U.S. Olympic gold medalist Jackson Scholz, once considered the world’s fastest human, lost the decisive 1924 race shown in the Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire. He was scheduled to compete against Eric Liddell, who refused to race on Sunday because of his faith. In the film, he hands Liddell a note just before his 400-meter run. The note contained a quote from 1 Samuel 2:30, “Those who honor me I will honor.” Liddell ran the 400 meters holding the note and set an Olympic record.

Liddell was honored with the opportunity to compete in the 100-meter dash at the Olympics. When he discovered it was scheduled for Sunday, he refused to run, believing Sunday to be the Lord’s Day and a day of rest. Scotland criticized him for this decision, calling him a traitor. He was entered in the 400-meter race, which took place later that week. He won the race and broke the world record with a time of 47.6 seconds, despite not being expected to win. Even today, he is celebrated as Scotland’s greatest athlete.

Philippians 2 – Live as Christ

Paul honors Epaphroditus in chapter 2. He exemplifies a group of people who deserve recognition. It’s not only those with strong public speaking skills who should be honored, but also those who exemplify Christ’s example. This contradicts the cultural view of rewarding only those who seek fame and status. In other words, success is defined differently in God’s Kingdom. 

Eric Liddell’s greatest achievement was not his running success but his work as a missionary. He relinquished his fame to serve in China. Later, he declined to be freed in a prisoner exchange led by Winston Churchill, choosing instead to give his place to a pregnant woman. One of the other prisoners said, “Liddell gave me two gifts: one was his worn-out running shoes, but the best was his example of forgiveness. He taught me to love my enemies and to pray for them.”

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete demonstrate Christlikeness. They willingly sacrifice their own interests for the good of others. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others” (Phil 2:3-4).

Bible Memory Verse – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: God’s Code of Honor

Our featured book this week is Ecclesiastes – The Forward-Looking Athlete. (A  10-Week Bible Study For Athletes Who Want To Compete With The End In Mind), written by Joshua Thiessen.

 Click HERE to review.

To see our full catalog of over 200 Bible Study Guides and Devotions, click HERE