Langdon Gilkey wrote about his experiences at a prisoner of war camp in China during WWII. His book Shantung Compound: The Story of Men and Women Under Pressure is hardly a flattering portrait of humanity. Not only were the guards cruel, but prisoner pettiness and selfishness disillusioned Gilkey. One prisoner stood out from the rest –Eric Liddell (1902-1945). Gilkey, who later became a prominent theologian, wrote of this missionary, “He was overflowing with good humor and love for life, with gratitude and charm. It is rare indeed when a person has the good fortune to meet a saint, but he came as close to it as anyone I have known.” He was affectionately known as Uncle Eric to children in the camp. He functioned much like a youth director, leading games and conducting worship. This wasn’t the lesson I learned of Eric’s life from the 1981 movie Chariots of Fire. The movie highlighted Eric’s accomplishments as an elite sprinter, “the Flying Scotsman,” the press called him. He competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. He was favored to win the 100 meters but refused to run the qualifying heat on Sunday. The Sabbath was the Lords’ Day, not a time for fun and games. People were critical of his decision, calling him a traitor. Since the qualifying heat was Sunday afternoon, they asked, “Why can’t he go to church in the morning and race in the afternoon?” Eric held his ground saying, “Mine lasts all day.” Eric ran the 400-meter race instead on a weekday, not his specialty, which he won in world record time. The movie ends with his Olympic triumph, yet his later accomplishments Gilkey describes tell a deeper story. His last words to a friend, “surrender,” epitomized his life. He lived a life totally surrendered to God. A prayer from Eric’s journal:
Eric Liddell
Father, I pray that no circumstances, however bitter or long drawn out, may cause me to break thy law, the law of love to thee and to my neighbor. That I may not become resentful, have hurt feelings, hate or become embittered by life’s experiences, but that in and through all, I may see thy guiding hand and have a heart full of gratitude for thy daily mercy, daily love, daily power and daily presence. Help me in the day when I need it most to remember that:All things work to the good for those in Christ that love God.” (Rom. 8.28)
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4.13)
My grace is sufficient for thee; my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12.9)
Rev. Dr. Peter James served 42 years as the senior of Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, VA — 21 years in the 20th century and 21 years in the 21st century. He retired in 2021 and now serves as Pastor-in-Residence at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Even as a pastor, prayer came slowly to Pete. Read Pete’s story.