When we consider the Christian saints who have gone before, we find so many stories that inspire us. Beyond holy living, the mark of a saint is often radical, deep commitment to following the path of Jesus, which results in an outpouring of love and service. Here are some quick snapshots of five amazing Christian saints who did great things.

“Eighty and Six Years Have I Served Him…”

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Polycarp was a Christian bishop in Smyrna in the second century. According to tradition, he was a disciple of John the apostle. Living in the time when the original apostolic witnesses were dying, his generation was important in the continued, faithful transmission of the gospel. This was also a time of intermittent but sometimes severe persecution of the church within the Roman Empire. Polycarp was already an old man when arrested. He refused to burn incense to the emperor, which was perceived as a mark of worship, and was burned at the stake. “Eighty and six years have I served him,” he said, speaking of his devotion to Christ, “how can I then blaspheme my King and Savior?”

“Our hearts are restless…”

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Augustine of Hippo is remembered as one of the most influential Christian thinkers and teachers who ever lived. But in his youth, he restlessly sought truth in all sorts of religions and philosophies before finally coming to rest in the truth of the gospel. His mother Monica faithfully prayed for him for years. Augustine’s spiritual autobiography The Confessions is one of the first books of its kind. In it he wrote the famous words: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in thee.” His City of God helped the church through the years the Roman Empire was crumbling. His teachings profoundly shaped Christian thinking in the medieval era.

“I Arise Today Through the Strength of Heaven…”

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When a sixteen year old boy named Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders in the 300s, no one could have guessed how profoundly that experience would shape the western world. Patrick’s experience of exile led to a deepening of his Christian faith. After escaping and returning to his homeland in Romanized Britain, he received training and returned to Ireland as a missionary bishop. It was thanks to Patrick that Ireland turned to Christianity. And it was thanks to Irish monks living in communities inspired by Patrick’s witness that that the Bible and many other ancient writings were preserved during a dark and difficult period in western history.

“All Who Knew Her Called Her Mother…”

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In the 600s, Hilda of Whitby became the abbess, or leader, of a double monastery, a community for both men and women. Hilda’s wise leadership was considered a blessing to all who came within her care, from her own monks and nuns to visiting kings who consulted her. She hosted the important Synod of Whitby, which brought England into the mainstream of the continental church. She is also known for encouraging the gifts of Caedmon, an Anglo-Saxon herdsman, now remembered as a fine religious poet and one of the first poets to write in English.

“Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace…”

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Francis of Assisi was the son of a wealthy Italian merchant. Living in the late 1100s/early 1200s, he founded the religious order known as the Franciscans. That he was able to start an order dedicated to living a life of poverty was an amazing feat. It was also a profound witness as Francis lived in a time when the church, under Pope Innocent III, was at the height of its temporal wealth and power. Francis was known for his love for all creatures, great and small, especially animals and birds. He is credited with forming the first outdoor nativity scene or crèche.

Tim Roberts is a theologist and contributor for Christian Degree Programs, a site that provides information, reviews and guides on Christian leadership careers and the various programs available to students.

While visiting one of my favorite, social hangouts earlier today, I came across the question: Why do conservatives think they own Christianity?

I’ve wondered that sometimes myself – although my version isn’t painted with such a wide brush. No one should categorize “all conservatives” or “all Christians” in to such small boxes.

I thought about the question for a bit… my thoughts are:

I’ve often joked, calling myself an "extreme moderate" because I easily fit, quite definitively into each side, with staunch beliefs, easily defined by either sides.

When it comes to politics, I do try to leave my religion out of it.

I don’t think it takes a good Christian to be a good CEO, doctor, fireman, policeman, etc. Why should that factor into a person’s ability to run a country?

Oh, I wouldn’t want a person with a heart filled with hate, or someone who lacks spirituality at all, running the country.

I think having morals, values and beliefs that weigh on the side of goodness, kindness, peacefulness and prosperity are a MUST; whether or not a person is a Christian should not play into whether a person would be a good leader.

I consider myself to be a Christian. God has been very good to me. I have been blessed many times over. My family has experienced miracles that are beyond medical explanation. I believe, in my heart of hearts, God has always provided me with the proof I need to know I’m doing what he would have me do.

I have 2 signs that hang in my house. I appreciate when visitors read them and understand the clear message I wish to convey with them. They do have a purpose!

Sign 1 – Remember How Blessed You Are (I don’t need anyone force-feeding their beliefs on me to make sure I make it to the front of the "Been Blessed" line.

Sign 2 – You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips – I believe in leading by example not cramming what I believe down the throats of others.

My Bible commands me to love my neighbors, brothers and sisters – it commands me not to judge – it gives me comfort in letting me know it’s up to me to find my own salvation.

I believe every Christian has their own convictions (that little voice inside that tells you when something is wrong). Aside from the obvious commandments of not killing, stealing, etc. – I believe with all that I am, when a Christian strays from their own convictions, yes it’s wrong and it would be a sin.

I have a relative who thinks wearing jeans, makeup and cutting hair is a sin. I believe it would be, for HER. For me it is not. God did not put that conviction in my heart and I feel no guilt or shame when I throw on a pair of jeans, cut my hair or apply my makeup. That lack of guilt is what tells me I’m good with God!

This relative is quite vocal in letting me know she doesn’t think she’ll see me in Heaven because of this -  I on the other hand told her I’d save her a seat.

There is a HUGE difference between preaching/teaching the gospel and imposing your own set of convictions on others. I think that’s where a lot of Christian’s get confused.

Spreading the gospel is about spreading love, peace and all that is good. Not once, throughout the Bible, do you read of how Jesus force-fed his beliefs to another. He lead a righteous life. He would teach. He would answer questions. He would embrace others. 

Jesus NEVER flew off in a fit of emotional rage, as if to somehow seize control over the mind of another and shift their belief to align perfectly with his.

Have something to add? Leave a comment – I’d love for you to share your thoughts.

TV preachers with their McMansion style churches and homes, raking in millions of dollars every single year get under my skin. I’ve been very vocal about my personal distaste in plastic Christians and greedy preachers.

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve watched ministers like Jim Bakker and Kenneth Copeland pass the plate and hold out their televised hand urging faithful Christians to tithe generously in exchange for God answering their prayers and bringing them prosperity.

Some of these ministers are living as if they are participating in a Nickelback video with their private jets, massive homes times 3, 4 and 5. They’re driving ultra expensive cars, taking elaborate vacations, all while some of the most impoverished, yet loyal, Christians are sending them the last dime they possibly can.

A couple of days ago, Inside Edition’s Lisa Guerrero caught up with one of the wealthiest Bible thumpers, Creflo Dollar, and put them on the spot asking, “How do you justify your million dollar mansions and private jets to your donors?” He of course had ‘no comment.’

My personal favorite portion of the segment was when Lisa caught up with Kenneth Copeland.

Did you know Copeland lives in an 18,000 square foot home outside Ft. Worth, Texas that’s valued at $6 million? And that he has a $20 million Cessna Citation jet, that happens to be the fastest private jet on the market? According to Copeland, he “needed it to better serve the Lord.” To show his appreciation, Copeland did a fly by for his flock of followers after church.

Isn’t that special?

As if that weren’t enough to raise my blood pressure to stroke levels, it was then disclosed that Copeland has an entire fleet of planes registered to the church and has The Kenneth Copeland Airport situated right next to his personal Copeland Palace.

Greed Greed Greed – Barf!

Apparently televangelism is a $2 to $3 BILLION industry that’s going untaxed, unregulated.

That’s just gross!

The segment goes on to mention Kristi Parker who, after the death of her mother, found diaries that revealed her mother had sent most of her life savings to Copeland hoping somehow those donations would help save her from the cancer that was claiming her life.

How, can a man who claims to be a man of the cloth, a man working in the service of God, do this to people and sleep at night?

Reading The Sociopath Next Door is actually helping me understand the HOW part – in 200 watt neon!

Several televangelists were subject to a Senate investigation. By law religious groups are exempt from federal taxes. They don’t have to report how much they take in and they don’t have to report how they spend it. Not to anyone!

That’s wrong! So wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!

Of the evangelists being investigated by the Senate committee, the televangelists who did not provide full information included Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Bishop Eddie Long, Creflo and Taffi Dollar, and Randy and Paula White. Joyce Meyer, based in Missouri and Benny Hinn, based in California — told investigators that they have made changes in how they govern their ministries or set compensation.

Good for them!

I encourage you to take 4 minutes to watch the clip on this Inside Edition investigation and share your thoughts.

Personally, I believe the times of religious groups being exempt from taxes needs to come to an end. It makes sense if times were like they used to be, when churches actually ran hospitals, ran homeless shelters or took care of communities – but those days are gone.

These mega churches disgust me – we have homeless people needing shelter. We have American’s who are victims of natural disasters needing assistance, we have people who have lost their jobs, churches should be helping people, not building golden temples of worship.

Ever since I was pre-teen, I’ve wondered why there are so many religions, so many denominations, so many rules – when clearly, the Ten Commandments are relatively simple to follow.

While I don’t remember who the minister was – I remember his words that resonated in my mind at a very early age. I recall the Sunday morning sermon placed emphasis on Philippians 2:12

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling

To me, that means to listen to that little voice that tells me something is right or wrong.

For some that could be wearing makeup, cutting their hair, wearing pants, wearing shorts, having a beer, cursing or not attending church services, not tithing, or any act they feel may be sinful – whatever the case may be.

During my lifetime, I’ve been a part of various congregations. I’ve attended Southern Baptist, Baptist, Pentecostal, Charismatic, Christian, Friends and Methodist and Pilgrim Holiness services and have taken a sampling from each to find my own religion and clearly define my personal convictions.

To date, I’ve not found a church I feel is ‘home’ to me for so many different reasons.

The closest I ever came to feeling “at home” was during a Casting Crowns concert I took my kids to a couple of years ago.

Lately I’ve felt very empty – like something is missing. I have this deep spiritual longing to find that “home.” Today I step out into that journey to find the one teacher I feel can provide me with the lessons that make me feel more whole rather then leaving me with a lingering bitter taste for organized religion.

Because I believe immensely in the Bible when it says for me to work out my own salvation – I have personal convictions I cannot waiver from while searching for that “home” – some of those are:

• I may not agree with homosexuality – but I don’t judge them. I simply embrace my brothers and sisters in Christ and leave them to work out their own salvation. If a church goes overboard pushing the issue – it is NOT my home.
• I may not agree with abortion – BUT it is not my place to judge anyone who does. I simply embrace those women who make such a decision and leave the rest to God. A church that goes to extreme acting against a woman’s right to choose is NOT my home.
• I don’t believe in paying tithe to a church and building fund when so many of my brothers and sisters in Christ are without homes and food. I believe in giving to my community first. The building can wait. Any church that makes me feel guilty for not placing money in a plate is NOT my home.
• I have had prayers answered that I have prayed in the bathtub. My salvation does not leave me feeling less Christian in my shorts, jeans or makeup – a church that makes me feel guilty for wearing jeans is NOT my home.
• I believe a person only accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior and believe he gave his life for me and my sinful ways in order to enter the gates of Heaven. Any church that would tell a parent that their child who was not formally baptized will not be in heaven is NOT the home for me.

I believe in the Ten Commandments and I believe in treating others the way I want to be treated. Everything else is just small stuff. I HAVE that little voice in my head that tells me when something is wrong. I believe that voice is God guiding me on the path to my own salvation. I don’t need anyone telling me what I choose to do is wrong – that’s judging! And that’s wrong!

The church I end up calling home will embrace me and all my sins. They will not judge – they will only love me and feed positive energy in a world that is full of turmoil.

That may be an awfully big order but I have faith that God will provide what I need.

In the meantime, I will feed from the sermons of Joel Osteen – I believe in him, his word and hope that one day I will find a church that makes me feel as “at home” as his services do.

I know I’m not the only one who struggles with religion. There are so many –

Who is to say who is right?

How do you know who is wrong?

Are you ever afraid you’re making the wrong choice?

I was going to ask if you’ve seen all these small gatherings of American people popping up across the U.S. – but then realized how silly that question would sound. Of course you’ve heard of them!

I’ve bitten my tongue until now – but I can’t bite it anymore.

Some people are saying Tea Party is spelled A-m-e-r-i-c-a-n-P-e-o-p-l-e

Let me state for the record NO. ITS. NOT!

I am American and I see these tea parties as nothing more than political bitch fests that are organized by anti-social individuals who have nothing better to do with their time than have something to bitch about.

Tea Parties are to the Obama Administration what Cindy Sheehan was to the Bush Administration. That’s all.

The thing that gets me most is the people I see spreading vile hatred do so when they are not going to church or thumping their Bible.

Having been raised a Christian and having been witness to the amazing miracles and blessings of God many times over, I feel that I’m doing just what God wants me to.

I recognize hateful rumors being spread around the internet are lies – my Bible commands me not to lie.

The stories that are making their way around the internet and in small social groups encourage hatred – ill feeling, anxiety, and several other emotions and actions that go against everything my Bible teaches and commands.

How could that be right?

To this day, I’m gob smacked that I  lost a friend over political differences. That I stepped up, asked that we agree to disagree, not discuss politics and my friend insisted on force feeding me her views and her opinions.

What is right about that?

For the record, I adore President Obama. I love to hear his speak. I adore Michelle Obama – I love the way she wraps her arms around children, no matter where they are from. I love the way our President and First Lady are hands on. They don’t hide from germs or the public – they get out and get in it.

I don’t know that I’ve ever seen or heard of a president who was so hands on – who was so in touch with the public.

I don’t like the fact that so much spending is going on – but I see that it’s one of those necessary evils we must endure IF we are to remain the country we all know and love. If spending doesn’t happen now, the American dollar will continue to fall into an abyss and I don’t think that’s anything any of us want.

People spoke poorly of Clinton when he was in office – but didn’t he bring our economy to a place of surplus? He may have made poor decisions when it came to his marriage – but by golly he was a good president and had our country on solid footing when he left.

Just know that when it comes to Tea Parties – they are a very small group of American’s and they do NOT speak for me! No way. No how!