Tim Tebow, the quarterback of the Denver Broncos NFL Team, has had an effect on the propagation of the Christian message. While he was leading the Florida University team, Tebow usually blacked his eyes with tape on which was stenciled John 3:16.
Last week, while leading his team to a victory in a playoff game over the Steelers, Tebow amassed 316 passing yards, with an average of 31.6 yards on each completed pass. The resulting media flourish was to connect Tebow's John 3:16 eye black with his statistics in the game, a sort of numerology exercise. Google reports that literally thousands of people googled John 3:16 to find out what all the fuss was about. So, without ever saying a word, Tebow was responsible for thousands discovering the central message of the Christian faith, and hearing that God loves them.
Tebow is often criticized for his demonstrations of his Christian faith. Where other athletes pound their chests and celebrate dramatically, which is a complete turnoff to many football purists, such as myself, Tebow usually kneels and offers a pray of thanksgiving to God. His overtly praising God is a turnoff to many in the media. He has been the butt of skits on Saturday Night Live, jokes on Leno and Letterman and in many comedic routines. But, undaunted by all this, Tebow just goes on being Tebow and letting the world know he loves the Lord.
The son of missionary parents, Tebow grew up on a mission field in the Philippines. With his multi-million dollar football contract, Tebow is building a children's hospital in the Philippines. He is being emulated by hundreds, if not thousands, of high school players who are now emboldened to share their faith, as Tebow does.
In a world where so many athletes exhibit a selfishness beyond description, Tebow is a refreshing change. While many of us believe God does not care about football, we all believe God cares about football players. So, to the critics I say, "Chill out." There are a lot worse things a guy like Tim Tebow could be doing to influence our kids. What he is doing is God-honoring, which is more than can be said for the criticism being waged against him.
1 comments:
I'm a UK citizen and I don't know anything about 'Football', but our top paid 'premiership soccer stars are a bunch of selfish, godless and sinful men. They're in the papers for adultery, buying prostitutes, racism, fighting, you name it. I was delighted as a Christian to read about a rich and famous sportsman honoring God. Oh yeah, '316 yards' and 3:16 on the face tape, coincidence? I'm a servant of the living God, through the grace of Jesus Christ, so there's no coincidences for me when it comes to God's messages and God's providence. Great blog article by the way and for me just another sign that God is still taking a righteous and mighty hand in the world.
Post a Comment