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THE WILBERFORCE WAY (2)
'Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.' Mark 10:43
William Wilberforce took up an enormous challenge. Not only did he enable the British and American slave trade to be abolished; he also was a catalyst for the world choosing to no longer ignore but take responsibility for the poor and suffering everywhere. Earlier in his life, Wilberforce spent his life wining and dining and was touted as the 'the wittiest man in all of England.' Looking back on that seemingly successful life, he wrote, 'For the first years I was in Parliament I did nothing - nothing of any purpose.' It was only when he met with Jesus that his life, attitude and passion changed. Then, in chasing after God's heart, he saved the life of millions!
How much could we do if chose to do the same? Wilberforce drew close to God, and because of that was moved to act on the sort of things that are close to God?s heart. Ephesians 2:10 tells us; 'we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.' And what's really exciting is that God 'is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us' (NIV). Pursue God, dream big and work very hard - and you could be the change you want to see in the world.
What now? What change for the better would you like to see in our world? Make a short list and be specific. Search through the web looking for Christian charities that want the same change and discover how you can help too.
written by Bob Gass
'Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.' Mark 10:43
William Wilberforce took up an enormous challenge. Not only did he enable the British and American slave trade to be abolished; he also was a catalyst for the world choosing to no longer ignore but take responsibility for the poor and suffering everywhere. Earlier in his life, Wilberforce spent his life wining and dining and was touted as the 'the wittiest man in all of England.' Looking back on that seemingly successful life, he wrote, 'For the first years I was in Parliament I did nothing - nothing of any purpose.' It was only when he met with Jesus that his life, attitude and passion changed. Then, in chasing after God's heart, he saved the life of millions!
How much could we do if chose to do the same? Wilberforce drew close to God, and because of that was moved to act on the sort of things that are close to God?s heart. Ephesians 2:10 tells us; 'we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.' And what's really exciting is that God 'is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us' (NIV). Pursue God, dream big and work very hard - and you could be the change you want to see in the world.
What now? What change for the better would you like to see in our world? Make a short list and be specific. Search through the web looking for Christian charities that want the same change and discover how you can help too.
written by Bob Gass
