Faith in the Marketplace
He was born in 1759 to an upper class family in England. When his father died, he was sent to live with his aunt, who was a committed follower of Jesus. She introduced her nine-year old nephew to the Holy Scriptures, as well as other Christian leaders like evangelist Rev. George Whitfield, and Rev. John Newton, who had been converted from being a slave trader to a disciple of Christ. The young man could not shake off the influence of the Bible, or the examples of Whitfield and Newton, as he grew up and later attended Cambridge University. His college years were characterized by a lukewarm faith in God, drinking and gambling.
His friendship with Isaac Milner, one of his teachers and also a Christian, influenced him to consider what he believed about the world and God, and how he should live his life. Milner’s example and discussions about Christianity provoked the young man to believe his life was being wasted on meaningless pursuits. Milner and John Newton were able to mentor and encourage this young man to decide to become a devoted follower of Jesus and to practice his faith even in his young career as a politician in the British Parliament.
This young man of wealth, education, and privilege had wrestled with God’s call on his life. He became convinced that Jesus was who he said he was and asked him to be his Savior. He was also convinced his political life could be used in the service of God and surrendered that area of his life to Christ as Lord. I am talking about William Wilberforce.
As a member of Parliament, Wilberforce became known for his relentless commitment to ending slavery in the British Empire. He introduced anti-slavery bills every year for 18 years until slave trading was ended on February 23, 1807. It would take another 26 years before all the slaves were actually freed from the evil system that imprisoned them. Wilberforce continued his efforts until a bill declaring all slaves free throughout the British Empire was passed, four days before his death. All told, William Wilberforce had invested 50 years of his life in this redemptive process.
Earlier in his life Wilberforce was convinced religion and politics were not a good fit for him. Yet his Christian faith drove him to act in such a way that changed the course of a nation and improved the lives of millions. Influence by the example of Wilberforce, America would go on to free her slaves a few decades later.
Is there a little of Wilberforce in you? His example should inspire you to determine how your faith will affect your academic work and potential career path. Team up with a few friends who share the vision of extending the grace and message of Jesus to the marketplace and the world. Then persevere until victory, or Jesus returns, whichever comes first.
Live globally. God is liberating people with the truth. We are called by Jesus to be salt and light as we seek to impact our culture and make a difference in people’s lives for eternity. Persistence does not come naturally to most of us, yet even William Wilberforce learned it eventually pays off. Galatians 6:9 promises, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Love is a verb,
Mike
