Billy Graham acted as a living example of the evangelistic messages that he preached. His sermons were not only written to convict the crowds, but also to shape his own life. This series of “Living Out the Gospel” posts demonstrate how Mr. Graham ‘practiced what he preached.’

In His Own Words:

“When Christ said, ‘Pick up the cross,’ people were startled. They were amazed. What did He mean? A cross was an instrument of execution. It was like saying, ‘Pick up the gallows. Pick up the electric chair and follow me. I’m going to be executed. Come with Me to the place of execution and be executed with Me. Identify yourself with Me in My suffering.’

To take up the cross means that you take your stand for the Lord Jesus, no matter what it costs. It means crucifixion of self–all of your desire for popularity, recognition, or success.

It may mean that you become the scum of the world. It may mean that you become refuse. It may mean that you become a spectacle to the world. It may mean that you become foolishness to the world.

Jesus warned His disciples, “The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). As you identify yourself with Christ, you will share in His rejection by the world.

All of this you do as a matter of voluntary choosing. This is your cross because you choose to pick it up in that crisis of self-denial. Are you ready to take up your cross?”

An Example of Faith:

When Billy Graham was young, there were few things in life he loved more than baseball. Because of that, he had strongly decided that he would dedicate himself to baseball throughout his future in hopes that his passion would lead him to the major leagues.

“My goal was simple,” he said. “Stand at home plate, with bat in hand, immersed in an important game. I often pictured myself hitting a bi-league grand slam into the stadium seats and hearing the crowd roar with thunder as I ran to the bases—nearing home.”

He did not want to become a preacher. In fact, he told himself multiple times that he would never become a public speaker. That was not in his own plan for his own life.

It was, however, in God’s plan for his life. Against his own will and against the norms of society, Billy Graham was faithful to the Lord as he picked up his cross. He denied himself the desires of his flesh to stand for the Lord Jesus Christ as “America’s Pastor” (though he did not know at the time that was God’s ultimate plan). People have ridiculed him along the way – just as he warned in his sermons – but it has been worth it.

Nearing Home: Life, Faith and Finishing Well