I am a fan of Tim Tebow - the University of Florida Gators' star quarterback... I am not a fan of football - I have no idea what a first down is and what the heck is a conversion.... but I do like the man and this is why..
He was the first college football player to both rush and pass for 20 touchdowns in a season and was the first sophomore to win the Heisman trophy.... Okay this is great - but this is not why I admire him.... I admire him because in all things he gives thanks and praise to God. He is not shy about his faith - just ask him...
Tim is a person that is living the life that Christ wants us to live.... He is active in the missionary field - going to the Philippines and working in orphanages. He is not afraid to say that he is waiting until he gets married - he is saving himself for his future wife.... When you listen to him speak he is humble... he is thankful. Broadcasters, coaches, and fans cannot say enough about him. He is a born leader.... he's a Heisman Trophy winner and two-time national champion. he spends his time when not in school or on the field spreading the "Good News".. Of course, Tim is not a saint - he is simply a man who loves God...
The other day - I was reading an article in USA Today - the article was written by a guy that believes that God should be taken out of sports... This is a direct quote: "In big-time sports, God often gets a prominent place on the field of play. A shout-out here, a prayer there. But this faith surge is being powered by a brand conservative Christianity that is - like two teams competing on the field - very 'us' vs. 'them'" Tom Krattenmaker. In his article, he was basically saying that Christians who believe that Jesus is the only way to Heaven are judges... That they are not good for the sports world.... or any world...
A few more quotes: "I am impressed by the good that's done by sports-world Christians. Jesus-professing athletes are among the best citizens in their sector, and they commit good deeds daily in communities across the county. I know these evangelical players are not out to harm - they are fulfilling the Bible's Great Commission "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit - Matt 28:19. In this sense, their mission is pure altruism: They seek to share the gift of eternal life.... But there's a shadow side to this. If their take on God and truth is the ONLY right one - which their creed boldly states - everyone else is wrong....." Tom Krattenmaker
It is strange to me how today's society wants the world and God's acceptance to be under their terms... Not God's terms.... John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." You have heard people say that all roads lead to God... Well, that is not true.... Not in any form.... The Bible clearly states - no exceptions.. no bending the rules... The only way is through Jesus Christ... Acts 4:10,12 Then know this, you and all people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raise from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
In this article I read - the writer is basically saying this - okay the Jesus loving athletes are good people.. they do a lot of good things... but..... what about the people that don't believe in Jesus? What about the people who don't believe in God? Christians are not being fair.. Christians are promoting a belief that makes non-believers feel bad.... Even though Tim Tebow is a great guy - great athletic - great volunteer - great hearted - God loving man - he's not really all that good.. because "Tebow espouses a far-right theology. It's bottom line: Only those who assent to its version of Christianity will avoid eternal punishment" another direct quote...
My final thought is this: God gave us free will - free will to decide to accept His Son or not... I pray that the seeds of Christ and His love are planted in the non-believers.... Jesus is an Equal Opportunity Savior - you just have to accept Him......
First of all I have to say my father in law is a dean at the University of Florida! I think what Tebow does is wonderful and I don't agree with the write of the article. It is actually sad that he thinks like that. I pray that he will see the light
ReplyDeleteThat's ridiculous. If he wants to shine the light for God, more power to him!
ReplyDeleteKelly,
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how people who aren't following in God's word and example are so quick to point out the negatives in everything. Rather than accept what is good, they persecute. Well here is to more persecution because we like Jesus who walk in His example, were made to bear that same persecution in men. I love a person who will stand up for their beliefs in Jesus, no matter what.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
We live in Gainesville and are huge Tebow supporters. It's great to see another one. He is such an amazing person and an inspiration.
ReplyDelete