When I think about the qualities of a “saint” I have a sense that they reflect what God’s spirit is truly like. I believe that feeling a saint’s energy would give us a glimpse into what is holy and good.

So I thought, if I want to live a more saintly life, what would that [...]]]>

Mother Theresa

When I think about the qualities of a “saint” I have a sense that they reflect what God’s spirit is truly like. I believe that feeling a saint’s energy would give us a glimpse into what is holy and good.

So I thought, if I want to live a more saintly life, what would that look like? Here’s what I came up with as top qualities of a saint-like life:

1. Union with God; or a strong connection to source.

When I use the word God, I’m referring to whatever your name is for the source of your being. It seems to me that a saint puts God first.

Mother Theresa said that she heard the voice of God in her soul, and she loved God with “all my heart, all my soul, all my power, and all my mind.” Jesus was Mother Theresa’s number one priority.

Saints also often develop an overwhelming love and sense of compassion for humankind.

2. Which leads us to Divine Service.

It seems to me that a saint develops the ability to “die to the self.” In Hinduism this term refers to dieing to the ego so that it no longer controls your thoughts and actions and learning to live in spirit.

When you call upon God daily to help you make decisions about even the smallest things in your life, you develop inner qualities such as humility, devotion, prayerfulness and a deep compassion for all of God’s creation.

You can’t help but want to be of service to others.

3. Worship, honor and respect lead to a sense of Holiness.

Saints are often felt to be heroes held up for our inspiration. Because they have become transformed by spirit, they love to pray or commune with spirit and as a result, those yearning for a connection to God want to be nearer to as well as emulate them.

Their lives are perceived to be full of grace, sustained by faith that is an example for many. They exemplify gratitude and thankfulness in everything.

Some become extraordinary teachers whose work seems to be a source of benevolent power. They act selflessly and possess a revelatory relationship to spirit. They are patient, accepting and know how to surrender to the Lord of their heart’s will.

Did I mention their ability to love? It knows no bounds.