-honouring service.

Religion is easier to serve because it is more easily sensed with our senses and gives immediate feedback (join a committee and get lots of congratulatory comments).

Spiritual living is harder, it appears, because it is lived by faith alone, not regulations, traditions, festivals…

But nothing is more truly satisfying than serving Jesus Christ and “then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 God’s Word).

Try it spiritually.

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