I just saw that George Beverly Shea passed away at the age of 104. He took part in the unbiblical ecumenism of the Billy Graham evangelistic campaigns, but I appreciated much of his music. He was perhaps best known for singing these words by Rhea Miller to a tune he himself had composed (as he mentions in the video).
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
Refrain:
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 worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name
He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead
Mind Renewers 
From all appearance, Mr. Shea was a humble man of excellent character.
What joy must be his to sing in the presence of His Lord!
Yes, Brother Al. And we may not be able to sing as well as he did in this life, but there, we’ll join him in hitting all the right notes!
I have always thought that he really, really meant it when he sang that song.
God has blessed both Billy Graham and George Beverly Shea’s ministry over the past MANY years! God is the one Who draws people to Himself. And He gets to chose who He uses!!!
Certainly, God has used these men, and all of us should rejoice in that. Unfortunately, their policy of cooperating with false teachers in their campaigns was contrary to Scripture, and thus disobedient to the Lord. But God is great enough to use imperfect people, or none of us would be saved. We certainly can be thankful for many who came to know our Lord through these ministries.
I’m closing comments. I appreciate much of George Beverly Shea’s ministry, and wanted to say so. Some think my reservations about some aspects of that ministry put a person’s soul in danger. This is not a debate thread. My contact page is available.