Words that inspire us to change today
Question: What am I doing? Answer: I am grocery shopping.
Can you imagine me? Hunting around the store: looking, looking. I quite like grocery shopping. I like the price hunt, meeting people and pushing the trolley, enjoying a bit of hunting and gathering.
I have certain favourites: olives, muesli, lychees, aftershave (Yes, I do use it. 
) fuji apples, etc. Some things in my trolley of life have not changed over the years. Some things in my trolley have changed very radically.
William Wilberforce had some constants and some changes in his life. The film Amazing Grace is a most moving depiction of his battle to abolish the slave trade in Great Britain. Although ultimately successful, he paid a huge personal price in bringing about change.
The film shows his inner battle in deciding to remain in politics despite his desire for a change to a more contemplative Christian life.
The parliamentary battles, meetings, petitions and personal vitriol took their toll: Wilberforce enduring years of defeat, frustration and ill health. Would things ever change? Were the forces aligned against the abolition of slavery just too strong? Was evil too entrenched?
Yet, a man called John Newton had himself experienced a most radical change over his life, from slave trader to Anglican clergyman. He expressed that transformation in a song,
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
was blind but now I see.
John Newton was a significant mentor to the young politician, William Wilberforce. The very words of John Newton's hymn Amazing Grace spoke of change; the most radical change being his own change from sinner to follower of Jesus Christ and subsequently, his change from slave trader to supporter of Wilberforce in his efforts to abolish slavery.
John Newton encouraged William Wilberforce to strive to change the barbaric slave trading laws, even though Wilberforce faced fierce opposition and suffered poor health. Wilberforce found strength through friends, the Christian social activists in the Clapham group and the memoir of a changed slave trader in his song, Amazing Grace. This song speaks of the power of God's amazing grace and power to bring about radical life-giving change.
Radical change is driven by radical passion.
Passion that gives everything to gain life, love and light in all its fullness. Passion that resonates with the words of another follower of Christ who died serving others: 'He is no fool who gives away what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.' (Jim Elliott).
Jesus reminded us that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)
The apostle Paul affirmed that change of heart stems from the Spirit's work.
We are being transformed into Jesus Christ' likeness, with ever increasing glory which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Where is your heart? What is your treasure? What's in your trolley of life?
Be inspired by the words of a radically changed slave trader. Words that inspired a young Christian parliamentarian to believe that change was possible, even in the face of continued failure and seemingly impossible odds. Words that inspire us to change today.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
