This blog post is about the individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving God.
Billy Graham once said, “Salvation is free, but discipleship costs everything we have”. Disciples must be committed to Jesus as Lord. When General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, was asked the secret of his amazing Christian life, he answered, ‘I told the Lord that He could have all that there is of William Booth”. In order to become disciples of Jesus Christ we must: “Deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him”.
Following Jesus has to cost us something. When we’re genuinely disciples of Jesus Christ, He quite literally becomes our way of life. Every action and every decision we make is made in the light of the popular acronym “WWJD” (What would Jesus Do)? Discipleship is a personal decision. We can’t be enlisted into discipleship by someone else nor will we be conscripted. It is a choice that we must make of our own volition.
So, who is a disciple? In plain terms, a disciple is an imitator, follower and apprentice. On the other hand, a disciple is not just a mere part of the crowd or a follower of trends, but a follower of Jesus.
How do you identify a disciple?
By their fruits (i.e. what they produce) you will know them (Mathew 7:20).
They are Christ like. In Philippians 2:5 Paul says, let this mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.
They practice self-denial (John 12: 24-25).
The fruit of the Holy Spirit is evident in their life (Galatians 5: 2-23).
To be a disciple of Jesus you must “take up your cross.”
All three of the Synoptic Gospels give an account of this instruction of Jesus on discipleship, but Luke elaborates a little more in Luke 9:23 (NKJV): “Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Notice from this scripture, that for disciples of Jesus Christ, taking up their cross, is not a one-time event. Rather it is a daily commitment. Indeed, to daily take up your cross is to daily consecrate your life unto God and surrender to him completely. What is your cross? Your cross may be a burden, or a challenge in one area or another of your life.
In Luke 14:27, Jesus makes an even stronger case for bearing our cross. Jesus says “And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple”. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ requires living a sacrificial life, in which you follow the steps of Jesus.
Living a sacrificial life does not mean that a disciple seeks to suffer; but it does mean that he or she will continue to trust and submit to God even when hard times come. Furthermore, it means he or she will be victorious through the power of the blood of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Cross-bearing Christians are committed Christians. Stay focused on the cross, and work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
How did Billy graham sacrificial life for God looks like
Billy Graham dedicated his life to spreading the Christian gospel. He led large-scale crusades and preached to millions worldwide, emphasizing personal salvation through Jesus Christ. He also founded organizations like the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, which provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
Billy Graham’s life was indeed marked by sacrifice in his pursuit of serving God. Here are some key aspects:
- Time and Family: Graham dedicated countless hours to preaching, traveling, and ministering. This often meant being away from his family for extended periods, sacrificing precious time with his wife and children.
- Personal Comfort: He often lived a simple lifestyle, foregoing personal luxuries to focus on his ministry and charitable work.
- Public Scrutiny: As a prominent figure, Graham faced constant public scrutiny and criticism. He maintained his faith and integrity despite facing opposition and challenges.
- Physical and Mental Toll: The demands of his ministry took a toll on his health. He experienced various health issues throughout his life, yet he persevered in his calling.
Graham’s sacrifices were not always easy, but he believed they were necessary to fulfill his God-given purpose. He often spoke about the importance of surrendering one’s life to Christ and living a life of service.
It’s important to note that while Graham’s life was dedicated to his faith, he was also a human being with flaws and limitations. However, his unwavering commitment to his beliefs and his impact on millions of lives worldwide serve as a testament to his sacrificial spirit.
Individuals Who Shaped the World Through Faith
- Throughout history, countless individuals have dedicated their lives to serving God and making a positive impact on the world. These individuals, often facing immense challenges and personal sacrifices, exemplify the power of faith and the importance of living a life of purpose.
- One such individual is Mother Teresa, a renowned humanitarian who devoted her life to serving the poor and destitute in Calcutta, India. She sacrificed comfort and personal well-being to care for the sick, the hungry, and the dying. Her unwavering compassion and selfless service inspired millions worldwide.
- Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent civil rights leader, dedicated his life to fighting for racial equality and justice. He faced numerous hardships, including imprisonment and even the ultimate sacrifice of his own life, in his pursuit of a more just and equitable society. His unwavering faith in God and his belief in the power of nonviolent resistance continue to inspire social justice movements today.
- Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian, risked her own life to shelter Jews from the Nazis during the Holocaust. She endured imprisonment and the loss of family members for her acts of resistance. Her story of faith and courage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor, courageously opposed the Nazi regime. He was executed for his involvement in the plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. His theological writings and his unwavering commitment to his faith in the face of persecution continue to inspire theologians and activists today.
- William Wilberforce, a British politician, led the movement to abolish the slave trade. He dedicated his life to ending this inhumane practice, facing opposition and setbacks along the way. His perseverance and unwavering commitment to his cause ultimately led to the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.
- These individuals, among many others, demonstrate the profound impact that faith and a life of service can have on the world. Their sacrifices, though often difficult, have left a lasting legacy of hope, compassion, and justice. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can choose to live a life of purpose and make a difference in the world.
- What are your thoughts? Have you been inspired by any individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving God? Share your reflections in the comments below.
- Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only.
- This blog post aims to:
- Highlight the lives of individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving God.
- Inspire readers to consider the impact of faith and service on their own lives.
- Encourage reflection and discussion on the importance of living a life of purpose.
I hope this blog post is informative and inspiring!
