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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I find it easy to make money and have several revenue streams. If I give up some side hustles, can I find favor with the Lord? – S.H.

A: Giving up something to follow Christ is not earning salvation. When we hold on to something that is dearer to us than receiving the greater gift of salvation in Christ, we lose. This is the point of the story Jesus told.

The story of the rich young ruler cuts to the heart of what it means to belong to the world – or to the world people try to personally design. Belonging to the world means to do whatever it takes to be part of it, to relate to it at every level – to be joined to its philosophy and purpose. To be a Christian means to surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ, to give up whatever prevents us from receiving Christ as Savior. This cannot be done in our own power. But we must desire to be changed.

This would-be believer (the rich young man) walked away from Jesus because he didn’t want his desires changed. It wasn’t about his money; it was about his desire to hold on to it. He had convinced himself that he was good, but his encounter with Jesus showed him otherwise. His designer world crumbled when he could not obtain eternal life because of his refusal to give up his hold on the world, which is sin. The very thing he already had – great wealth – was what kept him from accepting the very thing he requested – the treasure of Heaven. When Christ comes into a life, He gives the power to turn from sinful ways and walk a different path – His path of right living – because He changes our desires.

“Let the favor of the Lord our God … establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17, ESV).

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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)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.