Profiles in Christian Courage: Eric Liddell
“A life isn’t significant except for its impact on other lives.” ~Jackie Robinson
In her newsletter, Barbara Mintzer lists five characteristics of courageous people:1
1. Optimism – They believe there is a better way of doing things.
2. Enthusiasm – They possess the energy to keep going no matter what.
3. Pragmatism – They are rooted in reality while envisioning the future.
4. Activism – They are willing to get out there and promote what they believe in.
5. Industrialism – They do whatever it takes to get the job done.
These five characteristics certainly describe the Scottish runner, Eric Liddell. Millions saw his story in the film Chariots of Fire that won the 1982 Oscar® for Best Picture.
Eric Liddell was born in China, the son of missionary parents, but attended college in England. After graduation, he sensed that God wanted him to return to China as a missionary. Nevertheless, Eric postponed his departure so he could run in the 1924 Olympics. As he told his sister, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.”
One of the races, the 100-meter dash, was scheduled for a Sunday. Although Eric was favored to win, he refused to run because it violated the Fourth Commandment,“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy“ (Exodus 20:8). He went on, however, to win gold and bronze medals in several other events.
In a memorable movie scene, Eric tells supporters, “You came to see a race today. To see someone win. It happened to be me. But I want you to do more than just watch a race. I want you to take part in it.
“I want to compare faith to running in a race. It’s hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape – especially if you’ve got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe you’re dinner’s burnt. Maybe you haven’t got a job.
“So who am I to say, ‘Believe, have faith, in the face of life’s realities?’ I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within.
“Jesus said, ‘Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me.’ If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.”2
Eric arrived home a national hero, but the story doesnt end there. He turned his back on fame and fortune in order to obey Gods calling. In 1925 he returned to China as a missionary where he taught chemistry and English to rural peasants living in abject poverty.
Shortly before the Japanese invaded China, Eric sent his pregnant wife and two children to Scotland while he stayed behind. In 1943, the Japanese arrested Eric and sent him to prison where he endured extremely harsh conditions.
Other prisoners recall that Eric read the Bible and prayed early each morning. He encouraged others with his smile, gentle spirit, persistent kindness, lack of prejudice, and a sense of humor.
Turning his back on earthly rewards, he obeyed Gods calling and sought to accomplish it despite difficult circumstances. He knew and lived out his life purpose with faith and courage. Ultimately, Eric Liddell was willing to sacrifice himself in order to fulfill Gods purpose for his life.
In January 1945, shortly after his 43rd birthday and six months before the prison was liberated, Eric Liddell died of a brain tumor. His last words, spoken to a camp nurse, were, “It’s complete surrender.”
1 Barbara Mintzer’s newsletter
2 Dialogue from Chariots of Fire, Warner Brothers, 1982
©2013 Designed to Serve®
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
