"We are too young to realise that certain things are impossible. So we will do them anyway.”
William Wilberforce, a great hero of faith, church, politics and social change who took Paul’s words to Timothy very seriously. ‘Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.’ 1 Timothy 4:12.
One of the greatest gifts of being students and young adults is that we are young enough to really believe that boundaries can be broken and limits can be pushed, the status quo can change and we can be part of it. We can look at a world in need and believe that in God we find greater hope, greater love and greater faith than we see right now.
Wilberforce was a relentless advocate for the power of the gospel, a wholehearted follower of Jesus and an innovator for social change. His belief that certain things are not impossible, he brought a radical anti-slavery message to the nations. His assurance that change could happen, gave him extraordinary energy to see the gospel in action through people’s lives, through our political system and through our treatment of others.
Wilberforce is no longer with us but his legacy is a powerful testament to the power of Jesus in our world. Today I see many ‘Wilberforces’ in action…
…Students like Eli who believes firmly in Jesus and refuses to believe that modern day slavery is too big and impossible to change. Instead he walks in the footsteps of Jesus, with cheering from heroes of the faith as he raises awareness, raises money and petitions government on behalf of the 3,300 children trafficked every day.
…Students like Tim who refuses to believe that homelessness is par for the course in our university cities. Instead he walks in the footsteps of Jesus, with cheering from heroes of the faith as he volunteers in his local homeless outreach work and talks to local politicians about how to support and care for people well.
…Students like Hannah who believes that our phones shouldn’t be causing war because of the minerals in them. Instead she walks in the footsteps of Jesus, with cheering from heroes of the faith as she mobilises students to consider what they’re buying.
I hope to always be young enough to believe in the impossible. While you are students, while you are in your city for such a time as this; now is the perfect time to be young enough to have large dreams, big hearts and eyes wide open to what Jesus wants to be doing in the world. Now is the perfect time to follow Jesus wholeheartedly with God-sized hope for our world, cities, universities and friends.
If this has felt inspiring for you, please check out Rhythms.org for ideas on what you can be doing in your life, in your city and among your mates. The website is packed full of ideas and stories of other students like you living differently.
