William Wilberforce (1759-1833)
READ: James 2:14-26
William Wilberforce was a true
marketplace leader. It was John Newton, the redeemed slave trader, who, after
William became a Christian at age 25, encouraged him to stay in politics.
Newton believed William could be used for God’s purposes in parliament.
William Wilberforce’s conversion
changed him. He joined a group of Christians called the Clapham Sect and became
quite concerned with societal reform. It was the late 18th C and
society was in dire need of improvement. The upper class was small but rich
while the poor were getting poorer. Orphans filled the streets and the
factories, alcoholism was rampant, and many were starving and in debt.
Blasphemy, profanity and immoral conduct were the norm and William Wilberforce
sought to eradicate such behaviour.
But William’s main focus was the
abolition of slavery, and he used his position in parliament to this end. This
was no small feat! The economy of 18th C Europe was largely
dependent upon the slave trade and most people thought it would be impossible
to abolish slavery if only for that reason. William Wilberforce was one of the
few who were willing to fight for what was right, regardless of its economical
affect. William fought for the justice of slaves for 20 years, and though he
and his bill received incredible opposition, in 1807 Britain saw the abolition
of the slave trade when his bill finally passed in parliament. Though this bill
brought an end to trafficking, those in slavery were still bound to their
masters. William continued to fight for the freedom of all slaves in Britain,
even after he retired from Parliament. William Wilberforce died in July of 1833
without seeing the fruit of his labour. But it was only one month later that
the House of Commons voted to free all slaves and eradicate slavery for good!
William Wilberforce is a striking
example to Christians today of how to stand boldly for truth even when it is
lonely. Like the men and women of Hebrews 11, he walked in faithful obedience
even though it seemed his work was in vain, and even though he never saw the
outcome he longed for. He joins the great cloud of witnesses spurring us on
from heaven to stand boldly for the name of Christ.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Where do you feel weak in your faith?
2. Ask God how He wants to grow your faith this summer. What does He want to do in your heart?
3. Thank God for what He has shown you, and pray that it would become a reality in your life.
