LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR  STRENGTH

Love God with All Your Strength

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people.”
— Colossians 3:23 (NASB 2025)

To love God with all your strength means using your body, time, and energy for His glory. You may not feel strong, but what strength you have can become worship. Daily tasks become sacred when done for Him.

Faith In Action

Eric Liddell, the Olympic gold medalist and missionary, once said, “God made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.” That was a profound declaration of purpose. Liddell understood that his gifts were not his own. They were given by God, and they were to be used for God’s glory. When he refused to run his signature race in the 1924 Olympics because it was scheduled on a Sunday—the Lord’s Day—he was demonstrating that obedience to God mattered more than medals, applause, or public approval. Instead, he entered a race he hadn’t trained for and won, not just because of his talent, but because he ran with conviction. Liddell didn’t see his speed as something to exploit for fame, but as something to surrender for worship. He gave his athletic ability back to God—not just in competition, but in the way he lived, served, and eventually died on the mission field. His life reminds us that true success is not measured by what we achieve, but by what we’re willing to lay down in obedience to Christ.

The Bottom Line
Eric Liddell's life was a harmonious blend of physical prowess and spiritual fortitude. On the track, his athleticism was unmistakable. Yet, Liddell's strength extended beyond the physical. His spiritual resilience was evident in his decision to return to China as a missionary, where he was eventually captured during World War II. In the Weihsien Internment Camp, he became a source of hope and encouragement, organizing educational and recreational activities for fellow internees despite the harsh conditions. His unwavering faith and selflessness left a lasting impact on those around him.

Liddell's life exemplifies that true strength encompasses both body and spirit. He didn't compartmentalize his faith and his talents; instead, he integrated them, using his God-given abilities to honor Him in every arena. His legacy challenges us to consider how we can similarly dedicate our strengths—physical, spiritual, or otherwise—to serve a higher purpose.

Something To Think About
Where can you offer more of your energy and effort to God today, especially in the ordinary, physical tasks?

Where do you need to show strength of character and conviction? Where have you been lacking courage to do or say the right thing?