Eric Liddell - Success, Religion and Ethics
Eric Liddell (1902-45)
Scottish rugby international and athlete (pictured right) .
Winner of the 400 metre gold medal in the 1924 Paris Olympics, as shown in the film, Chariots of Fire (see point 1 - Liddell is played by
Ian Charleson, pictured right below).
He then became a teacher and missionary in China.
Why was he successful?
1. Religion
He was a devout Christian who believed that God must come first in everything, even
his running.
The 1981 Oscar winning film, Chariots of
Fire, describes his friendly rivalry with Harold Abrahams, the English sprinter.
Abrahams (pictured right) won the Olympic 100 metre gold medal in 1924 after Liddell had refused to run in the
qualifying heats, because they were on a Sunday (the Christian holy day).
He then had to face a barrage of criticism from the press and the public.
2. Compassion and civility
Liddell (pictured right running in 1924) was always courteous and kind, even to his competitors.
As a missionary in Japanese occupied China in 1938, he risked his life rescuing two injured soldiers in a cart,
bolstered by reading a verse from Luke’s gospel the night before:
“Whoever is faithful in very little is faithful also in much”.
The Japanese never searched his cart which saved his life!
3. Sacrifice
In serving God and the Chinese people, he refused to leave China in 1941 and go to Canada with his wife,
Florence (pictured right at their wedding), and three daughters.
He never saw them again, because he was imprisoned in a camp by the Japanese.
During his imprisonment, Liddell:
- persuaded some rich prisoners to share their extra rations with the others.
- sacrificed his freedom (when he was ill) to save a pregnant woman.
- taught another prisoner to love his enemies (the Japanese) and pray for
them.
Key quote on God and
religion
God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.
We are all missionaries. Wherever we go we either bring people nearer to Christ or we repel them from
Christ.
Key quote on
success
In the dust of defeat as well as the laurels of victory, there is a glory to be found if one has done his
best.
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