After church on a Sunday afternoon in 1951, Bill and Vonette Bright had a disagreement. Its source, like many squabbles, centered on expectations. As a solution, Bill suggested they separate to different rooms in their Hollywood home, jot down all they wanted in life and return to discuss their lists. On their knees together beside their bed, they decided to sign a contract with God. Ever the businessman, Bill thought this was the best way to sign over the “title deeds” to their lives. Vonette agreed.
While the original contract has been lost, it went something like this:
From this day, Lord, we surrender and relinquish all of our past, present and future rights and material possessions to you. As an act of the will, by faith, we choose to become Your bondslaves and do whatever You want us to do, go wherever You want us to go, say whatever You want us to say, no matter what it costs, for the rest of our lives. With Your help, we will never again seek the praise or applause of men or the material wealth of the world.
Twenty-four hours later, while studying for a seminary exam, Bill, then 29, received the vision for what is now Cru®.
“I can’t explain it,” he said, “except to say I was enveloped in God’s presence. What is most on His heart was somehow imparted to mine: to seek and save the lost.”
“I am convinced that the vision,” said Bill, “was a result of that signed contract. Had there been no contract, in my opinion, there would be no vision.”
More than 45 years later, the Brights considered the contract a turning point in their faith.
More than 45 years later, the Brights considered the contract a turning point in their faith. One that brought great clarity; becoming like Paul, a slave to Christ (Romans 1:1) simplified the Brights’ lives: “When the normal temptations of money, pride or sex come,” Bill said, “it is already settled. We are slaves of Christ and those things are not an option. God has promised to help us resist temptation. There is nothing that could ever be worth injuring our relationship with the Lord. Nothing.”
“I know I’m a son of God, an heir of God, and a joint heir of Christ. I’m seated with Him in the heavenlies, but by choice like Paul, Peter and others, I’ve chosen to be a slave.
“And it’s the most liberating thing you can imagine.”