What I Will Tell My Children about Billy Graham

One Lesson to Carry Forward

Billy preached to millions. People all over the world came to faith in Christ due to his evangelistic efforts. His simple message of “the love of God from the Cross saying to the whole world, ‘I love you, I love you, I will forgive you'” resonates sixty years after he began preaching that message. Most of my readers are my age or older and grew up hearing about Billy Graham’s ministry. We also knew about the (in)famous moral rule (now called the Billy Graham Rule but originally part of what was called the Modesto Manifesto): he and his team committed to rely on local funds rather than emphasizing money, to refuse to be alone with a woman who was not their wife, to support local churches, and not to emphasize numbers or publicity.

What was that all about?

Integrity.

They knew that to fall prey to any one of the temptations of money, sex, or fame would compromise their entire ministry and the gospel itself. Because he preached Jesus, the world watched his life carefully. So he imposed limitations on himself, gathering trusted friends to help him stay accountable. Like anyone, he had regrets: among the most prominent were several poor choices in his political friendships and how much time he spent away from his children during their formative years. But he could own up to them, ask forgiveness, make reparation, and move forward. He believed in a forgiving God, and he extended grace to others because he understood why he did not deserve the grace God gave him in Jesus.

When I tell my kids about Billy Graham, I will share his core message of “faith in Jesus = eternal life that starts now,” and I will show them his reputation as a man of integrity. Walk the talk; when you fall, get back up; when you see someone falling, extend a helping hand and share Hope.

Billy probably never heard this song by Sidewalk Prophets, because it’s currently on the radio. Today I was singing along (in the car, of course) when the words hit me anew:

Just when all hope seemed lost
Love opened the door for us

He said, “come to the table
Come join the sinners who have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table.”

Love opened the door and said “Come…” (1 John 4:8). Billy is sitting at the table now. And we are all invited.