How to change the world: Be a Billy Graham

Wouldn’t it be cool to change the world?

I don’t feel like a person who could do that. You probably don’t, either. But I’ll bet that whenever the world changes for good, it happens through the daily activity of ordinary people, living extraordinary lives.

One of those people just died this morning.

Before 8:00 in the morning, Billy Graham entered his eternal glory during his 100^th year of life. He lived worthy. He lived a life that changed the world. Here are some impressive stats about his ministry:

• 215 million people attended
• 400 crusades and rallies
• 185 countries and territories
• 34 books
• prayed with every American President from Truman to Obama

He has numbers most preachers and writers would envy. He did it without personal scandal, with the woman he loved for his entire life. No social media. He just preached the clear gospel and let the Holy Spirit move unimpeded over his audiences.

I’m challenged when I think about his legacy and his character. Maybe you are, too, so here are a couple things to consider:

• What do I want to be remembered for when I die?
• If I could only accomplish one thing in life, what would it be?
• If I have a successful life, will people say I was gracious, humble, courageous, and giving? Or will they remember that I was ambitious, unforgiving, afraid, and prideful?
• What is your strategy for achieving greatness?

I just returned Sunday from staying at the Billy Graham Training Center, called The Cove, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, NC. Stunning views, accommodating staff, and Graham memorabilia makes his place feel reverent and holy. There, Billy and Ruth Graham are honored but not worshipped. They are loving mentors rather than American celebrities.

Truly great leadership emerges from pure hearts, pure motives, and pure actions. Eternity and legacy sit as judges.

Thank you, Billy Graham, for giving us your life as an example to follow.

Psalm 24:3-6

Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?

Who may stand in his holy place?

The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,

Who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.

They will receive blessing from the Lord

And vindication from God their Savior.

Such is the generation of those who seek him,

Who seek your face, God of Jacob.

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