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Lately Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow has been receiving much flack both on and off the field. The question is, “Why?” Mr. Tebow first began stirring up fans and haters alike when he began wearing Bible verses on his eye blacks while in college. Many people are offended because of Tebow’s boldness in public. He has been ridiculed by non-believers and sadly even believers are beginning to criticize. So what’s the big deal about Tebow? He gives glory to God in all that he does. In his book, Tim Tebow: Through My My Eyes Tebow wrote, “This isn’t just about when we’re out there with cameras rolling and pointed in our faces. I may say I’m playing for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. True. But it’s not just that. It’s about going out every day, in every setting, and working hard. It’s about being dedicated and playing hard because I honestly believe that God receives joy when He sees me doing that with the skills he blessed me with” (p. 172-73).
People are offended because they are in sin. In the modern world, it is culturally unacceptable to be intolerant of the way another individual is behaving. The false assumption is that confronting people regarding their sin means one is judgmental. The bottom line is that people are angry with Tim Tebow because when He does glorify God (by praying or wearing Scripture) they are forced to think that God might actually be real. They become afraid because if He is real, the sinful way in which they live would “suddenly” become wrong. Psalm 14: 3 states, “They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one,” (ESV, emphasis mine). If you ask most people if they are good they will say “Yes”. However if you do this test with them, they will have to admit that they are not good. Admitting that you are not good and you need a Savior to save you from your sin is an act of humility. Since individuals have lived without Christ for so long, they have become prideful in their own efforts and do not want to be humbled. It is sad, but true.
Does this mean there’s no hope? I don’t know. I do know that ultimately that is up to God. I do know that as a believer when I see another individual talking the talk AND walking the walk, I will do whatever it takes to support them in spreading the Gospel. I do know that it is WRONG for believers to think that other believers should not be so bold about their faith because it might “push” some people away and to those who do so, I say, “Shame on you!”.
Love,
Lolo
Thanks to the fabulous invention of e-mail, I was able to retrieve this comment that due to tiredness, I accidentally deleted – it's from Alynne Leigh over at Pink Lemonade http://www.allaboutalynne.blogspot.com:
When I see criticism directed toward Tebow, and other individuals living their lives for God, it brings to mind one very real truth: Everywhere we go we are whispered to, by countless voices: those we can see, and those we cannot.
When those who spread God's word are put down for their faith, it is the voice of Satan who has first whispered the idea.
But it backfires. Because every time slander is shouted, more ears hear the truth. Every time Tebow is on the news, for yet another round of criticism, another audience hears the word of God.
In the last few days, John 3:16 has become the MOST searched phrase, according to CBN news. (http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2012/January/Tebow-Win-Stimulates-Bible-Searches-/)
After Tebow wore his eye black that read "John 3:16", it was searched online 92 million times. Because of his actions, and the media that promoted him to the people (which presented both praise and criticism), 92 million people heard the truth.
I say, let them criticize. Because every word is heard by yet another ear, furthering God's message of love to one more person, every time.
PS – I'm going to marry that man. 😉