Able Quote by Billy Graham
“One response was given by the innkeeper when Mary and Joseph wanted to find a room where the Child could be born. The innkeeper was not hostile; he was not opposed to them, but his inn was crowded; his hands were full; his mind was preoccupied. This is the answer that millions are giving today. Like a Bethlehem innkeeper, they cannot find room for Christ. All the accommodations in their hearts are already taken up by other crowding interests. Their response is not atheism. It is not defiance. It is preoccupation and the feeling of being able to get on reasonably well without Christianity.”
About This Quote
People often claim lack of space for faith due to being preoccupied with worldly concerns, not outright hostility.
In simple terms: Preoccupation, not hostility, blocks openness to Christ.
Key Takeaway
Busy lives crowd out spiritual room.
Themes
spiritual neglect
modern distraction
faith vs. practicality
cultural apathy
priorities
inner emptiness
Mood
reflective
concerned
hopeful
Type
aphorism
sermon
cultural critique
When to use this quote
- busy professional life
- political activism
- personal ambition
- family responsibilities
Key Concepts
faith
human preoccupation
social dynamics
Practical Applications
- pastoral counseling
- faith outreach
Questions to Reflect On
- What would happen if we deliberately cleared mental space for spirituality?
- How can we recognize when preoccupation masks deeper resistance?
![“The Roman Emperor Julian, writing in the fourth century, regretted the progress of Christianity because it pulled people away from the Roman gods. He said, 'Atheism [I.e. the Christian faith!] has been specially advanced through the loving service rendered to strangers, and through their care for…” quote by John Piper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3b4/john-piper-255_christian-faith_the-roman-emperor-julian-writing-in-the_1283097.jpg)
