Quotes from William Wilberforce That Are Guaranteed to Inspire You

Christian leaders have been influencing the world for millennia. While the full impact of their work can never be truly measured, many leaders have already made their mark in history, bequeathing the ensuing generations with wisdom and examples to inspire and guide them. One such figure is 18^th century British abolitionist William Wilberforce.

Known and noted for his devout Christian faith, William Wilberforce led the anti-slave trade movement in Britain during the 18^th century. Just three days before his death on July 29, 1833, Wilberforce learned that the Slavery Abolition Act – which would free almost all the slaves in the British Empire – would pass through parliament.  

Wilberforce’s life work is a terrific model to aid the next generation of Christian leaders in finding their calling and committing themselves to the path that God has chosen for them. In honor of his memory, a web site called Christian Today compiled several of Wilberforce’s most inspiring quotes:

1. "Great indeed are our opportunities; great also is our responsibility."
2. "You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know."
3. "Accustom yourself to look first to the dreadful consequences of failure; then fix your eye on the glorious prize which is before you; and when your strength begins to fail, and your spirits are well-nigh exhausted, let the animating view rekindle your resolution, and call forth in renewed vigour the fainting energies of your soul."
4. "Is it not the great end of religion, and, in particular, the glory of Christianity, to extinguish the malignant passions; to curb the violence, to control the appetites, and to smooth the asperities of man; to make us compassionate and kind, and forgiving one to another; to make us good husbands, good fathers, good friends; and to render us active and useful in the discharge of the relative social and civil duties?"
5. "Christianity recognizes no innocence or goodness of heart, but in the remission of sin, and in the effects of the operation of divine grace."
6. "I am disturbed when I see the majority of so-called Christians having such little understanding of the real nature of the faith they profess. Faith is a subject of such importance that we should not ignore it because of the distractions or the hectic pace of our lives."
7. "Surely the principles of Christianity lead to action as well as meditation."
8. "I would suggest that faith is everyone's business. The advance or decline of faith is so intimately connected to the welfare of a society that it should be of particular interest to a politician."
9. "It makes no sense to take the name of Christian and not cling to Christ. Jesus is not some magic charm to wear like a piece of jewellery we think will give us good luck. He is the Lord. His name is to be written on our hearts in such a powerful way that it creates within us a profound experience of His peace and a heart that is filled with His praise."

Leading the counter-cultural revolution is no easy task. But just as Wilberforce’s life left a benchmark and example for the world, so too will this generation of leaders leave their Christ-honoring legacy.