William Wallace was a 13th century Scottish knight and landowner who fought for Scotland’s independence against the tyranny of England. A movie was made several years ago called Braveheart starring Mel Gibson as Wallace. It demonstrates what the conviction and determination of one man can accomplish.
In one of Braveheart’s most well known scenes, William Wallace rides up on his horse to a line of trembling Scotsman, fearful to face the mighty army of England. In the movie, Wallace says, “I am William Wallace and I see a whole army of my countrymen here in defiance of tyranny. You’ve come to fight as free men and free men you are. What will you do without freedom? Will you fight?”
Looking at the English army, one Scotsman spoke up and said, “Fight against that? No. We will run and we will live.”
William Wallace replied, “Fight and you may die. Run and you’ll live – at least a while. And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance – just one chance – to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives but they’ll never take our freedom?!”
God has placed in each one of us a great desire for freedom. When someone or something other than God is ruling our lives then we are enslaved and in bondage to that person or thing.
What is keeping you from being all God wants you to be? What is preventing you from facing the “English army” in your life? Is it the fear of not having enough money? Is it the fear of not being in control of a situation? Is it the fear or concern of what people think about you? Will you run away from it or will you face it with great trust and faith in God who is on your side?
William Wallace said, “Fight and you may die.” Jesus Christ said, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24) If we want to truly live we must truly die. We must die to ourselves and our own selfish desires and live to God and the higher purposes He has for us. Will you die so that you may live? Others around you depend on your choice. Future generations depend on your choice. Fight for freedom. Live for Christ!
