Chariots of Fire is a movie based on the true story of two very different men competing in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a devout Christian born to Scottish missionaries in China, sees running as a gift for God’s glory. Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), an English Jew and student at Cambridge, seeks to overcome anti-Semitism and dreams of fame at all costs.
The movie is about the choices both men make in pursuit of winning the gold medal at the Olympics. Throughout the film, we follow their lives as they make difficult decisions that test their integrity. The story reaches a pivotal moment when both men race in the 400-meter race, representing Great Britain in the Olympics.
After the race, Abrahams goes on to marry his love interest Sybil, and became the elder statesman of British athletics. Eric Liddell went back to his missionary work in China, where he later died in a prison camp at the hands of Japanese troops in 1945.
This story reminds me of how God grants each of us a specific race to run. Some run 100 meters while others run 100 miles. Regardless, we’re all called to run the best race of our lives. The question is, what are you running for?
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
Read:
Read and meditate on Philippians 3:12-14 for yourself.
Pray:
What are you running for? What will be your prize at the end of your life? Be real, be honest, and be vulnerable.
Meditate / Make It Real:
Create a plan of action on how you will make the most of your race and the prize you hope to receive. Be specific.
Share / Show:
Share this with another man and have them hold you accountable.
