From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Dear Rev. Graham: My degree is in hospitality management and my career has been in events planning. I enjoy the creativity of this industry; however, I am offended by the term “Very Important Person VIP.” My training teaches me that everyone should be treated as important. Does the Bible speak to this dilemma? – H.E.

 

Dear H.E.: In many contexts, VIP means “Very Important Person.” Surprisingly, many people aspire to attain just that; becoming a very important person without paying their dues and being a person of integrity in order to deserve others’ respect. This is especially true in a society that celebrates stardom.

But the acronym also offers us a character test. The V stands for VISION, for the Bible tells us that without vision people perish (see Proverbs 29:18). Having a vision means seeing what can be done, what ought to be done, and working hard to get it done. The highest vision we can have is to glorify God by discovering God’s will for our lives – and then doing it.

The letter I stands for INTEGRITY, meaning that a person is the same on the inside as he or she appears on the outside. There must be no discrepancy between what we say and what we do, between our walk and our talk.

The P stands for PRESENCE – God’s presence in our lives. Without God’s help, we are doomed. Only in Christ do we find out who we are, why we are here, and where we are going – and only in Him do we find the power to fulfill our God-given vision.

A genuine VIP is a person with vision, integrity, and God’s presence. The Bible says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3–5, NKJV).

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