Quotes to Note

As a pastor and one who likes culture and history, I have always been somewhat of a quote guy.

I have used quotes in my sermons and writings and think that wisdom can be found in things that others have said, even if we don’t always agree with them or they do not come from a Christian perspective.

I have learned that online one can’t always count on the accuracy or reliability of quotes. Some famous quotes are actually “misquotes”. Unfortunately, it’s kind of difficult to know which is which. Today I begin a series where I will look at some quotes and comment briefly on each one. Hopefully they are accurate, and you find some that will cause you to think and be encouraged.

I can’t go wrong by starting with Billy Graham. He was a prolific writer and preacher who was highly respected during his nearly 100 years of life.

The first one I find fascinating because of my work as a hospice chaplain. When granted many years of life, growing old is natural, but growing old with grace is a choice. I have been around many people who have been granted long years on this earth. The aging process is natural though often difficult.

Some folks do it with a bitter and grumpy spirit. Those who know and love the Lord are ones who tend to grow old with grace and a concern for others.

I understand that Billy Graham never tired in his desire for the gospel to go forth and for he and his family to be used by God. Late in life he said, “I know that soon my life will be over. I thank God for it, and for all he has given me in this life... But I look forward to heaven.”

Doctor Graham was one who grew up in the South and yet had a good grasp on the importance of not being prejudiced. Racial prejudice, anti-Semitism, or hatred of any one with different beliefs has no place in the human mind or heart.

He would have been more accurate to say that those things should have no place in the heart or mind. Racial and class prejudice continue to plague our country. Anti-Semitism can be seen around the world and a war is currently going on because a hate group wants to eliminate Jews.

Even Christians can have animosity or hatred for those who don’t believe what they believe in. It is easy to look at our own skin color and beliefs and feel that ours is the best or only correct way to be or think.

I have often wondered what the solution is to prejudice. The only thing I can come up with is each person must choose to think well of others and deny themselves.

There is neither Jew nor Gentle, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28). Dr. Graham said, “I think it is a sin to look at another person as inferior to yourself because of race or because of ethnic background, and I think the greatest thing to do is to pray that God will give you love for them, and I do”.

Billy Graham was known for his strong character and having a biblical perspective on manners. While not every Christian leader always agreed with his methods and messages, no one called into question his integrity.

When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost. Money tends to come and go and does not satisfy a person ultimately.

Many have experienced loss of health, and it is significant. But illness and disease can strengthen a person and have them look forward to heaven. But if a person’s character is hurt by bad choices, that loss can often not be regained. Probably the Billy Graham quote that I use most often is this one in the funeral context of a Christian.

My home is in heaven. I’m just traveling through this world. It is easy to get comfortable here on earth and to consider this our home. It is all we have ever known. It is easy to forget that our real home awaits us in heaven. Jesus stated that he was going to prepare a place and that there are many dwelling places in his father’s house. We would be wise to keep things in eternal perspective and treasure each day here as a gift.

This life is preparation for eternity. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you (Psalm 73:25). Enjoy the blessings of life here on the earth as you travel. Don’t forget what your destination is and who will welcome you home. One thing that my wife sees as an elementary school teacher is the instability of the home.

That obviously influences the students who are uncertain about where they will be staying, and which parent will have them. Of course, there are many who deal with food insecurity and hunger. Billy Graham spoke a lot about the home and God’s plan for family.

Nothing can bring a real sense of security into the home except true love. I remember working with an inner-city ministry in Philadelphia which did programs for children. It wasn’t unusual during their loud, fun program on a Sunday afternoon for children to fall asleep. I was told that they did this because they felt safe there, unlike at home.

True love does what is best for another. If only more parents understood what love is and what their children really need. It is not something that can be bought at a store or experienced at amusement park.

I am writing this final paragraph on my front porch. I can see multiple kinds of flowers in pots and my flower bed which have grown noticeably in the past week. The squirrels have even stayed out for the moment. They did make an appearance the day after I planted the posies.

I did not plant a flower and think that it would be fully bloomed and as large as it gets the next day. I recognize there is a process. Almost every day I will need to make sure they are watered and weeded. We too should be all about growth.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ period to him be glory both now and forever! Amen (2 Peter 3:18). I close with this quote from Billy Graham about that important topic. Being a Chris:an is more than just an instantaneous conversion - it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.