When I learned of the late Reverend Billy Graham’s death, a weightiness settled over me. Billy Graham exemplified a human being who stood secure in who he was in Christ. He was never proud nor arrogant despite his heavenly lineage, nor did he wallow in low self-esteem or pity, thinking he deserved less than the cross afforded him as his inheritance.
Reverend Billy Graham stood for truth
While I am sure that Reverend Graham had his faults, as we all do, he could be recognized as a man who walked his talk, shared his faith without apology, and lived without regrets because he faced each new day as a fresh opportunity to serve his risen Savior. Reverend Graham didn’t cave under scrutiny, nor compromise his values or Biblical truth in order to say what was popular. Rather, he stood for truth.
Reverend Graham impacted the world in a positive way. He searched the Scriptures for spiritual direction, while reminding us where our strength resides. He exemplified grace, compassion, and love, never judging anyone, but rather, seeing everyone through Christ’s eyes. He never stood for religion, but rather, encouraged a personal relationship with a living God. He challenged us to each be salt and light in this world.
One commenter threw stones at Billy Graham
Shortly following Reverend Graham’s death, every news report and social media post shared information regarding his death, memorial services, and the impact of his life. For some reason, one comment stood out to me more than all the rest. This individual stated, “I was saddened to learn that Rev. Graham was human and imperfect.” The individual was referring to a ministry decision Reverend Graham made not to work directly with Reverend Martin Luther King. Yet there was no mention of the fact that Reverend Graham desegregated his revivals and sought to bring men of all races together through the love of the gospel.
None of us are perfect
The comment cut deep. There has never been anyone before or since Jesus who could be found perfect and without sin. While Reverend Graham had sin in his life, there were also times he confessed this publicly with a repentant heart. He never claimed to be perfect or anything other than human.
So for one to be “saddened to learn” that he was “human and imperfect” seems to me to set someone up for a fall. Scripture says there is none who is righteous, not one.
If finding out that Billy Graham was human and imperfect was disappointing, I must confess, I will likely disappoint you on a daily basis. While I try to live a sin-free life, I’m not perfect. I fall down. I make mistakes. And I’m usually the first one to draw that into the light. I am human, I am imperfect, and Jesus came for precisely that reason.
While I did not know, nor had ever heard of the individual who made the comment, that can only mean they have not had nearly the same impact for the kingdom and the gospel of Jesus Christ that Reverend Graham has had. Reverend Graham has brought more people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ than any other human being I can think of, and his life and death have fostered my deep desire to do more for the kingdom while I have a chance.
Let the one with no sin cast the first stone
The sharp comment against such an upstanding individual like Reverend Graham made me think of the story in the Bible when men were eager to stone a woman caught in adultery. Yet Jesus basically said, “Mind your own business. Do what you need to do and don’t worry yourself throwing stones at someone else until your own heart is pure.” He told the men who were so eager to stone the woman that whoever was without sin in their own life could cast the first stone. But that would first require self-examination, and accountability. Very few would do this, out of fear of what the consequences would be for themselves. One by one each turned away.
Throwing stones at someone like Billy Graham who has had such a tremendous impact for the kingdom, and is known across generations and cultures, is surely akin to casting the first stone. My own life is filled with enough that I must regularly repent of to be concerned with what someone like Billy Graham did wrong. My desire, instead, is to learn from his example and to do my part in sharing the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I’m so grateful that Jesus didn’t throw stones, but instead hung on a cross so that I could be offered forgiveness, mercy, and grace instead of judgment and condemnation.
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It is sad that there is so much emphasis today on finding something to criticize about everyone. Everyone seems to be unhappy or offended about something. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13 that love “believes all things.” I take that to mean not that we stick our heads in the sand, but that we give others the benefit of the doubt. As you pointed out, the Rev. Graham was one of the first and strongest proponents of integration. It’s likely his decision not to work together with Dr. King had more to do with “how” God was leading him to do things than a rejection of the goal. Thanks for reminding us of these important truths.
Not only are there rock throwers, the moat and beam story is overlooked. People who disagree with me sometimes are accusing and actually that plank is showing compared to my speck.
It’s funny that this person you heard was saddened to hear that Billy Graham was human and imperfect. That’s exactly what encourages me. That he was a real person with faults and failures, but one who gave himself so boldly for the cause of Christ, gives me great hope. I mean, if he was perfect and did everything right, then how could I possibly relate? But that God uses the imperfect, broken and wayward is the story of the Gospel, right? How great to reflect on how the .Lord used a humble life in such a great way. Hallelujah that God can also take my faults and shortcomings and inconsistencies and work through me if I will trust Him and have faith just as Dr. Graham was.
I was also puzzled by the stone throwing but when I thought about it, I realized it shouldn’t surprise me. It is a reminder of the sinful world we live in and the fact that men are blind and focus on the wrong things. Also there is the enemy, who is the accuser and father of lies who is always trying speak false truths in our minds and distract us and point us away from the truth. Focusing on Christians imperfections and short comings is a strategy used by the enemy to keep people from going to church and seeking a relationship with Christ. Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven. I agree with Karen, it encourages me, that Billy Graham was real and imperfect and how he lived in God’s grace everyday, continually seeking fellowship with him and faithfully sharing the truth of the gospel to a hurting world. His ministry and impact continues even after his death. That is amazing!
“his life and death have fostered my deep desire to do more for the kingdom while I have a chance.”
I couldn’t agree more with this, and I love it! So thankful that God has sent people into this world to drive us all the deeper into Him and inspire us all the more to reach others!
Your title intrigued me and I was blessed by your synopsis of Graham’s life, humanity and ministry. You have encouraged me today. Visiting from the Fresh Market Friday link up. laurensparks.net
Hi There!
Thank you for defending Rev. Billie Graham. He was a great man and a champion for the Gospel. One thing that stands out to me was the integrity of the man and ministry. It’s not easy ministering so long and staying clear of the traps of lust, greed, and malice.
Although there is a place for criticizing one over doctrinal issues and and ministry decisions, which I believe can be done in a God glorifying way, I feel like immediately after his passing is not one of them.
The challenge we ought to be faced with is, how can his life encourage and spur me to be more passionate for the Gospel of life?
God bless you!
G+E
Like another commenter said, it actually helps knowing Billy Graham was human and made mistakes just like we do. It doesn’t take away from the fact that he loved God and he loved people and humbly shared the gospel. Blessings to you, Michelle! Thanks for linking up with us at the #LMMLinkup.