Billy Graham on 'What does it mean to follow Jesus?'

Rev. Billy Graham AP Images / Gerry Broome

Evangelist Billy Graham once answered a troubled person inquiring about following Christ, and encouraged thousands of others who read his response. 

The person, identified only as "T.M.," asked Graham what it means to follow Jesus on KansasCity.com. 

"My life is so busy that I can't imagine taking a couple of hours every day to pray, like I guess saintly people are supposed to do," T.M. added. 

Rev. Graham explained that not everyone is given a ministry of prayer. 

"Some men and women may be called by God to do exactly what you say; over the years, I've been humbled to meet some of them," he wrote. "When I get to heaven, I'm sure I'll discover just how important they were in God's work."

The 96-year-old then explained what it means to be a follower of Christ. 

"First, it means to be committed to him as our saviour and Lord," he began.

"This means we want him to be the master of our lives instead of trying to run them ourselves. Have you turned over the control of your life to him?

"Following Christ also means we seek to obey him every day. He knows what is best for us and has told us how he wants us to live in his word, the Bible.

"Is it part of your life every day and are you allowing its truth to shape your mind and heart?

"Finally, following Christ means seeing others through his eyes," Graham continued. "Christ loved the world so much that he was willing to give his life for our salvation.

"Is his Holy Spirit filling us with his love, and are we seeking to touch others for Christ? 

"The Bible says, 'Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us' (Ephesians 5:1-2)."

News
New ‘Tyndale Trail’ launched to mark 500 years of English New Testament
New ‘Tyndale Trail’ launched to mark 500 years of English New Testament

A new long-distance walking route tracing the life of Bible translator William Tyndale has been launched in south-west England, as part of commemorations marking 500 years since his groundbreaking English New Testament.

Russia and Ukraine agree to temporary Orthodox Easter truce
Russia and Ukraine agree to temporary Orthodox Easter truce

In the Orthodox calendar, Easter falls one week after the date celebrated in western Europe.

Bishop urges people of Britain to stand up for Christian truth
Bishop urges people of Britain to stand up for Christian truth

It follows an earlier open letter addressed to King Charles, calling upon him to defend Christianity in line with his titles of Supreme Governor of the Church of England and "Defender of the Faith".

Fundraising Regulator reminds churches that collections are subject to code of practice
Fundraising Regulator reminds churches that collections are subject to code of practice

Churches can breach the code even when acting in good faith.