We should emulate life and ministry of Billy Graham

With the passing of Billy Graham, the curtain has closed on a great icon of faith and a model in leadership. Going by the tributes pouring in from across the globe, Dr Graham certainly touched millions of lives in a unique way. For a man who preached the Gospel in almost literally every corner of the earth, this is not totally unusual. What is special is the way he did it, with love and passion, both for his God and for His people. Though much has been said about the man, a few things are still worth repeating – things that made him stand out from the crowd. I will pick four.

First is Authenticity. In a world where many live double lives – where public and private lives are often totally diametrically opposed, Billy Graham’s was an open and transparent life. Those who worked with him testified to his simplicity and humanness in all his dealings. He readily acknowledged his weaknesses and repented of his mistakes. Indeed, he himself declared, “The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.’” Sadly, that is a humanness many men and women in our time, and especially in our context, would rather not be identify with. We often put on this air of infallibility that unfortunately repels many because it is obviously counterfeit.