For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? – Luke 9:25
It was the 1930s, and business trends were still headed downward. There was rumor of upcoming salary cuts at the New York insurance office where a twenty-two-year-old clerk worked. Possessor of a deep, melodious voice, the young man was offered a radio contract. There was opportunity for fame and great financial gain if he would agree to regular performances on a secular program.
The young man had been pondering the matter for several days when he sat down at the piano early one Sunday to rehearse a hymn he was to sing in church. As he played, his mother brought him a piece of paper on which was written a poem by Rhea Miller. A Christian woman, she knew of the offer her son was pondering, and she desperately wanted him to be fully consecrated to God’s plan for his life.
He scanned the words on the paper before him.
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.
Than to be the king of a vast domain,
Or be held in sin’s dread sway.
I’d rather have Jesus than anything,
This world affords today.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than world-wide fame,
I’d rather be true to His holy name.
The words hit their mark. In a few moments, his fingers unconsciously left the tune he was rehearsing and began to find the melody which is known today to millions.
The young man turned down the secular contract, and a short time later he was offered a position with a Chicago radio station where he could sing the Gospel songs he loved. While there, George Beverly Shea met Billy Graham—and that was the beginning of his sixty-year association with the Billy Graham evangelistic outreach. Because of his decision to follow God’s plan instead of his own, when the rich voice of this well-loved Gospel singer is but a memory, Christians around the world will continue to be inspired by his song, “I’d Rather Have Jesus.”
God has a plan and a purpose for each of our lives, but we must choose whether or not we will follow Him. His plan for us is far greater than anything we could achieve on our own, and we will not regret any sacrifice made for Christ once we are in Heaven. Let us determine to allow the Lord to direct us, and then expect Him to do mighty things in our lives.