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

Liddell was given the honor of running for the 100 meters in the Olympics. When he found out 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 put into the 400-meter race, which happened later that week. He won the race and broke the world record in 47.6 seconds despite the fact he was not expected to win it. Even today, he is honored as Scotland’s greatest athlete.

Philippians 2 – Live as Christ

Paul honors Epaphroditus in chapter 2. He represents a category of people who are to be honored. It is not only those with more public speaking gifts to be honored but also those who live out Christ’s example. This contradicted the culture’s view of rewarding only those who seek prestige and position. In other words, success is defined differently in God’s Kingdom.

Eric Liddell’s greatest success was not his track accomplishment but his service in the mission field. He gave up his fame to become a missionary in China. He later refused to be liberated in a prisoner’s interchange led by Winston Churchill, giving up 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 are examples of Christlikeness. They willingly sacrifice their own interests for the well-being 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)