There’s a lot of discussion these days on “privilege”—who has it, what it looks like and how it’s used. If there was ever a story about a wealthy man who used his privilege to help people, it was the politician and abolitionist William Wilberforce.

Born into a wealthy merchant family, he grew up with every advantage imaginable. He grew up in a fashionable society, attended the theater regularly and even had his own horse that participated in the highly-attended and much-beloved races (it was probably very much like that animated scene in Mary Poppins where they sing “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”). He attended Cambridge University, and was elected to serve in Britain’s Parliament when he was only 21 years old. I think I beat “Resident Evil 4” when I was 21 years old, to give you a proper reference of our abilities and potential.

In the early 1780s, William had an intense religious conversion. His newfound faith had such a widespread impact on his life that friends and colleagues took notice. He considered giving up his spot in Parliament in order to pursue more direct ministry, but his friend John Newton (yes, the John Newton of “Amazing Grace” fame), convinced him to stay in Parliament and serve the Lord there. William listened. Not only did William give up his horse and his time at the races, but his voting habits also changed.

The biggest cause that he undertook after his conversion was the abolition of the British slave trade. He worked tirelessly for years, introducing bills to Parliament that would outlaw slavery in Britain. He teamed up with a coalition that turned the public against the despicable practice, but their opponents had much to lose if slavery was abolished. It took a number of bills that faced rejection many times before the final bill was passed nearly 30 years after the first rejection. Now THAT’S perseverance.

Still, the work to abolish the slave trade entirely kept on, as groups with financial gains refused to give up without a fight. And while slavery was finally made illegal all over the British Empire in 1833 (just three days before William passed away), the fight to end human trafficking continues today.

So What?

William Wilberforce used his privilege and position in life to take up worthy causes and fight for the people who needed it. How have you been blessed in your life? How can you use these advantages to bring change to the world around you?