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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Recently, I graduated from seminary and have been hired by a large church to develop a children’s ministry. I planned to roll out a Bible memorization program. My enthusiasm was dashed when I was informed that I was to develop entertaining activities that would have physical health benefits, like developing sports events. I hoped to develop children’s minds, not a PE program. Isn’t memorizing Scripture more valuable? – D.T.

A: Sadly, our culture has been trained for entertainment. There are more people who know the words to a television commercial than know the words in the Bible. There are many examples of people who have found ways to teach children God’s Word. One dear teacher passed around a lantern as she helped them memorize Matthew 5:14–15. It made a deep impression with the children about being a light to the world.

Telling stories of Christian heroes also paints pictures. A dear Chinese missionary was imprisoned during World War II. She managed to take a forbidden gospel of John with her. When she went to bed, she pulled the covers over her head and memorized one verse each night for three years. When the prisoners were released, most of them shuffled out, but the missionary was so chipper that someone said she must have been brainwashed. A Life magazine reporter, who had interviewed her, said, “She’s been brainwashed for sure. God washed her brain.”

Others who have suffered said that sometimes they could only remember small parts of Scripture. One woman, upon hearing bad news, repeated over and over again, I can do everything through him who gives me strength (see Philippians 4:13).

Memorizing God’s Word is a gift that keeps on giving. We should read it, study it, and memorize it.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.