Making a difference

'Serve each other with love' (Galatians 5:13 NCV). William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army, lived by those words. And, when he was too old and sick to attend their General Conference, he sent a one-word telegram; one word that brought the crowd to its feet - 'Others!'

William Wilberforce lived by those words too. History records that in one 30-day period in 1814, without the aid of computers or email, his efforts produced over one million signatures on a petition protesting against slavery, which he then presented to the British Parliament. He was constantly under threat from the slave owners, not to mention shady MPs who owned their own plantations and slaves. His fight lasted for decades. Encouraged by people like John Wesley, Wilberforce stirred the conscience of the whole nation. One of the greatest influences in Wilberforce's life was his friend John Newton, writer of the song 'Amazing Grace'. John had been a slave trader but gave it up when he had a real encounter with Jesus. On his deathbed in 1833, Wilberforce received the news that Parliament had finally passed a law to ban slavery in the British Empire. Eventually his influence reached America and slavery was abolished there too.

Think one person can't make a difference? Think again!

So what now? Yes, you, one person, can make a difference. Why don't you pray: 'Lord, you have given me unique abilities. Help me to discover who you created me to be. Help me to serve in love and make a difference.'

— SCRIPTURE —

'Serve each other with love.' Galatians 5:13 NCV
— SOULFOOD —

Josh 1, Ps 27:11-14, Acts 4:12-13