Perhaps you are all three steps ahead of me and have already seen the movie about the life of William Wilberforce. I finally managed to make it to the theater tonight to see it and was impressed by this man's life. When turned upside down by the "Amazing Grace" of God through Christ, he struggled with the question of what would be his life's purpose here on earth. Should he spend all of his days in solitude with God orshould he continue on in his already prominent political career? In the movie, a small group of soon to be partners pled with him that they need not be separated.
He sought to honor God by making waves in English parliament, working diligently to abolish the slave trade. He realized that his association with Christ was very much on display in his work. "My walk is a public one," he wrote in his diary. "My business is in the world, and I must mix in the assemblies of men or quit the post which Providence seems to have assigned me."
He faced failing health and a seemingly hopeless unwillingness on the part of Parliament to undo such a viable part of their economy. They portrayed him with passion, human weakness, and perseverance. My favorite line comes when he seeks out the old preacher John Newton, author of the more than famous hymn. Newton, with tears in his eyes says, with a quivering voice, to Wilberforce, "I am a great sinner, Christ is a great savior." The movie could have ended right there and I would have been replete.
If you haven't seen it yet, I urge you to go. You will not be disappointed.
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