Honouring God at the Olympics

This Paris summer marks the 100-year anniversary of the 1924 Paris Olympics, and Eric Liddell’s triumphant victory there in the 400 meters.

That story begins in his rivalry with fellow British sprinter Harold Abrahams, the two entering the Olympics as favorites in both the 100 meters and 200 meters. However, Liddell dropped out of a heat for the 100 meters because it was run on Sunday (a race Abrahams later won). Liddell’s decision to skip those races for his religious convictions was immortalized in the movie Chariots of Fire.

Liddell stood firmly on his faith and still emerged a champion. Liddell’s character famously says, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. When I run, I feel his pleasure.” Many a young Christian has been inspired by the fact that, for Liddell, even athletics was a place of worship.

Perhaps an even greater reason to remember Liddell is his decision to lay aside his athletic career for a higher calling. After returning from Olympic triumph in Paris to overwhelming popular adulation, he shocked everyone by announcing his intention to return to China as a missionary.

In an age when sports was becoming ever more popular in Britain, many argued he could reach more people at home than abroad. Indeed, the Sunday after he returned from Paris to preach in a Scottish church, the pews were filled with people. Liddell preached on Psalm 119:18: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (KJV).

It was plausible that staying in Britain and continuing his athletic career might fit hand-in-glove with Liddell’s desire to preach the gospel. When asked why he’d give up such an opportunity, he’d simply reply, “Because I believe God made me for China.” The next summer, he traveled the Trans-Siberian railway overland from Europe through Russia and down to China. He would serve there for 20 years as a missionary.

Liddell was able to minister for many months until finally he was rounded up with more than 2,000 others during WWII and taken to an internment camp in Weixian (the modern city of Weifang). Even there, his ministry flourished. Despite appalling conditions and death all around him, he poured himself into ministry with the people of the camp — leading Bible studies, counseling others, doing physical labor to meet practical needs. Thus he continued until February 21, 1945, when he died.

(From ” : ’ ” by Mark Collins)

The French Bible Society, in partnership with the representatives of the sports chaplaincies of several Christian denominations, is sharing the ultimate message of hope through the distribution of a New Testament called ‘More Precious than Gold’ to be distributed among athletes during the Paris Games.

The title of this special edition, ‘More Precious than Gold’, is inspired by 1 Peter: “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:7 (NIV)

This unique edition will feature sixteen testimonies from Olympic and Paralympic athletes who draw inspiration from their Biblical faith. Among those contributing to this project includes Nicola Olyslagers, an Australian high jumper.

The goal is to distribute 200,000 copies (140,000 in French and 60,000 in English), spreading inspiration and unity. This New Testament is just one planned activity, others include The Holy Games and Protestant Chaplaincy.

Please pray that those who receive these New Testaments will be Spiritually impacted.

Let’s pray (now as you read) particularly for the record number of Christian athletes competing at these games.

For instance, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will make history if she can retain the gold she won for America in the women’s 400 meter hurdles at the last Olympics. But the day after winning that gold she posted this moving testimony on Instagram:

“What an honor it is to be able to represent not only my country, but also the kingdom of God. What I have in Christ is far greater than what I have or don’t have in life. I pray my journey may be a clear depiction of . . . obedience to God . . . And He has prepared me for a moment such as this. That I may use the gifts He has given me to point all the attention back to Him.”