Be imitators of God in everything you do, for then you will represent your Father as his beloved sons and daughters. 2 And continue to walk surrendered to the extravagant love of Christ, for he surrendered his life as a sacrifice for us. His great love for us was pleasing to God, like an aroma of adoration—a sweet healing fragrance. Ephesians 5:1-2 TPT
Recently on TBN they have been playing a show about the Life of Billy Graham. I’ve now watched it three times and each time I’m brought to tears and think how he was the example of Micah 6:8. He went around doing good, loved mercy and walked humbly with his God. He was one of the most influential people for Jesus Christ in modern times.
He never compromised the truth of the Gospel. After all, he went to the Soviet Union while it was still behind the Iron Curtain against the advice and blessing of many people here in the US. He preached the Gospel as he always had and people listened and more importantly lives were changed. He was asked to preach the uncompromising Word of God all over the world. People were hungry to hear what he had to say. Why was what he was saying so accepted, even by people who he disagreed with? It might have been because he not only taught people who Jesus was, but showed them by the way He treated them and lived. He saw people through the eyes of God created by and greatly loved by Him. It didn’t matter if they were presidents or royalty, Millionaires or peasants, old or young, male or female, or any nationality, he loved them because God did.
He would be the first to tell you he wasn’t perfect man, but he did live to be used of God. People no matter their state, wanted what he had and he was more than willing to tell them about his Jesus without judgment. He was a voice of peace and reason in any crisis or times of trouble. His son Ned said of him, “My Dad was FAT, faithful, available and teachable.” Here’s the thing, look at the influence one man could have for Jesus when he made everything he said and did about Jesus, not about him. He made it about loving people like Jesus did, not judging someone, because we all have fallen short of the glory of God, listening to people and let them know how much he cared. What if those of us who call ourselves followers of Christ, would desire to truly become like Him. Answer, the power of Jesus Christ would transform the world!
Today is the beginning of the second week of Lent. What if we gave up going through the motions and dedicate our lives and begin living so to become like Jesus, by showing His love, mercy and grace. Truth is, if we want things to change, we’re not only going to have to tell others about the transforming power of Jesus, but show them the results so they will want a relationship with Him also.
“In an age that is given over to cynicism, coldness, and doubt and in which the fire and warmth of God is conspicuous for its absence in the world, my heart cry is, Let the fire fall…..O, God, let the fire of your love fall on us.” Billy Graham
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