As I’ve been preparing to preach the fifth part of my sermon series on stewardship this Sunday—and the potentially difficult topic of witnessing—I’ve thought about the importance of authenticity. If we are who we say we are, and our faith is what we say it is, how could we not share our faith in some way? I’m not saying I have all the answers on how to do it, but surely bearing witness to the love of Christ starts with authenticity.
In this regard, I’m reminded of the great Swirling Eddies (fronted, incognito, by Daniel Amos leader Terry Scott Taylor) and their tribute to Mr. Authenticity, Billy Graham.
[Click the play button to listen to “Billy Graham,” from the Eddies’ long out-of-print masterpiece Outdoor Elvis. You can find it on eBay here.]
I don’t know about those other guys
There’s somethin’ in the back of their eyes
But Billy, you’re the man
Who don’t use sleight of hand
Ain’t wearin’ no disguise
I love you, Billy
I love the simple things you say
And you never seem to get in the way
No one is quite like you
Compassionate and true
“Just as I am,” I say
I love you, Billy