William Wilberforce — as mentioned yesterday — was a bold, but peculiar man, who changed the world.

William Wilberforce was also featured in the movie Amazing Grace. It’s a powerful film that reveals the tension that Wilberforce faced in his personal and public life.

People who step forward or step “out of line” face that tension. 

– Teens who stand up against bullies are often threatened themselves.
– Entrepreneurs who market boldly are often ostracized by their competition.
– Excited parents are glared at when they cheer for their daughter or son at sporting events.
– Weather forecasters are often derided when their forecasts are mistaken.
– Fans who cheer too loudly at sporting events can be shouted down.

I’m fascinated by people.

As often as people seem to fall into common patterns, their preferences can be incredibly diverse.

Do we like diversity?  Is Paula Abdul right, and Opposites Attract? 

Weird?

The journal Evolutionary Psychology, asked 760 members of an online dating site if they would prefer someone like them or if they would like someone different than them. 85.7% of participants claim to want someone who has their opposite traits.

Then they were asked if they most wanted a partner that complemented them, or resembled them.

Paradoxes of Christ – Weird But True

Jesus hungered, yet he fed many people.  (Matthew 4:2; John 6)

Jesus hungered, yet he is called the Bread of Life that feeds the deepest needs of people.

Jesus thirsted, but he is called the Living Water that refreshes people.  (John 19:28; 4:14)

Jesus grew weary, yet he is called our source of rest.  (John 4:6; Matthew 11:29-30)

Jesus paid taxes to the ruler of the Roman World, yet he is the true Ruler of the universe (Matthew 17:27; Revelation 19:16)

Biblical Paradoxes – Weird but True

• You can find your life, yet you lose it.  (Matthew 10:39; John 12:25)
• You can lose your life, yet you find it.  (Matthew 10:39)
• You can be unknown, yet you are well-known.  (2 Corinthians 6:9)
• You can be dying, yet you possess life.  (2 Corinthians 6:9)
• You can be dying, yet you can give life.  (John 12:24)
• You can be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.  (2 Corinthians 6:10)
• You can be poor, but make many others rich.  (2 Corinthians 6:10)
• You can have nothing, yet possess all things.  (2 Corinthians 6:10)