A politician for Christ?
Surely, I must be joking. Such is the collective state of our culture that
even believers, much less our good-willed friends of other faiths and none,
roll their eyes at the very idea. The idea in question, a politician who takes
her or his faith seriously, usually stirs images of suit and tie prayer
breakfasts and perhaps most of all: of specific voting records on a handful of
controversial topics (and maybe, also, some hypocrisy).
The slave trade in the 1780s was becoming a controversial
issue. For a large majority of the population is was part of the status quo of
society. It was accepted as a fact of life. This “fact” was being challenged.
William Wilberforce at this time was a young man of independent wealth and
growing power. He was elected to his first seat in the British Parliament at
the age of twenty one when he was still a student at St. John’s, Cambridge.
Wilberforce was the son, nephew, and grandson of
prosperous freemen, who had made their fortunes in business. As a boy he had
been influenced by his aunt who was a committed Anglican Christian of the
evangelical sort. However, this influence faded and he grew to be a popular
boy: partying, drinking, and gambling in high society. He was known for his
wit, his cheerful manner, and his singing voice.
He was also known as a man endowed with impressive gifts
of persuasion and oratory. Wilberforce was a slight man, not physically
impressive, and plagued by a variety of health problems for his entire life.
Yet, one contemporary, observing him in the House of Commons said, “I saw what seemed a mere
shrimp mount upon the table; but as I listened, he grew, and grew, until the
shrimp became a whale."
Near the beginning of his
political career he had a conversion experience. He seriously considered
dropping out of politics all together in order to dedicate himself to a life of
prayer and reflection. His former pastor, John Newton, and his friend, William
Pitt, urged him to remain in politics. Newton in particular urged him to bring
his faith to his work. For the next forty years that is what Wilberforce did.
This striving is most
famously known and celebrated in his tireless work to end the slave trade in
the British Empire as portrayed in the inspiring 2006 movie, Amazing Grace. However, Wilberforce’s
reforming interests were many. He manifested the daily challenge of every
Christian who works in the world: discernment. Whether politician, farmer,
scientist, plumber, actress, or accountant, every Christian has to practice and
exercise discernment.
How can I with my
particular gifts, resources, and limitations best live out Jesus’ Great Command
to “Love God and neighbor?” What can I generously allow? What must I speak
out against? What can I say or do that will make a difference? What can I
refuse to say or do that will make a difference? If I feel called to make a
stand or challenge the status quo am I doing it out of love or out of
self-righteousness? Is this about me or the common good?
William Wilberforce’s life, celebrated on July 29 in the Episcopal Church, powerfully illustrates that to be a Christian is not a Sunday only activity and
that real Christian impact is not limited to Church circles. Christian witness is not only about inviting the world to Christ,
but about bringing Christ to the world’s problems, global and local. What are
you doing with your influence? Who are you helping? Start with something small.
In small things faithfulness is grown and shown.
