Faith-Driven Leaders Fighting for Freedom
Earlier this year at The Lion’s Den DFW — A “shark tank” for Jesus hosted by Dallas Baptist University — I, like many others, was deeply moved by Tim Tebow’s words:
“I have spent a lot of time in my life chasing championships, awards, and trying to be the MVP, the most valuable player. But ultimately, God opened my eyes and wrecked my heart to help me realize that our Savior, Jesus, died for humanity and has called and commanded us to go care for and love His MVPs—the Most Vulnerable People in the world.” – Tim Tebow
Tim Tebow’s and Tommy Martin’s (CEO of The Tebow Group) statements resurfaced for me as we celebrated the 4th of July this week. Independence Day is a stirring reminder of the freedom we enjoy in America and the generations who fought to establish and preserve those freedoms.
As a father of three, I am determined to teach my children about our rights and privileges as citizens of this great country. These include our rights to freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly.
With the help of Dave Stotts’ “Drive Thru History”, my wife and I strive to convey the significance of these rights to our children, while also acknowledging other privileges that, for many, have become so ingrained that it seems inconceivable to live without them.
• By God’s grace, my children have never experienced the oppression of not being able to openly worship Jesus and share His love with others.
• By God’s grace, my children have always had God’s Word readily available to them in their language.
• By God’s grace, my children have never personally witnessed the horrors of human slavery.
Explaining to a 6, 8, and 10-year-old that millions of other children alive today cannot say the same is a daunting task. I struggle to find the words, yet I recognize the necessity of the conversation. It is far easier to ignore injustices than to confront them. Therefore, we bring these issues into the light. I explain to my children that God’s word tells us to Hate Evil, Love Good, and Establish Justice in the Gate - Amos 5:15. So as a family, we pray for those who are persecuted, for the vulnerable and the oppressed. We ask the Father, who sent His Son to proclaim liberty to the captives and good news to the poor (Luke 4:18), to bring more of His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
In the 1700s, three men prayed a similar prayer and were compelled to act on behalf of the vulnerable and oppressed: John Thornton, John Newton, and William Wilberforce.
John Thornton: The Christian Businessman
John Thornton, a successful Christian businessman, was deeply troubled by the lack of sound biblical teaching and the prevalence of slavery in 18th century England. Excelling in international trade, he amassed great wealth by age thirty. Thornton viewed his wealth as a divine gift to be used for God’s glory. He became a patron to eleven churches, ensuring that many pastors preached the true gospel. One such beneficiary was John Newton.
John Newton: The Former Slave Trader Turned Pastor
John Newton, once a slave trader, surrendered his life to Christ during a violent storm at sea. With Thornton’s support, Newton’s salary increased fivefold. Newton led the church and penned the hymn “Amazing Grace,” a testament to God’s transformative power, propelled by Thornton’s investment. This partnership exemplifies the synergy between business and faith working together for God’s Kingdom.
William Wilberforce: The Politician for Change
Thornton and Newton also mentored William Wilberforce, a young politician initially uncertain of his ability to serve God in government. Through their guidance, Wilberforce realized his potential to combat evils and injustices, including the slave trade, leading to significant cultural and political transformations.
Thornton, Newton, and Wilberforce (Businessman, Pastor, & Politician) epitomize how different vocations can unite for the Kingdom of God. Today’s challenges, such as human trafficking, require modern-day Thorntons, Newtons, and Wilberforces to work together for God’s glory and the common good. We need pastors, politicians, and patrons… We need faith-driven business leaders and Bible translators collaborating as one body with many members and diverse functions, collectively working together for the glory of God and the good of the most vulnerable people.
May we draw inspiration from these historical figures, using our resources, talents, businesses, and political positions to glorify God and support the most vulnerable today.
Our deepest gratitude, prayers, and support extend to the work of the Tim Tebow Foundation, the Freedom Business Alliance, and Faith-Driven Investors who are investing in ways that reflect Amos 5:15 as they hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the gate.