1 Peter 4:10 KJV

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

DAILY READING Acts 27:13-44; 1 Samuel 3; Psalm 51

William Wilberforce is known as the man who helped to abolish slavery. He was born into a wealthy family, and in 1768, due to his father’s premature death; he was sent to live with a childless uncle and his wife in London.  His aunt, an admirer of John Wesley and George Whitefield and friendly with the Methodists, influenced him towards evangelicalism. But when he was 13, his mother decided to remove him from this “dangerous influence”.  He enrolled at Cambridge University  where he was exposed from his very first night to men who drank hard and lived recklessly. Influenced by his environment, he became part of the fashionable society, attending clubs, the theatre and races; entertaining and socializing.

After leaving university he was elected to the House of Commons, where he was not active, but rather spent most of his time at the three most important gentlemen’s clubs in London. At this time he was a heavy gambler. However in 1784, the seed his aunt planted years ago germinated as he became converted to Evangelical Christianity. After his conversion, Wilberforce renounced all “things of the flesh”. He resigned from all his gentlemen clubs, he gave up his racehorse, gambling and exchanged his socializing and entertaining, for a life of reflection and re-evaluation. Some of his friends thought his new found belief was madness. As a result of this conversion, Wilberforce contemplated giving up politics for a life as a clergyman, but he was advised by friends that he could serve God better by remaining in Parliament and campaigning for social reforms. He and his evangelical friends were nicknamed “the Saints” by upper class circles, but he won widespread respect. He championed many causes but it was the fight against the Slave Trade and slavery and its eventual abolition that he is known mostly for.

It is amazing how an encounter with Christ can revolutionize a man’s life. Wilberforce’s life was on a road to nowhere when God arrested his interest and his focus. God changed his direction in life. From a clubbing, gambling drinking politician, he turned out to become a reformer who has affected generations.

One true encounter with Christ can change a man’s life forever. God does not meet us and leave us the way He met us. Whenever we encounter Him, a definite change takes place in our lives. He gives our lives new direction and meaning. This is why we do not take lightly our calling, because therein lies God’s plan to turn is into generational blessings. His gifts and callings are His plan to repackage us to our world.

This is why we must value our calling over the mundane pursuits of life. Our calling is what will matter in the end. God will judge each of us according to how well we followed His plan, not our own plans. We are to follow His vision, and not our ambition. You can run after your own plans and make all the money you want and still end up  unfulfilled. What is more important is ensuring we are following God’s preordained plan for us. Once we are following the will of God, we will be fulfilled, Joy will fill our lives. Wilberforce was born into a wealthy home and was rich, but the money did not make him happy. He lived his life in frivolous pursuits, until he encountered Christ. It was only when he located his calling that he found a meaningful life. Jesus rightly said ‘Without Me you can do nothing’. We have to come to the place where we fully realize that our lives can only have meaning and value when we are planted in Christ’s perfect will. Greatness achieved outside of Christ has no value before God. Any pursuit outside of God’s will is eternally unprofitable. Let us not be more concerned with what to eat or drink. In Mathew 10, Jesus told them to take no purse, nor scrip for the journey, why? Because the workman is worthy of his meat. The provision will always follow the vision. Faithful is He that called you who also will do it. What God has ordered He is also able to pay for. Let us therefore step out in faith to follow God’s plan for us. And as we sincerely seek God’s kingdom first, every other thing shall be added unto us.

PRAYER: Lord, your Word is unchanging, and always true. Please grant me the grace to seek after your perfect will for my life, may I never seek ambition, but rather seek your perfect will for me  at all times in Jesus Name.   

quote

God protects and shields us when we are being led by Him. – WORDBITE 222.

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK FAITH CLASSICS]