For the Glory Book Review by Jeff Bush

By Duncan Hamilton

The book is the life story of Eric Liddell. 

The first is a truth from the book about his life and underneath are my thoughts considering the truth. This is prepared for an Advanced Training Class. 

• From 1908-1920, he saw his parents only once because he and his brother were in boarding school. 
  • • • Though sending kids to boarding school may have been normal at this time, and possibly required with mission agencies, a parent should remember that their responsibility, privilege, and influence is needed in the life of their children. 
      • Near the end of the book, Eric’s children had a hard time understanding why he was separated from them most of their life. 

• Born with disabilities and thought wouldn’t walk again. 
  • • • He did not use excuses rather found ways to become better and soon become an Olympian gold medalist. 

• He had a coach. 
  • • • Almost undoubtedly was faster and in better shape than his coach, but wisdom is manifested in a person that seeks advice from others. 

• He said if a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well. 
  • • • Nothing should be done halfhearted! When he ran, he gave it his all. His attitude, work ethic, and all he did suggest that he always gave it his all. 

• Took a stand to not run when a race was placed before God. The same people who thought it was ludicrous he would not run on Sunday also thought it was ludicrous that he was going to China after being a gold medalist.
  • • • Whether you agree that he should or shouldn’t run on Sunday, there’s not doubt that he was a man of conviction. He clearly served for an audience of One. If he would have tried to please everyone, which is a great temptation for many, he would’ve had to eventually make a decision of staying or going to the mission field. 

• He told people he was made to be in China and there he would run a different race.
  • • • As he gave it his all in running, so he would give his all to the Lord. He stayed on track and didn’t allow money, fame, pleasure, or anything else stop him from doing what God called him to do. 

• Though he faced very difficult times, his tact and cheerfulness defused problems. 
  • • • There were testimonies after testimonies that said he was always cheerful and tried to defuse problems instead of cause problems. 

• In the prison camp, he did his work and helped others do their work. He was said to do the work of 10 men, and many people believed he did more. 
  • • • It is a great thing to be known for being a helper and hard worker. Instead of finding ways to get out of work, he did his work and helped others. Prov. 22:1

• He sold his gold watch, and other things to help others. 
  • • • It mentioned his watch was valuable, but he sold his watch and I believe his gold medal and other things to help others. He was not selfish, yet thought of others. God’s children should all prefer others before themselves. 

• He was endeared by everyone and the kids all called him Uncle Eric. He was separated from his own children while in the prison camp, but he adopted almost anyone who needed him.
  • • • Others loved him and wanted to be with him. We should all ask ourselves whether people enjoy being in our presence or avoid being in our presence. 

• He was known to be kind, gentle, and patient with, others, and everyone wanted to speak to him.
  • • • Are you like a breath of fresh air to others?