How can people claim that they live for Jesus while conforming to the things of the world?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I was appalled at the degrading entertainment displayed at the Super Bowl halftime show. The alternative wasn’t much better. How can people from all persuasions claim that they live for Jesus while continuing to be conformed to the things of the world? Some famous personalities had their Jesus hats on, but their mouths were spewing nasty thoughts. Many of these entertainers are being affirmed by powerful Christian leaders. Why this confusion? – A.E.
A: There’s a vast difference between intellectual belief and the total transformation that saves the soul. To be sure, there must be a change in our thinking and intellectual acceptance of Christ.
There are thousands of people who have had some form of emotional experience that they refer to as belonging to Christ, but who have never truly been converted to Christ. Christ demands a change in the way we live. Conforming to Christ is transformative. Those who are truly saved by Jesus Christ undergo a revolutionary change. Devotion to Christ knows no bounds; an intellectual acceptance of Christ and an emotional experience will not be enough. There must be a determination to obey and follow Christ. There must be a bent to the will of God. Self must be nailed to the cross. The main desire of the true believer in Jesus Christ must be to please Him in all things – it is a total commitment. When believers sin, conviction comes to the soul.
When hearts are truly converted, there comes the implantation of God’s divine nature. Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit of God, takes up residence in the human heart, and there will be more attraction for the things of God. A desire for the things of God will replace the things of the flesh. There can be no parleying, compromise, or hesitation. Christ demands total loyalty.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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