When William Wilberforce began his quest to end slavery,  public opinion and the political forces were against him.  In his greatest legal victory, years before they outlawed slavery, he achieved it knowing it was contrary to the majority of people in England and expected the law to bankrupt the nation.

Moral stands are some of the most difficult stands to take when you are facing headwinds. It is easy to think that moral issues are less important than economic or scientific, but as Christians we know they are not only as important, they are more important.

So, when Rand Paul (or any politician) says he  believes life begins at conception, but pushes off any legislation until “we can get consensus”,  he shows cowardliness not leadership. (Video below)

Granted, Paul has some good points.  We should try to convince people of the horrors of abortion.   This is a scourge on society that takes advantage of women, is abused by doctors, and destroys a human life.  In essence, it is a violation of the 6th Commandment (Exodus 20:13).   Yet, trying to sound “rational” or “reasonable”, Paul is showing he does not really care about this issue.  This is an issue that can “wait” or be “delayed” for another time and season.

What if we applied his statement to other issues he supports. Would he say this about auditing the Fed?

“To say that growing the economy  is ‘All cuts and no tax increases’ or ‘all tax increases and no cuts’, … I think the public is some where in the middle.  My personal belief is that we should cut government to spur growth… but I think where the country is on neither side of this debate… I think persuasion is a part what we need to do… But I am not going to change any of the laws.”

Does this make sense in economics?  Of course not!  On an issue like economics, Rand Paul has stood firm against his opponents and proposed very conservative and controversial laws, even laws that are not always popular with most people.

But economics is not the only issue where Rand Paul has taken bold stands.  He has on immigration reform, use of drugs, trade regulations, use of military, and so much more.

However, on a pressing moral issue like abortion, Paul is AWOL.  Believing materialism is more important than moral issues, He is AWOL on giving moral leadership.  For that reason, he shows his moral sturdiness in the face of headwinds.

This is where Wilberforce is instructive.  When William Wilberforce started his lifetime fight against slavery, he took many political hits, was lambasted for his views, and became toxic in political circle.  Wilberforce, though, saw the potential bankruptcy of England less problematic than the enslavement of men, women, girls, and boys.  He believed morals were vastly more important than material things in this world.  Life, to Wilberforce, was worth sacrificing the materials of this world.

In an era where our leaders exhibit little commitment to ethics and morals, we do not need another person more devoted to materialism and less devoted to the morals of our land.  We need true moral leaders with the courage and fortitude to stand in the face of opposition.