This past Sunday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Steelers were the Denver Broncos and Tim Tebow's latest casualty. In the first round of the NFL Playoffs, the Broncos won a ‘nail-biter’ on the first play in overtime with a pass from Tim Tebow to Demaryius Thomas for an 80 yard touchdown. The stadium erupted. Many were stunned. No one expected Denver to make the play-offs yet alone beat the Steelers to advance. And before the night had ended, news reports began to offer up the notion that God was behind it. After all, Tebow threw for 316 yards; his coach's name is John; the average yards per completion for the game was (you guessed it) 31.6 yards. In college, Tim would often write the Bible verse John 3:16 below his eyes. However, the NFL put a stop to that when he began his professional career. But it looks like God had the last say in the matter, chimed many of Tebow's supporters Sunday evening.
If your new to the story, Tim Tebow went from obscurity as a second-string quarterback at the beginning of the season, to national fame a few weeks later. His style of play and outspokenness about his Christian faith has brought Tim many critics. Thus, when his name is brought up in conversations, it brings a firestorm of responses from all sides. His name has even turned into a verb. Kids are 'tebowing' in school (bowing down on one knee with their fist on their forehead in a prayer-like pose). Some students even got into trouble for blocking the hallway while 'tebowing' at their school. This brought the prayer in school debate back in full swing of course. And all the while, When Tim comes to the press conferences, he begins with thanking his 'Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.'
Whatever you believe about the recent events, there's no doubting that this man has created a national dialogue on the issue of faith and God. But is his success on the field tied to God's favor? Is God taking someone who 'lacks the skill to be an NFL quarterback' (some critics report) and proving that He (God) can make anyone a winner? In other words, is Tim Tebow on a mission from God?
I would say, YES. Tim Tebow is definitely on a mission from God, but not because of what you may initially think. He's on a mission from God because every follower of Jesus should be on a mission. We're all called to let our 'light shine' (being a good example) before men, so that others may see our works and give God the glory (see Matthew 5:16). Tim's mission gives God the glory through his outspoken words in front of TV cameras. He's using the 'platform' God has provided to thank Him for the abilities and opportunities that he (Tim) has been given. His example proclaims that God is worthy to be praised no matter if you're on a football field or in an office or school building.
Some may complain and say Tim is wearing his 'religion on his sleeve.' But isn't that what you do when Jesus truly penetrates your entire life? God and Christianity are not something to be 'tried on' like some coat at a department store. Some people believe when we're at church on Sunday, we put the 'religion coat' on, but as soon as we leave church, we take it off so we don't 'stand out and/or offend others' in the secular world. Jesus warned us about living double lives though (ref. Matthew 6:24). And if our lives are to be surrendered to God completely, we're going to make some people uncomfortable. And you may be surprised to find that the ones complaining the most might be professing Christians. In a recent article, a former NFL quarterback was said to have criticized Tebow for his bluntness in regards to Christianity. Yet, I remember not too long ago when this same man won a championship and was selling his book wherein he declared his faith in God as well. I don't know today where this man's walk with God is, but one thing is for sure. When you bring up the name Jesus Christ, it's going to cause uneasiness in others. And it will convict those leading double lives who hear it.
We don't know if God worked out all of those numbers Sunday to make people think of spiritual matters. I know He's capable of it. But more importantly, God doesn't just use famous people for His work. As a matter of fact, one could argue that He uses the less notable people in the world because it brings him more glory. No matter who you are, God wants to do a mighty work through you as well. He will only use you, though, to the extent of how far you're willing to go for Him. Are you willing to be criticized like Tim from your co-workers or classmates? If the answer is no, you must ask yourself, 'How much do I really love and trust God with my life?' Be bold in your life for when you come to the end of it, you will be glad you did.
