We often think of the early believers as if they were somehow more special than other followers of God. Yet, anyone God calls and sanctifies by His Spirit is a believer. We might see apostles as extraordinary, almost above human frailties and temptations, but that isn't true. The closer someone is to God, the more they mourn their own sinful heart.

The more God honors them, the more they struggle with their own flesh. If we met the apostle Paul, we'd find he was much like any other believer. Talking with him, we'd realize his experiences reflected our own. Paul was exceptionally faithful and holy, but he faced the same trials as us, and in many ways, even more so.

Let's not view early believers as free from sin or weakness. Don't idolize them. Their holiness is something we can reach. We're called to be believers just like them, drawn by the same voice that called them. As Christians, we should strive to join the ranks of the saints. If those believers were ahead in their spiritual journey, let's follow their lead. We've access to the same light and grace, so let's pursue their level of holiness and character. They lived with and for Jesus and became more like Him. By living with the same Spirit, focused on Jesus, our own sainthood will soon show.