Billy Graham: 'Only God who made us can touch us and change us and save us from ourselves.'

Only God who made us can touch us and change us and save us from ourselves.

The quote by Billy Graham, "Only God who made us can touch us and change us and save us from ourselves," holds a profound meaning that emphasizes the ultimate power and influence of a higher being in human lives. Graham's words convey the idea that, unlike any other force or entity, only God has the ability to truly transform and save individuals from their own self-destructive tendencies. This quote illustrates the belief that human beings, on their own, are incapable of achieving genuine lasting change and salvation without the intervention of a divine force.The importance of this quote lies in its reminder that as humans, we often find ourselves trapped in cycles of self-destructive behaviors, negative thought patterns, or sinful actions that can lead to our downfall. We may strive for self-improvement, seeking guidance and support from others or even from within ourselves, but ultimately, true transformation and redemption can only come from a power that surpasses human limitations. Graham's assertion encourages individuals to recognize their own limitations and surrender to the divine, for it is only through this surrender that one can find genuine liberation from their struggles.Now, let's dive into an unexpected philosophical concept to further explore the implications of Graham's quote. Consider the philosophy of existentialism, which often portrays human beings as the sole creators of their own destiny and champions the idea of individual responsibility. Existentialism emphasizes the belief that human beings have the freedom to shape their own lives and the responsibility to make meaningful choices.At first glance, this philosophy seems incongruent with Graham's quote, where he essentially states that human beings are unable to save themselves and are dependent on the divine intervention of God. However, upon closer inspection, one can find a fascinating interplay between these seemingly divergent ideas.Existentialism compels individuals to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, acknowledging that they have the power to bring about change in their lives. But, when confronted with the limitations of human willpower and the persistence of our own self-destructive tendencies, existentialism can be seen as complementary rather than contradictory to Graham's quote.In this synthesis, existentialism reminds us to actively engage in self-reflection and take responsibility for our actions, acknowledging our personal agency in shaping our lives. However, when we encounter the profound challenges of transforming our deeply ingrained flaws and destructive patterns, we come face to face with the realization that our human limitations hinder our progress. We reach a point where our efforts alone prove insufficient, and we recognize the need for a power beyond ourselves – the divine intervention of God.This synthesis of existentialism and Graham's quote encourages individuals to embrace humility and accept that while we possess the capability to influence our lives, true change and salvation from ourselves are only achievable through a higher power. It urges us to acknowledge our limitations, surrender our egos, and let go of the illusion of complete control. By bridging these concepts, we realize that the quest for self-improvement and salvation from our destructive tendencies must involve a partnership, an intertwined dance between our own responsibility and the transformative power of God.In conclusion, Billy Graham's quote serves as a profound reminder of the limitations of our human selves and emphasizes the vital role that God plays in touching, changing, and saving us from our own destructive tendencies. While the philosophy of existentialism underscores the importance of personal responsibility and agency in shaping our lives, it is when we confront our human limitations that we recognize the necessity of a divine intervention. By embracing both concepts, we can find a harmonious balance, acknowledging our own agency while humbly surrendering to a higher power, thereby finding the path to true transformation and salvation from ourselves.