Bandwagon traveling has never been my style. When a fad or trend or some hot topic captivates the culture I typically want to immediately get off the train because I am more drawn to things that are precious and rare, not common and catchy. Yet, I must admit, I went to bed last night thinking about Tim Tebow and woke up again this morning with this Christian brother on my mind (see yesterday’s blog for context if you have not read it). Why is he so vilified? So mocked? Why is this one man such a magnet for contempt? I think I know a part of the reason why Tebow’s faith and public persona are so challenged in America. It will be my pleasure to tell you what I think in a moment but let me first share what I heard last night on a major network.
Several talking heads got together to discuss marriage, sexual purity, Christianity and culture. If I am not mistaken the group was comprised of 1 secular Jew, 1 evangelical Christian, 1 conservative Catholic and 1 liberal Catholic. The discussion was civil but only the evangelical Christian and the conservative Catholic gave legitimacy to abstaining from sex until marriage while the other 2 commentators fluctuated between mocking moral purity and showing some signs of being willing to tolerate it. Eventually, Tim Tebow’s name arose in the discussion and the secular Jew declared that he would not desire Tebow as a role model for his sons. He went on at length to say that people should have as many sexual partners as possible prior to marriage in order to find one they would be compatible with “in the sack” as he put it. I noted that the man mentioned that he had sons, and not daughters, and wondered how he would feel if his hypothetical teenage daughter took his counsel on bed-hopping. Tebow’s sexual purity disgusted this man and I found myself going back and forth between anger and pity for his blind heart and ridiculous beliefs. Why would this man and countless others despise what Tebow stands for?
In our culture the poor say, “If I could only get rich…”
The unattractive say, “I would be much happier if I was beautiful.”
Empty people often think to themselves, “I wish I were famous, then someone would appreciate me.”
Average citizens are often tempted with the prospect of doing something noteworthy. They believe, “I wish someone would validate my purpose. I really believe I could be at peace if my life was worth more. If only I was special…”
Tim Tebow is now very rich. I’m not the best judge but I would assume that most women would look at the young athlete and affirm that he is very handsome. His name is plastered everywhere – for good or bad – and he has clearly been entrusted with fame in our generation. Tim Tebow is one of the very few among millions of males in America who had enough athletic prowess to be considered worthy of the spotlight of the Natiuonal Football League. His young career has categorized him as the choice man to lead the comeback when his team is down. This young man has in his current possession just about every single thing that secular America idolizes. In their darkened minds, Tim Tebow has all the qualifications of an American god…
And people are infuriated to hear someone who has attained everything that they believe would make them full, happy, successful and famous say, “If only I was more like Jesus Christ and could spend my life for His glory and Kingdom.”
Tim Tebow has mastered the American dream while still in his early twenties and he is telling us all that it is not enough. America points to him and thinks he is qualified for godhood if he would only embrace their doctrine of idolatry and, instead, Tim takes a knee and points us all to Another who is far greater than he. This is why he is hated. This is why they wish he would shut up. The man who has it all is telling us that the most important thing in his life is not his money, his looks, his fame our his achievements. He’s telling anyone who will listen that what brings joy and peace and meaning to his existence is the fact that the life of Jesus Christ has been graciously given to Him. Tim walked into the First Humanistic Temple of America, strolled across the polished marble floors hand-laid by those who entered before him, approached the sacred altar whereupon stood the gleaming gods of Money, Fame, Power and Pride and had the audacity to ignore them. He then took a knee and declared loudly that Jesus Christ is Lord of all. Tebow has blasphemed the gods of his generation while standing in their temple! Yes, this young man has everything that most Americans want and he dares to tell us that they are mere ornaments to his life. He found what he was looking for when Christ found him. America wants him to be quiet because America cannot stand the un-humanistic reminder that we are pygmies standing before a fathomless Creator, Redeemer and Judge. Satan hates the glory of Christ and Tim Tebow has the privilege of receiving all of this world’s goods and he then turns around and gives the praise and honor and glory to Christ! No wonder the populace here would much prefer his silence. He’s reminding us that we…are not…gods.
May his heart remain convinced.
I love this!!! That is a role model right there. God bless him. I watched him in college and an watching him now. God is so good!
it almost reminds me of when jesus was being tempted by the devil-im sure he is tempted at every turn he takes-it happens to people in his position-many pastors i have met started out with an excited heart for Jesus but after years of people idolizing them and putting them on a pedastol and the lure of the money they could be making-their pride brings them down-we are all sinners and not one of us is worthy of his grace-everything tebow has is a blessing from God but it can also be gone in an instance-i love what tebow stands for and we need to pray for him everyday-i believe like i said yesterday he is going to lead many to Jesus-he is one of Gods finest warriors
I think it is heartbreaking, but true, that many pastors are lured away from who they are and WHY they are. I don’t believe any of us are immune from the temptation and I’m grateful for a small number of godly men who help me remain accountable to my identity in Christ and my call to serve the church. Lone ranger ministers end up shooting themselve sin the foot.
Jeff, your last sentence reads truer than you could have ever intended…please do not edit the unintended but blisteringly true statement. It is not only ministers but all of us who shoot ourselve sin the foot! As for Tebow, I’ve admired his values and belief for a long time. He has led prayer meetings, locker room services and most likely has been the conduit for the Word to reach untold players to date. I pray for him and for all of us to have the sincerity and genuine faith to love and glorify our Lord!
My OCD compels me to fix the typo but – as thine request has been given – I shall humbly resist and leave the typo and its unintentional consequence. Good eye, my brother!