The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Grace H. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Reading - Book Report on God's Politician by Garth Lean
God's Politician written by Garth Lean, is a remarkable book demonstrating the perseverance and passion William Wilberforce had his life. It is an inspiration to all those seeking or holding a political position and those who desire an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Wilberforce went against incredible odds and with God's help, he prevailed. He was faced with persecution and suffering for his faith. Wilberforce was a man of integrity and when he found God's plan for him in life, he fought hard and strong after it until his dying breath.
When Wilberforce became a politician, he was a man of religion, but not faith. He believed in God and attended church, but aside from that he had no relationship with Christ. Satisfied with the high life of parties, gambling and the rich, William needed no god. He had a fairly powerful position and all the acquaintances he could ever wish for. This was not, however, how God wanted Wilberforce to use his successful life. So God got his attention, turned him around and gave him a passion for the truth and morality of the Bible. After his remarkable transformation, Wilberforce makes the point that, "it was not enough to profess Christianity, to go to church on Sundays and to live a decent life, but that Christianity must be allowed to pervade and penetrate every corner of a Christian's existence". Also, "the doctrine of grace is' the cardinal point on which the whole of Christianity turns; that only by' an absolute surrender' of soul and body to the will and service of God can he hope for salvation; that every purpose in his life must be tested by the pattern of the life of Christ".
God gave Wilberforce two main passions and goals for his life: 1) the suppression of the slave trade; and 2) the reformation of manners. Both of these he took on whole heartedly and with every breath in him. During Wilberforce's time and for some years before him, the slave trade was a huge money-making industry for England. William's direct rebuke to those involved and his fight against them was not popular. Also those with morally corrupt mannerisms and actions did not like it when Wilberforce fought and spoke against corruption in the parliament. This is why William agreed with John Wesley when he said, "Brother, when I devoted to God my ease, my time, my life, did I expect my reputation?" He also was willing to risk his reputation to accomplish his purpose. That was why one of his adversaries said of him, "It is necessary to watch him (Wilberforce) as he is blessed with a very sufficient quantity of that enthusiastic spirit which is so far form yielding that it grows more vigorous with blows". Wilberforce successfully fulfilled both of his goals, ending the English slave trade and modeling gentile behavior and speech to men of the parliament before he died. He is still inspiring thousands after his death.
Garth Lean gave a great portrayal of William Wilberforce's life and passion for politics and the Lord. God's Politician gave me encouragement and hope that with God in the works, good can come out of even a morally corrupt government. Wilberforce also showed me how deep a relationship one can have with God and how through that relationship much good can be accomplished.
