A Godly Example

by Bro. Duane Marshall
10/23/2023

John 15:16 - “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”

In 1981 Chariots of Fire won an Oscar. It told the story of Eric Liddell’s Olympic victory. In one scene it captured Eric’s quickness when he tripped, falling behind the other runners by 20-30 meters. In a short race, it’s impossible to recover but Eric gave chase overtaking each runner one by one.

His convictions would not allow him to compete on Sundays. He had known for months the schedule for the 100-meter race, an event he was best suited for, yet he refused to run the event. He faced intense pressure to compromise his principles. Instead, he entered a 400-meter race which he had never competed in before.

A conviction is not merely a truth that you believe in but a principle that dictates your actions. Romasn 4:21 speaks of Abraham “being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” When we read a promise of God is our belief strong enough to dictate our actions?

In 1925 Eric went to Tientsin China to work as a missionary teacher. His family went with him and they ministered at a time of drought, locust plague, famine, and war. Traveling by bicycle or on foot he served as an itinerant preacher. They were constantly in danger during the Japanese occupation but it did not deter him from continuing his work.

In 1941 life in China was becoming so dangerous the British government advised all nationals to leave. Eric’s wife and children left for Canada. Eric however sensed that God was calling him to stay. I’m reminded of what Jesus said in John 15:16 - “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” Put yourself in Eric’s place. Imagine the pain of such a heart-wrenching choice. This extraordinary sacrifice distinguishes Eric as a man of utmost obedience.

In March of 1943, all foreigners were taken to a concentration camp with no toilets, and no running water. The camp was crowded with missionaries, merchants, civil servants, and their families. Eric Liddell became a leader in the camp helping the elderly, teaching children, and organizing games. He assumed more responsibilities than anyone else fetching water, and coal, emptying garbage, and cleaning rooms. Over time the camp’s morale deteriorated with vicious fights breaking out over meals, sleeping spaces, or lack of basic utilities.  Eric humbled himself by becoming a servant leader to everyone.

Could God use you or me as a servant-counselor? When a need arises in His church are we quick to volunteer our service for Him? Romans 8:38-39 - “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” How could we say no to Him?