“Clothed in Integrity” (17/40)

Yesterday the world lost one of the greatest men that have walked this earth, Rev. Billy Graham, at the age of 99. He was well known for the better part of a century as an evangelist and a pastor to the multitudes, even to Presidents. I never had the pleasure of hearing him speak in person, but one thing has always been obvious to me: he was a man of integrity and of powerful faith. There are very few men in the public eye that anyone could say that about. His message brought people together and challenged all from youngest to oldest to really know God, not by just following a religion but by having a real, living relationship with Him.

I think it was very fitting that my devotional yesterday was based on Acts 2:21, which says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” That was Billy Graham’s message in summary. Not just in words, but also in actions. How else could the message be fully heard? He himself said, “We are the Bibles the world is reading; we are the creeds the world is needing; we are the sermons the world is heeding.” He knew the eyes of the world were on him, and he used every ounce of his being to preach the Gospel of Good News.

Billy Graham gained all the wisdom he needed from the Bible, and then he acted upon it. He took the path less traveled. And he showed the rest of us how it’s done. So today there is no question in my mind that he is enjoying the presence of God with his savior, Jesus Christ. He is relishing in the beauty of heaven, dancing with joy and resting in the complete healing that comes with eternity there.

There is a true legacy of integrity that Billy Graham has left behind. I’m sure he made mistakes in life; he never claimed to be perfect. But many put their faith in his God because they trusted what Billy Graham said and did. As I think back, I believe my father was also a man of integrity. Never once did I question that he lived the same way in front of others as he did behind them. I know he made his share of mistakes too, but it’s the true test of man to admit when he’s wrong, which he did to me many times. It’s even more a test at times for a parent to admit that to a child. I also know that he, too, was a man of faith and that he is also in heaven with his parents, brother and others who have gone before him. I often see him in my dreams and know that a pureness of joy has overtaken him. I have great comfort and hope that I will one day join him and Billy. And I pray that others will regard my life as one lived with integrity as well.