Would Jesus Have Tebowed?
Move over Chuck Norris…you’ve been Tebowed, my roundhouse kicking friend! Why? Because:
When Tim Tebow makes a great play he points to the sky, when other players make a great play they point to Tim Tebow.
Tim Tebow was late for practice one day. The rest of the team had to run laps for being early.
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Tim Tebow set Adam and Eve up on a blind date.
Tim Tebow can make a snowman out of rain.
People with amnesia still remember Tim Tebow.
And my personal favorite:
When Tim Tebow was born he ran an option play on the doctor and made it straight into the nursery untouched. (www.tebowisms.net)
Yep…unless you’ve been a bit out of touch for the past few weeks, you’ve no doubt been hit by the media bombardment of the Denver Bronco’s quarterback - known as Tim Tebow coverage. And I have a sneaking suspicion that many of you have even been unable to control your urge to get your ‘Tebowing’ on, right?
Which to me begs the question: Would Jesus have Tebowed? In other words, does Christ approve or disapprove of this phenom that has captured the attention of the nation? Well, Jesus was certainly not unclear about how we live out our faith, but His teachings give us a seemingly contradictory picture.
On one hand you have this clear directive:
“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you” (Matthew 6:5-6).
But in the same passage of Scripture Christ has charged us with this sacred mission:
“You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16).
And this is why the Heisman trophy and perpetual winner has become one of the most polarizing figures in sports.
In my opinion, Tim Tebow is not guilty of breaking Jesus’ commandment to avoid hypocritical and pretentious prayer. To charge him with that is to assume that his motives are for show and praise, and only God can truly judge a person’s heart.
I also believe that Tim Tebow is being obedient to our calling to be the “light of this world.” It’s hard to argue that #15 isn’t a BIG city on an EXTREMELY elevated hilltop, right? And agree or disagree, he is using his platform to let his good deeds out for all to see.
For example, when he was criticized by another pro quarterback for his public displays of affection for Christ, his response was:
“My relationship with Jesus Christ 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.” -Tim Tebow
For me, the issue is not about Tebowing or Tweeting or why I can’t make a snowman out of rain. When I see or hear news about the Broncos QB and his latest statement or action, I can’t help but turn the spotlight on my own heart and ask a few questions:
Where is the hypocrisy in my life? Maybe I don’t pray publically on national television, but I’m certain there are times when I say or act a certain way to look just a little more ‘godly’ than I really am. And is there a time in my day - every day - when I “shut the door and pray to my Father in private”? If not, then you can paint me with the same brush that Tebow’s detractors are so fond of using on him.
And finally…what is the platform of my life? I don’t don the jersey of a professional athlete each day, but I am a light on the stand that God gave me to illuminate my little corner of the world. And so many times I use the excuse of “I don’t want to offend people” as a basket that hides the light and leaves people in the dark.
The truth is - and Tebow would testify to this fact - that if you let your light shine, it is impossible not to offend at least someone. You are part of THE Cause of making disciples who make disciples - so let’s take a lesson from a guy who gets it. Get out and light up the playing field God placed you on - and don’t worry about what others might think.
Oh, and remember, Tim Tebow’s Rice Krispies don’t snap, crackle, pop…they recite John 3:16.
Flashpoint: Ignite Into Action
Tim Tebow is an excellent example of someone who loves Jesus very much and is unashamed to demonstrate it in no uncertain terms. But you don’t have to be an NFL quarterback to make a difference. Don’t hide your light under a basket, let it shine and God will use it in incredible ways for THE Cause!
Accelerant: Fuel for THE Cause
Pray: Jesus, You have called us to put aside our hypocrisy and serve in Your Kingdom as a city on a hill and a light on a stand. Forgive us when we’ve been hypocritical and when we’ve been ashamed to be a light for You. Fill us with Your Spirit so we can go out and light up the playing field to which you have called us.
Read: Philippians 2:14-16. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life-in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.
Get: Reach Out…Don’t Freak Out. Sharing Jesus’ message is the most important thing you’ll ever do, so learn how to reach out without freaking out in this 30 day teen devo! Includes daily inspiration and bite-size action points to help you develop an ongoing evangelism lifestyle that is relational and relentless.
