Of the several definitions of platform, I particularly like this: “a vehicle (such as a satellite or aircraft) used for a particular purpose or to carry a usually specified kind of equipment.” When Ezra was going to read the book of the Lord at the feast, a wooden platform was constructed for him to stand on. All Israel could see him because he was standing on an elevated position. This was probably where modern day use of altar and pulpit took its source. The lesson is that no one makes a significant mark without having a platform to pursue his passion.
“…no one makes a significant mark without having a platform to pursue his passion. If you are fortunate enough to find an existing platform for expression, take good heed of it because it is not easy to create one.”
In our previous meditation, we noted that passion is an essential requirement for significance. As important as passion is, it will be futile without the necessary platform for expression. We noted yesterday that Wilberforce found his own passion in eradication of the obnoxious slave trade and reforms of morality in society. The platform he found for his passion was politics and public service. Wilberforce became friends with William Pitt in 1779. The two of them got motivated to enter politics; and that was how Wilberforce was elected to Parliament in September 1780 at the age of 21, the minimum age requirement for an elected office at that time. This gave him the opportunity to debate the ills of slave trade and sponsored many bills towards its eradication. After becoming certain of your passion or purpose, seek out a platform for expression. Sometimes, you may have to use an existing platform; and at some other times, you may have to create a new one altogether. If you are fortunate enough to find an existing platform for expression, take good heed of it because it is not easy to create one.