We Only Hurt Ourselves When Ignoring God

By Billy Graham, Christian Post Guest Columnist Monday, February 21, 2011

Q: I'm tired of religious people constantly telling me what I can and can't do with my body. I'm free to do whatever I want to with my body, and I'm not going to listen to anyone who says I can't do something because "it's immoral." I'll decide what's right for me. -- N.C.

A: Your letter saddened me very much because I know what is likely to happen to you down the road -- although right now you aren't able (or willing) to see it.

But the truth is that you are on a dead-end road, which will only bring you heartache and sorrow. God didn't tell us how to live because He hates us or wants to make us miserable. Instead, He gave us rules to live by because He knows what is best for us, and He wants us to be happy. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).

When we ignore God's rules and live any way we want to, however, we end up only hurting ourselves. Some of the Bible's most sobering words are found in the Old Testament book of Proverbs: "There is a way that seems right to a man (or woman), but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 16:25).

You may think you're free right now, but in reality you have become a slave -- a slave to your own desires and appetites. But God doesn't hate you; God loves you! He loves you so much that He doesn't want you to wreck your life by ignoring Him. I pray you will wake up before it's too late and open your heart and life to Jesus Christ, who alone can give you the peace and joy you're seeking.

Affectionately known as the "World's Preacher" for more than 60 years, the Rev. Billy Graham is one of the most influential and respected spiritual leaders of the 20th century. He has been a friend and spiritual advisor to ten American presidents and has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history - nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories - through various meetings. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts. Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.