“You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.” –John 15:16
Known as “The Flying Scotsman,” Eric Liddell ran to victory in the 1924 Paris Olympics. He won a gold medal in the 400 meter and set a world record with his time of 47.6 seconds.
Liddell ran, spoke, and lived his life with incredible faithfulness, never wavering from his commitment to Jesus. The classic movie Chariots of Fire shows just how much of an impact Liddell made by living out his convictions. Liddell was not well known or popular—just faithful. He was known as the one who always shook the hands of other runners before each race. At the time, the runners ran on cinder tracks. Liddell would offer his trowel (small shovel) to fellow runners who had trouble digging their starting holes. Even though he was known as “The Flying Scotsman,” he just as easily could have been called the “The Serving Scotsman.”
The bottom line is that God used Liddell in a significant way because he was willing to take his eyes off himself and focus on those around him. As an athlete, it is hard to intentionally serve others, especially in the heat of competition. God has appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. To honor God is to serve Him in all we do, and serving Him means total victory!
1. Are you so focused on winning that you do not see the ways God can use you?
2. What are practical ways that you can serve athletes around you?
3. What “fruit” can God produce if you focus on serving others?
John 13:1-15; Philippians 2:1-11
Lord, help me be an athlete who cares about my competitors. Show me practical ways to serve them. May my talents and abilities be used for Your service. Amen.
