A few men talked casually in the gilded, high-ceilinged hallway of London’s Palace of Westminster. One saw William walking their way. “Oh no, here he comes,” he said in a hushed tone.
“He just won't quit,” the other whispered.
William Wilberforce was relentless. He was bold.
In 1785, at age 26, Williams received Christ while occupying a seat in the halls of Parliament. As a member, he was personally mentored by the abolitionist John Newton, author of the hymn Amazing Grace. Williams soon became an advocate against slavery. And then he became unstoppable.
For years, he roamed the halls of government, made speeches, sent letters, wrote books, and, in general, stirred up the church. Actually, he stirred up everything. It was similar to what happened when Paul healed the fortune-telling possessed girl. Williams was messing with the money in men's pockets.
William wouldn't quit. Finally, in 1807, the people he engaged with in the struggle succeeded in passing the Slave Trade Act. The slave trade in the British Empire was banned.
But… Williams still didn't stop. He kept campaigning for the total abolition of slavery itself. Finally, the Slavery Abolition Act passed shortly before his death on July 29, 1833.
Bold, relentless men change the world.
A wise man saw a sculptor at work. The artist struck his hammer on the stone. He chipped and chipped at the stone. Finally, a brilliant statue emerged.
The observer wondered: which was the most important strike of the hammer? The last, which revealed the completed beautiful work, or the first, which began it?
Perhaps it was the strikes of the hammer in between, the ones that showed endurance, fortitude, and passion.
What creates the finished product is not always in the spectacular method or the performance. It’s the constancy of the hammer. Relentless even when the days become long and hard, still working even when the result seems far away.
Do not be afraid of our enemies. Remember that our Lord God is great and powerful. Fight on behalf of your brothers, your sons, your daughters, and your wives. Fight to keep your homes safe. Nehemiah 4:14
The world needs men who will stand strong for righteousness. Stay strong. The world needs you.
The true warrior is connected to his tribe. This is your tribe. We're meeting in Dallas on November 5-7. Meet us there.
When you're surrounded by other warriors who share your values, your convictions, and your commitment to Christ, you become confident, filled with faith…a relentless man.
When the enemy wants you to quit, you have the resolve to keep fighting. Because you're not in this alone. You have a brotherhood. And the brotherhood needs you.
Join a band of bold men at Lions Roar, November 5-7 in Dallas.
