What shall we abolish next?

Enjoy this account of the long-awaited and hard-fought victory over slavery in the British Empire.

The night—or I should say early morning—of victory came in 1807. The moral vision and the political momentum for abolition had finally become irresistible. At one point “the House rose almost to a man and turned towards Wilberforce in a burst of Parliamentary cheers. Suddenly, above the roar of ‘Hear, hear,’ and quite out of order, three hurrahs echoed and echoed while he sat, head bowed, tears streaming down his face” (Pollock,Wilberforce, p. 211). At 4:00 A.M., February 24, 1807, the House divided—Ayes, 283, Noes, 16, Majority for the Abolition 267. And on March 25, 1807, the royal assent was declared. One of Wilberforce’s friends wrote, “[Wilberforce] attributes it to the immediate interposition of Providence” (ibid., 212).

I love the next line:

In that early morning hour Wilberforce turned to his best friend and colleague, Henry Thornton, and said, “Well, Henry, what shall we abolish next?” (ibid.)

I Can Only Imagine

what happened in the locker room after the Super Bowl

If you really want to serve the Lord….

I grew up in a church where the announcement that a young person felt “called into the ministry” was the cause of great celebration. At one time, there were about a dozen of us who were headed into vocational ministry. This in a church of about 300!

Today, I still celebrate when a young person begins to follow God’s leadership into vocational ministry.

However….

I think we’ve been far too narrow in our understanding of ministry – and very unbiblical.

The movie, Amazing Grace, presents a time when William Wilberforce was debating whether to become a religious professional or remain in politics. His fervent love for Jesus and his great desire that his life count for Christ seemed to lead him toward a religious vocation – and his education, social position, and passion for social justice seemed to lead him toward service in Parliment. Which should he choose?

Fortunately, Wilberforce received good counsel, remained in Parliment, and became a great champion of human rights.

John Stott says it so well

We often given the impression that if a young Christian man is really keen for Christ he will undoubtedly become a foreign missionary, that if he is not quite as keen as that he will stay at home and become a pastor, that if he lacks the dedication to be a pastor, he will no doubt serve as a doctor or a teacher, while those who end up in social work or the media or (worst of all) in politics are not far removed from serious backsliding (from John Stott, Christian Mission in the Modern World, Intervarsity Press, 1975, p. 31).

Today, if a young person asks me where he can best make an impact for Jesus Christ, I will encourage him to consider his gifts, interests, passion, and personality. I will encourage him to develop a solid theology and worldview – read widely and deeply, become very acquainted with God and his ways, memorize much Scripture, set moral and relational boundaries, and find way to interact and serve people. And…

I will encourage him to see all of life as potential “ministry.”

Here’s a question – why don’t we ordain Christ-following doctors? or businessmen? or teachers? or computer programmers? or sales reps? or government workers?

Amazing Grace – the Movie

The movie is interesting – for several reasons.

1. Wilberforce was a committed Christ-follower. At one time, he debated whether to become a preacher or politician. He simply wanted his life to bear fruit in honoring God in every way.

*Wilberforce was a creationist – he loved animals of all kinds – spiders and birds and dogs and rabbits and horses.

*He was a philanthropist – the movie reflects his generous nature as he becomes aware of how many he feeds and cares for each day.

*He was a musician and known for his singing and love for music. Not only does he sing, Amazing Grace, to a group of

*He was a man of courage – shown by his gentle confrontation of two men who are beating a weary horse.

*Although he was obviously wealthy – the term, “landed gentry” might describe him – he was humble and associated with other co-belligerants in the efforts to abolish slavery in the British Empire.

2. Wilberforce lived during “serious times.” His efforts to have slavery abolished coincided with – and were delayed because of the American Revolution and the French Revolution.

3. Wilberforce was a patriot when it was not easy to be a patriot. The king was known to be insane – he was said to “kiss trees and claim to see France from the palace with his telescope.” Yet, Wilberforce was loyal to the Crown.

He argued the war against the colonies be concluded – for the good of the British Empire. He corresponded with Thomas Jefferson about abolitionary concerns but was not exactly a supporter of American independence.

Although accused of sedition, he refused to consider support for anything resembling the French Revolution.

4. Wilberforce fulfilled the call of God as a public servant. He chose to invest his life in politics rather than ministry. Too often, we pastors have communicated that “the ministry” was the best or most “spiritual” way to bear fruit for God. Indeed, God does call individuals to ministry (I, myself, am in the ministry at his calling).

However, far more Christ-followers should consider mixing it up in public service, business, medicine, the academy, law, information technology, etc. as the most strategic investment of a life of Christian service.

See the quote by John Stott in the blog that precedes this one –

5. Wilberforce was the friend of several well-known leaders, including William Pitt – the great Prime Minister – and John Newton, the preacher, ex-slaver and author of the hymn, Amazing Grace. Newton may be one of the most influential and pastors, writers and poets of the last 300 years. I highly recommend you read John Piper’s biographical study of Newton.

6. The move does present his Christian faith clearly – although “God” is often used more than “Christ.” I love the scene where old John Newton is dictating his memoirs, is interrupted by Wilberforce, and states, “There are so many things I do not remember, but I know the things very well – I am a great sinner, and Christ is a great savior.” Amen!

I do wish Wilberforce would have done more than smile when his dying friend, William Pitt, said, “I’m afraid…. I wish I had your faith.” I found myself thinking, “point him to Jesus!”

In real life – I’m sure he did!

Wilberforce for President!!

Last night – Friday, Feb 24 – Ruthe and I went to a wonderful movie. Amazing Grace tells the story of the English political reformer, William Wilberforce.

Wilberforce combines the qualities so needed in our next President –

*a passion of social justice,
*deep love for and knowledge of his country
*a highly-trained intellect,
*unquestioned integrity
*knowledge of how to get things done in a deeply divided Congress,
*the ability to develop and maintain long-term and loyal friendships
*the fortitude to guide the country during an increasingly costly war,
*the ability to see issues clearly,
*a willingness to work with “co-belligerants” on common causes,
*an ear for the people’s concerns,
*the capacity to work very hard over extended lengths of time
*genuine humility
*a sense of calling or destiny
*an unpretentious and motivating faith in the Savior

Where are the Wilberforces of today?

Read a short life of William Wilberforce

Read an online book on Wilberforce

See several tributes to Wilberforce

Read online articles on Wilberforce

Read Wilberforce’s book on Christianity

To see my reflections on the movie, see the entry above

Read a review of the movie