WILLIAM CAREY – LOVE, COMMITMENT and SACRIFICE

Life of William Carey (1761-1834) is a life filled with Love, Commitment and Sacrifice towards his LORD, and towards the people, to whom, His Saviour called him. Carey should be an inspiration to all of us, in regards to our love and devotion to the LORD and our commitment towards His call, even after 189 years of his passing away.

Carey was born on 17 August 1761, in a very humble home. His passion to serve the LORD, and his love for the lost, made him arrive in Calcutta, in November 1793. Ever since Carey set foot in Calcutta, untill his death on 9 June 1834, he worked tirelessly for His LORD…a good 41 years of active ministry, without a furlough, to England. 

By the time Carey died, he had helped some 700 to come to know the LORD. Not much may be by many counts. It should be noted that he was a pioneer missionary. Carey also established a firm base for Bible translations, education, and social reform. Carey was instrumental in launching Serampore College in Serampore, along with two other missionaries. Carey’s efforts also resulted in the founding of the Baptist Missionary Society.

As we observe William Carey’s life, we see three distinctive features. Which I am sure, are the bedrock principles, for all who wish to serve our LORD, and heed to His call…
1- Love for the LORD, and the lost.
2- Commitment to the LORD, and His Command.
3- Sacrifice of self, and served with compassion.

Many point at Carey’s not so perfect family life as a spot and a flaw. We tend to forget that we live imperfect lives, in an imperfect world. The Carey and his wife must have hoped for things to go well, but sadly, they did not. 

William Carey was a pioneer missionary, and thus, a trailblazer. Trailblazers are those “mad” people, who are willing to take “horrendous” risks, for what they believe passionately, deep in their hearts. Those focussed on having a perfect little life on all fronts, will end up doing nothing, but being within the confinement of the four walls, of their homes. We should look at the big picture in Carey’s life, not narrowly focus, on bits and pieces, to see his shortcomings.

William Carey’s heart and mind is summed up well, in his own words – “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” He never sought fame or name, but wanted to be a faithful and obedient slave to His LORD, Redeemer and Master. He wrote, “When I left England, my hope of India’s conversion was very strong; but amongst so many obstacles, it would die, unless upheld by God. Well, I have God, and His Word is true. Though the superstitions of the heathen were a thousand times stronger than they are, and the example of the Europeans a thousand times worse; though I were deserted by all and persecuted by all, yet my faith, fixed on the sure Word, would rise above all obstructions and overcome every trial. God’s cause will triumph.”