Although I hadn't initially planned on writing this particular post, I'm feeling led to share my take on the guy everybody is talking about: Mr. Tim Tebow. Now everybody who knows me, knows that I have been a fan since he was sporting the 15 jersey in the Swamp, but I've been more than impressed by his first NFL season. So much that this season of his career may outshine "The Promise" speech in the what is more than likely to be a STELLAR career for that young athlete.
About two minutes ago, I watched Tim's post-game press conference live on ESPN after he led the Denver Broncos to his first playoff victory with an 80-yard touchdown pass in overtime. Save the humorously dorky beanie on his head, Tim kept consistent by thanking God first and foremost for his abilities which was the source of his performance, following by his teammates who significantly contributed to the win. Although no less impressive, this has already been declared routine for Tebow post game conference dialogue. But what truly got me almost misty-eyed, was the moment when he interrupted the slew of brilliant reporter questions, by saying (I'll paraphrase, of course) that even though getting excited about the game of football and wins is great, the real "win" for him that evening was that he could spend some time before the game with a little girl named Bailey, who had undergone 73 surgeries in her short life. I truly want to know what human being can "hate" on him for saying things like that, and truly meaning it?
Not long ago, I also witnessed a report from a member of my church about another memorable Tebow "highlight." During the weekend Denver was in town to play the Cowboys, the man was watching his young son at football practice in a park near the church when he noticed a small group of men get out of a car and start walking over to where the boys were being led by a pretty recognizable face. Tim, then took a few minutes to talk to the boys with encouraging words about, none other than, character.
You don't have to remind me that Tim is not the only disciple of Christ in the NFL, I'm sure there are many! But God chooses select vessels here on Earth that He has created with a certain level of charisma and magnetism that can become an influence to the masses of the lost, that they may come to Him who may not in any other venue hear the Gospel. Tim's personality, athletic abilities, and heart of a winner spirit that is usually only depicted in sports movies, has made an excellent messenger for God. Probably the most attractive quality Tebow possesses for this mission is that he NEVER accepts the glory as his own, despite the avalanche of "Tebow!" chants that fall upon him after every victory. As he also stated in his press conference, he can't be more thankful that God has given him the platform of a NFL player, and he doesn't disappoint God in his use of this gift.
In thinking about this, I'm reminded of another Christian professional athlete that had the promise of making an impact in what, for the most part, is a dark, godless arena. I remember reading a feature in ESPN magazine about Dwight Howard, a high school basketball player who was just signed by the Orlando Magic, who had big plans on making a statement for Christ in the NBA. He actually said he dreamed about making a change to the NBA logo, adding a cross to the current emblem. A far stretch, for sure, but I admired the intentions and looked forward to seeing a young athlete with so much passion for the Lord shine some light in professional sports. I'll admit, I've never watched an Orlando Magic post game press conference as I don't really follow the NBA, but I'll say that I've never heard another word about Dwight and God since that article.
The non-believer would probably say that Tebow's crusade so far in the NFL has actually attracted more negative attention for his faith than positive through countless media parodies including SNL skits and the viral "Tebowing" videos, which compares Tim's on-field post game prayer position as an action to be mimicked in the way of "planking." While I'll agree comparing prayer to something as trivially stupid as "planking" is disheartening, I do realize that teaching young people to imitate a position of prayer, although done in jest, may just lead to a more serious conversation. And while all these "haters" delight in their mockery, believers, including Tebow, know without a shadow of a doubt that the Word calls us to celebrate ridicule, because if we aren't receiving it for our public profession of faith in this world, we are not doing what we are called to do.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12
I'm sure if he were allowed to, Tim would have those verses printed largely on his eye blacks during every game.
I'm not gonna tell you to wait for Tebow to mess up when it comes to his faith in the NFL because I know that no one is perfect and we are all sinners, which is why we have so much to thank God for everyday. It is also why we choose to depend on God everyday for the strength to be the best follower that we can be in that day, and that is what Tim Tebow does. We have NO idea what is God's ultimate plan for Tim. I'd like to think that the city of Denver and the NFL following in general is in His sights and Tim continues to be an unwavering example of servant hood no matter your position in life. Although I know that Tebow doesn't necessarily need any "protection" because of his firm foundation and trust in Christ, I'm going to actively pray for all those who wish him ill will or root against his success on the football field, even though nothing will change in Tim's attitude, even if he were to get blown out in the next game. I also know that the Holy Spirit doesn't need Tebow either to get into the hearts of the unsaved.
I would also like to send a friendly reminder to all those marveling at Tim's come-from-behind, last minute wins and already campaigning for votes for Tebow into Pro Bowls, Super Bowls, and the Hall of Fame. To Tim, the most prized awards he's racking up have nothing to do with football.
I can't help feeling that this is a "calm before a storm" so to speak, and that God is cooking up something BIG, whether we see the results in Tim's lifetime or the next, with His work with that Florida kid in the number 15 shirt.
Football talent, like our life here on Earth, is like vapor evaporating into nothing. But when our heart resides in Truth, our spirit lives on into eternity forever. Thank you Tim, for choosing to show the world that.
