The Manners of Liberty

 "So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you."

Colossians 3:12-13

 

In the 1780s, England was facing two great shames. One was the rise of what was called public obscenity. It seemed that the streets of London had gotten out of control with drunkness and wild behavior. In some parts, public decency seemed to be lacking. The second shame, and by far the worse, was that of the slave trade. The buying and selling of enslaved people was a big business in England in the 1700s.

            As in most times of moral darkness, a man of faith rose to challenge these evils. William Wilberforce (1759-1833)was a British politician and philanthropist who, along with a small group of followers, led the charge to change the evils they saw in British society. Wilberforce said, "God Almighty has set before me two Great Objects: the suppression of the Slave Trade and the Reformation of Manners."

            This may seem like a nice history lesson, but how does it apply to us today. We still have these challenges before up. They may have changed their appearance over time, but they are just as canister and just as evil as they ever were.

            Human trafficking is a very present evil we all face. We live in a society that robs people of their freedom all the time. Some are slaves to drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, and even food addictions. Just because we have come to see these addictions as a normal part of society does not make them any less a prison to those who find themselves in bondage. And of course we still have the curse of slavery around the world. You will even find it has its hold in thew land of the free.

            We also face the lack of manners in a significant way. You may think that manners are old-fashioned, outdated, or unimportant, but without manners, society is brought to the level of animals. Remember what manners are. Proper manners are nothing more than respect and kindness for others. If you show respect and kindness, none of the other social graces matter.

            So, what do we do about this dilemma we find our world in. The same thing as William Wilberforce, we accept the challenge set before us by God Almighty and cause a change in our world. Start right now and make the first change in yourself. Make war with the addictions you may face, or even if you may not think you are addicted, your behavior may enslave others. Recreational drug use, pornography, and gambling are not victimless crimes. These are all big businesses involving thousands of enslaved people you keep imprisoned with your support. The only way to stop these modern-day slavers is to stop their business. The only way to do that is not to support it with your money.

            As for manners, show respect and kindness to everyone you meet. Think of others before you think of yourself. Be an example of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Manners are not complicated. It is the Golden Rule with the gold well polished.

 

You can learn more about Personal Development from the author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website: www.growthcenter.net.    © 2022 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this material may be reprinted or published without the author's written permission.