Counterfeit: Success — Friday
John 14:15
If you love me, obey my commandments (NLT)
I’ve always been inspired by the story of Eric Liddell. Some of you may be familiar with his bold action in the 1924 Olympic games. Eric was an incredible athlete and was favored to win the 100-meter event that year, but the match was scheduled on a Sunday. Eric chose not to run the race because he felt it was more important to honor the Sabbath. I can’t imagine the pressure he may have felt to run that race. He had a chance at an olympic gold and worldly fame, but ultimately, he chose to honor God first. Ironically, his choice to sit out became famous in itself. The stories were spread, books were written, and even a well-known movie was made of him. We may be tempted to think that if we follow God then we too are due for fame and glory. However, Eric’s faithfulness to God led him to a much harder life than people may know.
Eric chose not to chase a life of fame, but rather a life of faith in Christ. He ditched a life of fame and wealth and chose to work in China as a teacher and an evangelist. Eventually, he was sent to an internment camp, imprisoned, and left to die. He lived out his final days in that camp until he died of a brain tumor. From the eyes of the world, Eric was a fool to give all of his athletic success up for that, but Eric was no fool. How many people came to salvation in Jesus because of Eric’s faithfulness? How many people in China was he able to bring to Christ throughout his evangelistic work? God may call us to do hard things for Him, but if we are faithful to the work, we will see eternal fruit that will never perish!
Friday’s Reflection
Read Matthew 6:19-20: Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. (NLT)
When we think of treasures we think of possessions and wealth. Have you considered investing time to grow in faithfulness, leave a lasting impression, and make a difference? Learn about volunteering at Southland - there’s a place for everyone!
