I’m reading a devotional about the life of William Wilberforce.
He was elected to parliament at age 21. Like most young, political men his goals were money, power, and privilege. But then Jesus.
At 26, he was introduced to Jesus who utterly changed his life. He no longer lived for himself but to do “good works.”
After an encounter with Jesus, his eyes were opened to the evils of slavery. He spent his career advocating to end slavery in Great Britain. After decades of working diligently toward his life’s goal, William Wilberforce witnessed the British Parliament vote to abolish the slave trade in 1807. Twenty-six years later, in 1833, Parliament would vote for full emancipation, freeing slaves throughout the British Empire. This eventually led to abolishment of slavery throughout the world, including America.
Reading Wilberforce’s story, I’m reminded of a song by Israel Houghton, “The power of one.” There is power when one person stands up to fight injustices, oppression, inequities. There is power when one abandons their own ambitions, power, and wealth to do what is right for those who are hurting and not just themselves. There is power when one, coupled with the Holy Spirit decide to fight for the causes close to God’s heart – caring for the poor, the sick, the widows, the fatherless, and the foreigner.
Let’s pray for more people like Wilberforce in government. Let’s pray members of Congress will have true conversions and seek to do what is right by God’s standards not their political party. Let’s pray for more men and women in government to protect the cause of the poor, the hurting, and the marginalized.
But then, let’s us examine our lives and ask, “How am I caring for the poor, the sick, the widows, the fatherless, and the foreigner? How am I being the change I want to see? How can I make a difference in this world?” Then respond to those questions with concrete actions. Be the change you want to see.
You don’t have to be a member of Congress or have an influential job. Use your “Power of One” to make difference where you are.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10 NASB2020