If you happen to reminisce about watching my grandfather, Billy Graham, on television over the course of his ministry, certain characteristics may pop into your mind. You may remember the blond hair of his youth, the wide smile, or the piercing eyes.
If you’re old enough, perhaps you recall his early days when he was affectionately called “God’s Machine Gun,” as he’d prowl the stage, throwing his arms around in grand gestures and boldly preaching at a breakneck pace.
Of course, time waits for no man, and that passionate and striking evangelist turns 96-years-old today.
Now, if you catch my grandfather on television preaching his My Hope sermon titled Heaven, the first characteristic you’ll likely notice is his silvery-white hair.
Nowadays when I visit with my grandfather at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, his hair always reminds me of Proverbs 16:31, which says, “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”
My grandfather is not a perfect man. Most certainly he’d be the first to admit that. But he has lived a life – a very full life, I might add – of trying to reflect the righteousness of Jesus Christ. His passion for the Gospel and his deep-seated desire to see people find hope in Jesus Christ drove him to spend decades crisscrossing the globe and selflessly proclaiming the Good News.
Through it all he has maintained a humble spirit, so much so that he doesn’t even like looking at pictures of himself. He deflects any glory and redirects the focus to his Lord, Savior, and reason for living: Jesus.
I’m so incredibly thankful for the example that my grandfather is to me, and the way that he continues to teach me lessons. He does this not only through his words, but also through his actions – and the reasons behind those actions. Everything he does is for the glory of Christ and for the sake of righteousness.
All of this shows that – even at the advanced age of 96 – Jesus is still the center of his life.
To Daddy Bill: You have earned that gray hair. Thank you so much for the example you’ve been to me and so many others. Happy 96th Birthday!
Order your free DVD of Heaven, featuring a new message from Billy Graham
