The late Rev. Billy Graham is without a doubt one of the most influential and remarkable men of God in recent times.
His life is very inspirational, and his death was both a sad thing for all of us who looked up to him, and a happy thing knowing that he lived a full life in service to the Lord Jesus Christ in preaching the Gospel and went happily to his heavenly home.
In this article I just want to share a few reflections from the life and death of the man many hailed as "America's pastor," a humble servant who loved our Lord Jesus Christ.
1) He wasn't afraid to admit his mistakes
Billy Graham, of all people, wasn't afraid to admit his mistakes. He is known for living a life of integrity (especially with the "Billy Graham rule") and for being the preacher who was loved around the world, but he didn't let these get to his head.
He remained grounded, and was able to admit his mistakes and regrets so that we could learn from him.
Some of us Christians today aren't like him. We tend to explain our sins away and avoid any form of accountability or responsibility. When we sin sometimes, we tend to think it's someone else's fault.
The late evangelist, however, simply didn't try to excuse himself. He admitted he had made mistakes in life and ministry, and wanted others to learn from him.
"I now warn young evangelists not to make the mistakes I did," he is quoted as saying.
2) We can establish effective guidelines for purity
I am amazed at Billy Graham's track record. Other ministers have fallen into sexual impurity and financial scandals, but Billy Graham did not.
He even left us with an encouragement: it's possible to have a happy and lasting marriage and a blemish-free testimony.
The aforementioned "Billy Graham rule," now also known as the "Mike Pence rule," continues to inspire me. It's a simple discipline of us not spending time alone with women other than our wives.
Some may think it is sexist, but I think it is not. Billy's long and happy marriage with Ruth is proof of this, as well as Mike Pence's marriage with Karen.
3) Family matters, even if I am a minister
I've known several Christians who have abandoned their family, or at least treated them with less attention than they deserved, for the sake of "ministry."
While serving the Lord Jesus Christ and obeying His commands should be at the top of our lists, God expects all of us to treat our families the right way. This is part and parcel of our growth in Christ-likeness.
Billy said it himself:
"I would speak less and study more, and I would spend more time with my family...I would also spend more time in spiritual nurture, seeking to grow closer to God so I could become more like Christ..."
