Why Billy Graham considers himself 'the greatest failure of all men': 'Too much with men and too little with God'

Billy Graham (right) and his son Franklin Graham (left) are still preaching God's love and message to the world. (billygraham.org)

Despite gaining worldwide recognition for his inspiring speeches and devotion to God, legendary American evangelist Billy Graham still considers himself a failure.

It would floor people who admire the evangelist to hear him speak of himself in such a way, but Graham has a very good reason why he considers himself a failure.

According to Charisma News, famed television host Larry King interviewed Graham shortly after his 80th birthday and told him, "It must be rewarding to you to look back on your life and not have to live with regrets."

Graham's reply surprised not just King but his audiences. "I am the greatest failure of all men. I was too much with men and too little with God. I was too busy with business meetings and even conducting services. I should have been more with God, and people would've sensed God's presence about me when they were with me," said Graham.

Bert M. Farias, revivalist and founder of Holy Fire Ministries, could not agree more with what Graham said. "If we follow after the flesh and the natural things, it will keep us empty and unusable to be the Lord's workman," he writes. "As your spirit gets filled with more of God, it will affect and touch everything in your life — your relationships, your health, your finances and more."

He strongly believes that the cure for any of man's problems is through living a full life with the Spirit of God, which people should abide by as a daily command.

"Don't give yourself to something less than being full. Cast aside the things that stop you from obtaining His fullness. You will not live full of the Spirit by leading a busy and hectic life. God called you to a full life, not a hectic life," he says.

"Your love walk and your faith walk won't be a difficulty when you're full. Faith and love are not a difficulty to the full man," adds Farias.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
related articles
The Bible offers tips on how to use money \'to meet our needs and the needs of others,\' says Billy Graham
The Bible offers tips on how to use money 'to meet our needs and the needs of others,' says Billy Graham

The Bible offers tips on how to use money 'to meet our needs and the needs of others,' says Billy Graham

Billy Graham gives advice on what to do when so-called friends \'mess up\' your life
Billy Graham gives advice on what to do when so-called friends 'mess up' your life

Billy Graham gives advice on what to do when so-called friends 'mess up' your life

Billy Graham says people should learn from the sins of men and women from the Bible
Billy Graham says people should learn from the sins of men and women from the Bible

Billy Graham says people should learn from the sins of men and women from the Bible

Billy Graham says angels are real and appear as ordinary humans on occasion
Billy Graham says angels are real and appear as ordinary humans on occasion

Billy Graham says angels are real and appear as ordinary humans on occasion

When Billy Graham cited proof of Jesus Christ's existence to those who still have doubts
When Billy Graham cited proof of Jesus Christ's existence to those who still have doubts

When Billy Graham cited proof of Jesus Christ's existence to those who still have doubts

News
A three day journey by canoe to receive life-saving treatment from Mercy Ships
A three day journey by canoe to receive life-saving treatment from Mercy Ships

Most Madagascans cannot afford surgery, even on the rare occasions its available.

Drought insurance helps Nepal families survive food crisis
Drought insurance helps Nepal families survive food crisis

An innovative drought insurance scheme has provided emergency support to hundreds of vulnerable farming families in western Nepal

Britain has become ‘dangerously complacent’ over family breakdown
Britain has become ‘dangerously complacent’ over family breakdown

Dr Harry Benson, Research Director at the Marriage Foundation, said the latest official data on families and households pointed to a “profound social change” that had received little public attention despite long-term consequences for family stability and child wellbeing.

Church of Scotland issues slavery apology
Church of Scotland issues slavery apology

The Church of Scotland General Assembly said it was “grieved beyond telling” for the suffering inflicted.