大象传媒

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Rev Carolyn Skinner

Good morning.

This year marks 100 years since Eric Liddell won 400m gold at the Paris Olympics back in 1924.

Liddell was a 100m runner, but because of his Christian faith, he refused to compete on a Sunday, which ruled out the Olympic 100m in Paris. Instead, he switched events to train for the 400m 鈥� and not only won but broke the Olympic and world records too. It鈥檚 a tale made famous by the film Chariots of Fire.

As well as his athletic achievements, Liddell is also remembered for the values he upheld throughout his life, of passion, compassion, and integrity. He was a man who stood by his principles regardless of the pressures placed upon him by others.

It鈥檚 easy to talk about 鈥榙oing the right thing鈥� until you are faced with the sacrifice it might require. If our life is going to make an impact on others, they can鈥檛 merely hear our convictions spoken; they must see our convictions lived. Who or what controls how we live and to what extent are we prepared to hold on to what we believe is true?

In the Bible there are many wisdom statements, one such says that 鈥渢he integrity of the upright guides them鈥�. This is a challenge for each of us to consider whether we are guided by our moral compass or by other influences around us. Living by conviction is hard. It will challenge us. But it will also give our life power and purpose and leave a lasting legacy.

Mighty God, help me to pursue positive values in my life, to model them to others, to live a life of integrity, and to have the courage of my convictions even when I am challenged the most.

Amen

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