One of my favorite movies of all time is Chariots of Fire. It’s the wonderful story of a heroic, committed Christian from Scotland named Eric Liddell, who competed in the 1924 Olympics. Refusing to compromise his principles, Liddell would not run on Sunday, forfeiting his event of choice, the 100-meter race.
During one scene, Eric’s sister, a dedicated believer, was upset that her brother was running competitively. She thought he was wasting a lot of time and should get into the ministry immediately. She reminded Eric that God made him for Himself.
But Eric replied, “Aye, Jenny, I know. But He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
What a great statement. Just because he wasn’t in the ministry didn’t mean that he couldn’t glorify God.
As the story unfolds, he does glorify God at the Olympics because of the stand he made. He won a gold medal and a bronze medal in the 400- and 200-meter events, respectively. He then entered the ministry the following year, becoming a missionary to China.
Sometimes, we think the most dedicated Christians are pastors or missionaries. And they are dedicated. But like Eric Liddell, you can serve God and glorify Him wherever He has called you.
You can glorify Him as a construction worker. You can glorify Him working in the medical field. You can glorify Him as a professional athlete. You can glorify Him as a graphic designer.
Whatever field it may be, you can bring glory to Him.
You can take your work or vocation and do it for His glory. Whatever you do, you can do it for the glory of God. Your work can be an act of worship.
When we seek to fulfill the purpose for which God has created us—to glorify Him, to honor Him, and to bring Him pleasure—then we will find happiness. It doesn’t come from seeking it, but from seeking Him. Our life is found in proper balance.
As the Scripture says, “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” (Psalm 144:15 NKJV). We must never lose sight of the simple truth that we were created primarily to glorify God—not simply to pursue our own aims, goals, and desires. Rather, we were created to glorify God.
Amen
