The Legacy Of Billy Graham: How One Person Obedient to God Can Change The World

From Mommy Dearest February 2018

Few people live a life where they impact generations of people for Christ, but Billy Graham lived that life and the seeds he’s planted will continue to grow for years to come, even though he is no longer walking this earth.

As the world continues to mourn the loss of a godly man, people all over the world share stories and memories on how Billy Graham changed their life.

But the truth is, he changed the world, as he was obedient to the Spirit, and allowed God to use him to bring the message of Jesus Christ, to those who are hurting.

Thousands came to Christ after responding to the altar call, during his crusades.

Broken people who were lost heard the love and light of Christ, because Billy Graham lived out the great commission — to make disciples of all nations.

And while Billy Graham led ordinary people to Christ, he also had an influence on those elected to office, as he was an advisor to presidents.

Presidents who truly made decisions that impacted the world were guided by Billy Graham.

Former President George W. Bush claims Billy Graham changed his life, and even helped him stop drinking.

Bush shared his story on how a simple conversation with Billy Graham changed his entire life trajectory.

The Wall Street Journal reported:

“Then I mentioned something I’d been thinking about for a while—that reading the Bible might help make me a better person. He told me about one of the Bible’s most fundamental lessons: One should strive to be better, but we’re all sinners who earn God’s love not through our good deeds, but through His grace. It was a profound concept, one I did not fully grasp that day. But Billy had planted a seed. His thoughtful explanation made the soil less hard, the brambles less thick.

God’s work within me began in earnest with Billy’s outreach. His care and his teachings were the real beginning of my faith walk—and the start of the end of my drinking. I couldn’t have given up alcohol on my own. But in 1986, at 40, I finally found the strength to quit. That strength came from love I had felt from my earliest days and from faith I didn’t fully discover until my later years.”

But Billy Graham was a humble man, from a modest upbringing, and treated everyone with love.

Power and position didn’t change the way he viewed souls, souls to be won for Christ.

He viewed each person as an individual and often said it was his job to love, not judge.

Crosswalk reported some of Billy Graham’s most famous quotes, which demonstrate his love for Jesus, and dedication to spread the Gospel:

“It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, God’s job to judge and my job to love.”

“I have never known anyone to accept Christ’s redemption and later regret it.”

“Tears shed for self are tears of weakness, but tears shed for others are a sign of strength.”

“Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion – it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.”

Billy Graham may no longer be present here on Earth, but he is alive in heaven, united with his Lord and Savior.

His humility and willingness to faithfully serve the Lord is an example to us all.

And without a doubt, when he came face to face with God, he heard “Well done, good and faithful servant”.

What is your favorite memory of Billy Graham?

Do you think his legacy will live on and impact eternity?

Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.