Doing Things For His Pleasure

Doing Things for His Pleasure

Train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8

God gave you gifts that stir passions within you. They are intended to be used for godly purposes. They are intended to be used for God’s glory. Don’t be ashamed or afraid to fight for and defend what may be a more “godly” calling. In the movie Chariots of Fire, runner Eric Liddell was dismissed by critics who felt he wasted too much time on other pursuits—namely, godly pursuits—to ever be considered a world-class runner.

His critics suggested that Liddell needed to change his approach to training if he really wanted to successfully compete at high levels. His response was succinct and direct: “I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

For Eric Liddell, it was all about God. In the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, he was forced to withdraw from the 100-meter race—his best event—because one of the qualifying heats was scheduled on a Sunday. Liddell kept the Sabbath holy; he would not run on Sunday. He knew the source of his athletic ability, and he knew he was running for God’s smile and honor. His heart’s desire was to honor God with the gift He had given him. Liddell went on to win the bronze medal in the 200 meters and the gold medal in the 400 meters for Britain.

After reaching that pinnacle of competitive running, Liddell left for China as a missionary, again simply to honor God. He would do that up to the day of his death in a POW camp.

Eric Liddell recognized that the two greatest passions the Lord had placed on his heart— running and reaching the lost—should both be used to his utmost for God’s glory.

Uncommon Key > If you are disciplined about physical training, consider being as disciplined with “godly training” in your life. Use what you are passionate about to glorify God.