“I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast! And when I run I feel his pleasure.” ― Eric Liddell
There are many professional athletes who use their platform to honor God. Sometimes the simplest way to do this is to be excellent at what they do in displaying the talent He created. Eric Liddell’s story, as seen in the movie “Chariots of Fire” is one of a life dedicated to God.
He believed that if he competed on a Sunday, he would be dishonoring God, so he refused. The decision caused him to miss his chance to run the 100-meter, which was his best event in the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris. Instead, he prepared himself for the 400-meter, which he won in a new world-record time.
God accomplished His purpose through Eric’s running and through him serving as a missionary teacher in China.
Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward.”
We often question where the Lord has us on our journey, but the one thing we can control is our attitude and effort. As you go about your daily lives, look to be excellent at all you do. If your heart is to serve God, then being excellent is honoring Him.
— Stephan van der Merwe
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