That is the name of the movie I just saw. A movie on the live of William Wilberforce, whose life I mention below in another blog entry, is again, one of my biggest heros. Not so much for his accomplishments, but for his faith to persevere, his ability to rise above opposition, and commitment to just causes. This is what I aspire to. I know I can do nothing "apart from Christ" (John 15:5). Some scenes from the movie that stick out:
- Barbara's admonition to William to "spit out" the bad taste in his mouth, rather than continue to chew it
- Fox's speech about there being great men like Napoleon, who gained prominence from violence, and great men like Wilberforce who gained power to change things through peace
- his "re-discovery" of God as he lays on the wet grass staring at spider webs and flower buds on bushes
For more information on his life, check our this website: http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/special/131christians/wilberforce.html
I think our cohort of late has been struggling with perspective. We prayed over this as a group on thursday. It is not about completing our papers, projects and readings - although these are essential - but rather remaining true to our call in Christ - remaining steadfastly ground in His word and truth so that we can accomplish His purposes on this earth.
It is very clear that Wilberforce did not gain his calling to abolish slavery through earthly means or sheer ambition. Surely nothing of that cause can prompt someone to follow through on it with eternal intent, compassion for the whole person, unless they are powered by the Holy Spirit. Just think what would have happened had Wilberforce given up or given in to personal motives? Perhaps God would have picked someone else - but would that have increased Wilberforce's joy? No. It is a mystery how God calls people to their particular task in this world. I pray I can have ears to listen and courage enough to take His word at the bidding.
I believe William Wilberforce speaks directly to our desire towards holistic development. In a field wrecked by intentions gone wrong and seemingly endless battles - it is a field that begs for more than monetary assistance or intellectual insight. It really requires a desire to use the tools of development to better their soul - to draw their soul toward Christ - their only saviour. That is what I think William Wilberforce believed and propelled him toward abolition.
- Barbara's admonition to William to "spit out" the bad taste in his mouth, rather than continue to chew it
- Fox's speech about there being great men like Napoleon, who gained prominence from violence, and great men like Wilberforce who gained power to change things through peace
- his "re-discovery" of God as he lays on the wet grass staring at spider webs and flower buds on bushes
For more information on his life, check our this website: http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/special/131christians/wilberforce.html
I think our cohort of late has been struggling with perspective. We prayed over this as a group on thursday. It is not about completing our papers, projects and readings - although these are essential - but rather remaining true to our call in Christ - remaining steadfastly ground in His word and truth so that we can accomplish His purposes on this earth.
It is very clear that Wilberforce did not gain his calling to abolish slavery through earthly means or sheer ambition. Surely nothing of that cause can prompt someone to follow through on it with eternal intent, compassion for the whole person, unless they are powered by the Holy Spirit. Just think what would have happened had Wilberforce given up or given in to personal motives? Perhaps God would have picked someone else - but would that have increased Wilberforce's joy? No. It is a mystery how God calls people to their particular task in this world. I pray I can have ears to listen and courage enough to take His word at the bidding.
I believe William Wilberforce speaks directly to our desire towards holistic development. In a field wrecked by intentions gone wrong and seemingly endless battles - it is a field that begs for more than monetary assistance or intellectual insight. It really requires a desire to use the tools of development to better their soul - to draw their soul toward Christ - their only saviour. That is what I think William Wilberforce believed and propelled him toward abolition.
No comments:
Post a Comment