Jefferson vs. Wilberforce

Wilberforce and Jefferson

The most thoughtful question for any person living in a fragmented world is whether or not a person is capable of leaving a legacy. This has been a mystery for many people throughout the history of the world, including my self, my longings, and my divine purpose on this Earth.

It seems to be a rarity to find a man or a woman who willingly decides to commit and remain faithful to a calling from God. Wilberforce was a man of great knowledge and wisdom, which was evident in his thoughts, words, and deeds. Jefferson however, only loosely held onto his convictions, and never choose a path higher than personal achievement or the ‘say-so’ of others. The difference is obvious, it was not the circumstances that determined anything for these well-to-do politicians, it was actually how these men choose to deal with problems and tensions in their public and private lives.

Wilberforce’s love for humanity spurred him onto great action. He was a man who was willing to risk his reputation, stature and selfish desires to commit to a cause higher than himself. Wilberforce never divorced the idea of doing work apart from God. By Wilberforce’s example, we see that the acknowledgement of God’s calling upon one’s life will more than likely give the faithful person strength and endurance. The article seems to reveal that in Jefferson’s life, isolation produced a weak identity and a uninspiring character, while Wilberforce seemed to be a thriving visionary, with Christ sustaining him all the while. At the end of the day, Wilberforce believed not in himself, but the power of God through him. He relied on others for guidance, hope, and inspiration. He built his life around community and mutual trust in people. Even Wilberforce’s desire to hear and know his calling from God, begin his lifelong journey to bring about justice and freedom for every human being.