Jesus in Running Shoes

As we close out the 2024 Summer Olympics, I came across the story of Eric Liddell. This year marks the 100th anniversary of his incredible victory that also took place in Paris a century ago. A victory that won him a gold medal in a race that he wasn’t even supposed to compete in, and also a victory that demonstrated his faith on a global scale to glorify his Master. His story is captured by the 1981 film titled Chariots of Fire.

Born in Tientsin, North China to missionary parents, Liddell was later educated in a British Christian boarding school where he developed his academic discipline and athletic abilities. He then went to Edinburgh University and competed as Scotland’s fastest runner, setting the stage for the 1924 Olympic Summer Games.

Scheduled to compete in his specialty of the 100-meter race and highly favored to win, Liddell shocked the world with his decision to withdraw from the qualifying round because the race fell on a Sunday, a day of rest and worship to the Lord. A deep, unwavering conviction that he was not willing to compromise even for the chance at winning Olympic gold. Instead of competing, Liddell spent his Sunday morning preaching and sharing the word of God in a Paris church.

Fortunately, God had other plans and honored Liddell’s faith and seeming sacrifice. After he decided to withdraw, Liddell decided instead to enter the 400-meter race that fell on a Friday. A race where the odds were stacked against him but he ultimately won, setting a new world record and achieving international acclaim.

This victory opened up opportunities for Liddell to do many things. Instead of choosing a life of fame and glory, he once again held fast to his convictions and the word of God close to his heart. After graduating college, he opted to return to China as a missionary and eventually ended up in an internment camp. There he took the responsibility and commitment to pour into children by refereeing sports and recreational activities for them, and became affectionately known as “Uncle Eric” by all of his young pupils. He also took special care in looking after the elderly and the weak often tutoring and teaching the Bible.

When the opportunity came to leave the camp in a Presidential release agreement, Liddell was the one chosen to finally reunite with his family. He deferred this chance and selflessly gave his spot to a pregnant woman instead. He remained a selfless, steadfast “Jesus in running shoes” servant to everyone around him until he died about a year later at the young age of forty-three from a brain tumor.

Eric Liddell’s life is inspiring and gives one pause to reflect on what it means to live a life in the fullness of faith instead of playing it safe. The impact he made and the quiet hope he infused in the lives of the survivors who would ultimately live to tell his story is courageous. Stories that his wife and children have come to cherish having never had the opportunity to witness in their father, but still honor his legacy as a father figure to so many.

A hundred years from now, chances are you and I will not be alive. Lord willing, there will faithfully be a new generation of believers responsible for being the hands and feet of Jesus until He returns. What convictions are you willing to defend to glorify your King? Which sacrifices can you make to live a life fully surrendered? Who are the lives that you can pour into now to create new generational pathways and whose treasures and rewards can only be found in eternity?

For more information on Eric Liddell’s story, visit:  https://www.ericliddell2024.com