In the famous movie, "Chariots of Fire", Scottish runner and future missionary to China, Eric Liddel, takes the hand of his sister, who has voiced her fears that he has become too encumbered with running to give proper thought to the Lord's work, and he says,
"I believe God made me for a purpose, for China, but He also made me fast, and when I run I feel His pleasure. To give it up would be to hold Him in contempt. You were right, it's not just fun. To win is to honor Him."
I want to be able to "feel HIS pleasure" about every activity, every moment spent, every conversation held, every show of love offered, every secret thought, and every task undertaken. My heart's desire would be that I would do nothing that would cause His face to be turned away in shame of my choices, but that I would only feel the sunshine of His pleasure in my spirit. To "win" in the daily, minute tasks that are done for the cause of Christ, is to honor Him and we can delight in His pleasure shining upon us.
God calls some to more overt ministries, to serve Him in the spotlight of other men, but for most of us, He offers us the ministry of serving Him in secret places. These daily ministrations, however, if done in the pursuit of the heart of our Lord, honor Him no differently. So let us go forth, anticipating the satisfaction of living in the light of His countenance and delighting in the opportunities to bring our Heavenly Father pleasure.
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24
"Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things He hath done for you." 1 Samuel 12:24
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58
*I am not necessarily recommending the movie "Chariots of Fire". Unfortunately, as it covers more than the life of Eric Liddel, it includes some immodesty as well as irreverent language.
