Sacrifice

Sacrifice is to surrender something precious there is a desire to keep or achieve. It may be a possession, a position, or an enjoyable activity, but sacrifice always reaches beyond personal aspiration to honor something greater. That is the reason those who do it so freely gain such high respect. One such person was Eric Liddell whose true story was portrayed in the 1981 movie, Chariots of Fire.

In 1924 Eric found himself competing on a worldwide stage and he was competing for perhaps the most cherished prize in all of sports—Olympic gold. The movie tells the compelling story of the challenges he faced along the way and the choices he made in search of his dream.

Eric was a devout follower of Jesus Christ and his ultimate plan was to join his family as a missionary in China. There he planned to use his gift of teaching and his deep understanding of the Bible to serve God in a foreign land. But he was first confronted with the option to join his family or to seize the prospect to run in the Olympic Games.

Eric’s choice was surely not an easy one, but he explained it this way, “God made me for a purpose—[to be a missionary in] China.  He also made me fast. When I run, I feel His pleasure. To give it up would be to hold it in contempt. It’s not only fun, but to win is to honor Him.” 

But Eric faced even further complications. His event was scheduled for Sunday, the day he set aside solely for God. “If I win, I win for God,” he reasoned, “but to run would be against God’s law.” He chose not to participate in the event even at the price of Olympic gold.

Usually what is sacrificed is not restored nor second chances offered. But God was gracious to Eric. When one door closed another opened. Eric was permitted to compete in a different event on a different day. And he felt God’s pleasure when he ran that day, and along with his victory for God he claimed Olympic gold.

God blesses us with talents that bring joy to our lives. But He also made each of us for a purpose; and those same talents equip us to serve his purpose. When called to surrender them the choice is painful. But as Eric Liddell understood, there times to honor God with them, and times to surrender them in sacrifice.

In those times of sacrifice, we honor God; and that reflects the Savior.

 You are the light of the world,

Richard+

 www.reflectingthesavior.org

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