Keeping Your Message Clear

I do all this to spread the Good News, and in doing so I enjoy its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:23

Billy Graham is one of the most remarkable men ever to represent the cause of Christ. He will long be remembered as a great evangelist who introduced innumerable people to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We may be tempted to think of Dr. Graham as a man who stands out among his peers because of his immense talent. But it is not talent that sets him apart. Rather, it is his commitment to keeping his message clear, even in the ordinary things.

Two stories that illustrate this truth about Billy Graham stand out to me. Once a clothier offered to provide at no cost the finest suits available for Dr. Graham to wear as he preached. But when people began accusing Billy Graham of spending donated money on expensive clothes, he went to his clothier and humbly told him he could no longer accept the free suits because it was causing people to miss the real message.

On another occasion, Billy Graham stepped off a plane and was greeted with an innocent hug by a woman who supported his ministry. The press got a picture of the event, and some of Dr. Graham’s critics used it to question the evangelist’s motives with women. Immediately, Dr. Graham adopted the policy that he would no longer hug any woman except his wife and daughters.

Some people might look at these stories and say that Billy Graham overreacted to two seemingly harmless situations. But no one can say he hasn’t been careful to do everything he could to keep his message clear.

Are you doing all you can to make sure your message about Christ is clear? What do you need to do—or stop doing—so that no one misses your message?

Lord, show me what I should do to make sure the message of my life is clear.