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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: My parents always told me what they think of me. Sometimes it was good; other times, I was embarrassed that they saw through me when I was being devious. Does the Bible tell us what God thinks of us? – G.V.

A: Humans view life from a personal point of time and space, but God views us from the light of eternity. We see ourselves as self-sufficient, self-important, and self-sustaining; God sees us as dependent, self-centered, and self-deceived. Our worldly wisdom has made us calloused and hard. Our natural wisdom comes not from God, but is earthly, sensual, and devilish (see James 3:15).

There is the person we think we are. There is the person others think we are. And there is the person God knows we are and what we can become through Christ.

All truth is from God, whether scientific, psychological, philosophic, or religious, and He wants us to believe His truth which points us to the cross. It is there that we find forgiveness of the sins of “self.”

The wisdom of this world is cynical of what was accomplished by the death and resurrection of Christ. The Apostle Paul said, “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise’” (1 Corinthians 1:18–19, NKJV).

It’s impossible for the “natural man” (the one who does not know Jesus Christ as personal Savior) to understand how God, in His grace and mercy, can forgive sinners and transform lives. It’s also impossible for the natural man to comprehend how these changed lives can affect society. Those with their worldly wisdom do not understand the workings of God. But you can know the Lord Jesus today if you will receive Him by faith.

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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.