One historical figure who has deeply inspired Christians is Eric Liddell, fondly known as The Flying Scot.
Eric was born into a missionary family and was passionate about serving God. He was preparing for mission work in China, just like his parents. But alongside his love for ministry, Eric also had another gift — he could run.
And not just run.
He ran with extraordinary speed and grace, so much so that the world took notice. His athletic ability earned him the nickname The Flying Scot.
If you’ve watched the classic film Chariots of Fire, there’s a scene that has stayed memorable for years. At one point, Eric’s sister struggled to understand why he spent so much time running when “real ministry” awaited him on the mission field.
But Eric responded with words that have inspired generations:
“God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
What a profound revelation.
Eric understood something many believers still struggle to grasp today: God can use the gifts, careers, talents, and platforms He has given us to reveal His glory.
After Eric won races, people listened to him. His excellence gave him influence. His victories created opportunities for people to hear about Christ. God used the platform of athletics to draw attention to Himself.
Sometimes, the world may not immediately listen to a preacher standing behind a pulpit. Some people feel distant from church spaces. They may see pastors, prophets, apostles, or missionaries as “too holy,” too critical, or simply disconnected from their reality.
But they may listen to the doctor whose compassion reflects Christ.
They may notice the nurse whose kindness brings peace into a hospital room.
They may admire the software developer whose integrity stands out in a dishonest workplace.
They may be drawn to the teacher who treats every child with dignity, the entrepreneur who refuses corruption, or the content creator whose light shines in a dark digital space.
This is why the marketplace matters to God.
The hospital, the office, the classroom, the studio, the business world, the tech industry, sports, media, and entertainment are not separate from God’s kingdom. They are mission fields too.
The Bible says in Romans 8:19:
“For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.”
Creation is waiting for believers who will carry God’s presence into everyday spaces.
You can be that son or daughter of God in your profession.
You do not have to stand on a church altar before God can use you powerfully.
Your workplace may be your pulpit.
Your excellence may become your microphone.
Your character may become someone’s first encounter with Jesus.
Sadly, some believers appear deeply spiritual in church but are harsh, dishonest, arrogant, or unkind in business and workplace relationships. Yet one act of genuine kindness, patience, empathy, or integrity can open a heart to God more than many sermons.
People are watching how we live.
Do we reflect Christ under pressure?
Do we speak with grace?
Do we carry peace into difficult environments?
Do people encounter light when they encounter us?
Jesus said in Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Notice that the goal is not self-promotion. The goal is that people would see God through us.
No matter how “big” or “small” your career may seem, God can use it.
Never underestimate what He can do through a surrendered life.
The mechanic filled with integrity.
The civil servant who refuses bribery.
The business owner who treats employees fairly.
The creative who honors God publicly.
The healthcare worker who carries compassion.
The student who refuses to compromise.
The professional who remains humble despite success.
These are priests in the marketplace.
So wherever God has planted you, let His Spirit shine through you. Let your work ethic, your words, your attitude, your excellence, and your compassion point people back to Him.
Because sometimes, the sermon people need most is not preached from a pulpit.
It is lived out in everyday life.