We can learn a lot from Eric Liddell's life

Some biographies are worth reading since they contain very rich inspirational stuff we ought to emulate.

At times I think we have lost the meaning of sacrifice whenever I read such biographies as Eric Liddell’s.

Liddell (1902 – 1945), a famous missionary and a Scottish Olympics champion in the 400m, who was born in China.

He became an outstanding sportsman, excelling in short distance races.

He was considered a great prospect for the Olympics in 1924.

Liddell was also a committed Protestant Christian.

Because the heats of the 100m sprint were to be held on a Sunday, he withdrew from the race and instead concentrated on the 400m which was not being held on a Sunday.

Before the final, the US Olympic masseur gave him a piece of paper on which it was written “Those who honour me I will honour.” Those are words from 1 Samuel 2:30.

Of course he won the gold medal and set a new Olympic record. He also won a bronze in the 200m.

Liddell remained a committed missionary. In 1941, the advancing Japanese army compelled him and his family to flee to a rural mission station.

He was kept very busy dealing with the stream of locals who came to the station for medical treatment and food. Sadly, he developed a brain tumour and died five months before liberation, on 21st February 1945 possibly due to malnutrition and unfavourable conditions in the camp.

He had turned down an opportunity to leave the camp (as part of a prisoner exchange programme), preferring instead to give his place to a pregnant woman.

His death left a vacuum within the camp, and many people attested to his strong moral character.

He was seen as a great unifying force who helped to ease tensions through his selflessness and impartiality.

Norman Cliff saw him as “the finest Christian gentleman it has been my pleasure to meet. In all the time in the camp, I never heard him say a bad word about anybody.”

A fellow internee, Stephen Metcalfe, later wrote of Liddell: “He gave me two things.

One was his worn-out running shoes, but the best thing he gave me was his baton of forgiveness. He taught me to love my enemies, the Japanese, and to pray for them.

What we learn from Liddell’s life:

Serve God with all your heart, mind, body and soul;

Use your talent to serve God and ensure you excel in it;

Be principled where your religion is concerned;

When you have an opportunity to do good, do it;

Let a strong moral character be your label;

Always hand over your baton of forgiveness.