Article by Cameron Spink

 

Most of us Aussies will not have heard of Tim Tebow. I hadn't, before today. But as is my want, I have done some digging and I present to you the star quarterback of the Denver Broncos. That's right, he's a jock and as much as I loath any sport that is not football (excluding tennis) this twenty-four year old has actually got me interested in the goings-on in the NFL.

 

Tim Tebow has had an impressive NFL career to date. While he has only played in the professional system for this season and the last he has been wildly successful in his transition to starting quarterback for the Broncos (he wasn't at the start of the season). Tebow is certainly not the best quarterback in the NFL (that honour goes universally to Aaron Rodgers) yet he has an x-factor about him that wins games. When I see him I think of Nic Naitanui and what he might do if he was to realise all his potential. If you want to get an idea of why so many American football fans are excited about Tim Tebow check out his fourth quarter against the New York Jets last week:

 

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Despite my interest in his undeniable talent this wouldn't be cause to pen an article about him. Particularly as this is a Christian website. Tebow is known for more than his unbelievable, yet erratic, game style. He is known for being a committed and convicted Christian. So much so that he may put off some people with his approach. Jake Plubber (former Broncos quarterback) stated on interview this week "I think that when he accepts the fact that we know that he loves Jesus Christ, then I think I'll like him a little better. I don't hate him because of that, I just would rather not have to hear that every single time he takes a good snap or makes a good handoff". Or check out this video:

 

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Tebow's response is impressive to say the least:

 

"If you're married, and you have a wife, and you really love your wife, is it good enough to only say to your wife 'I love her' the day you get married? Or should you tell her every single day when you wake up and every opportunity? And that's how I feel about my relationship with Jesus Christ, is that it is the most important thing in my life.

So any time I get an opportunity to tell him that I love him or given an opportunity to shout him out on national TV, I'm gonna take that opportunity. And so I look at it as a relationship that I have with him that I want to give him the honor and glory anytime I have the opportunity. And then right after I give him the honor and glory, I always try to give my teammates the honor and glory.

And that's how it works because Christ comes first in my life, and then my family, and then my teammates. I respect Jake's opinion, and I really appreciate his compliment of calling me a winner. But I feel like anytime I get the opportunity to give the Lord some praise, he is due for it".

In some ways I can really relate to Tim Tebow. I've had supposed "friends" turn off my updates on Facebook because they feel I talk about "religion" too much. So the question is how much is too much? Some Christians would say that when you are turning people away from the gospel then it is time to stop. However, what if you are also bringing people to the gospel as well? The sad fact is that the saving message of the gospel will not be received well by some people. Indeed, there will be many who will be extremely put-off by the message or the message-giver. Yet Tim, or anyone else, should not stop because it might upset some people. No matter how attractive a message is some people are not going to take to it.

 

However, once one professes to be a Christian then their actions are judged accordingly. There will be people who evaluate the merits of Christianity by the ability of said person to uphold the commandments. If we claim to be Christians, as we should, then we are putting God on display to the community. Paul gives us insight into how we should behave as examples:

 

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:1-10 (ESV)

 

I won't claim to love NFL. In fact, I can't help chuckling when the NFL commentators say "Great grab" to what would be a very standard AFL mark. Yet I can still learn something by Tim Tebow's example. As a public figure he faces much greater verbal attacks and critiques over everything he does than we will. Yet we should not be afraid to place ourselves as God's ambassadors in this world:

 

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

 

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