Tebow Time? Not From His Mouth. - Pastor Jason

_"Well, something I pray before games, during games, and after games is regardless whether I win, whether I lose, whether I’m the hero or the goat — it doesn’t matter — that I still honor the Lord and give Him the glory because He’s deserving of it. And just like my effort shouldn’t change, neither should that. So that’s how I try to approach it. Sometimes even in a loss you can honor Him more. And so, for me I just pray that my character and who I am doesn’t change. Even though you can be dejected, you can still feel hurt, you can be disappointed; but you can still honor the Lord with how you handle things."

Much has been made the last several weeks and months of the play of Tim Tebow, the quarterback of the recently-eliminated Denver Broncos.  I must admit that while I was never a fan of the Florida Gators (his college team) or the Denver Broncos (his current team), I have always been impressed with Tim's commitment to living out the Gospel in his words AND his deeds.  He has consistently been a man not ashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16).

The above quote was from the post-game media session after the Broncos were drubbed by the New England Patriots in the playoffs.  Tim, facing his worst loss as a professional, was able to turn the tables on the media who had played up Tim's association with Christianity to outlandish proportions, mocking him and Christians in the process.  In the midst of his disappointment and pain, Tim gave God the glory.  That is the mark of a mature Christian.

I was reminded of a similar situation a few years ago.  Colt McCoy was the all-time leader in career victories for a quarterback in NCAA football history.  In his final game, he had an opportunity to play for the national championship but was hurt shortly into the first quarter and could not return.  Texas lost the game without their leader, and what could have been the crowning achievement on a historic career was ended on a down note.  Colt was approached afterwards for an interview.  His response, especially around the 0:42 mark, was stellar.

God repeatedly says that tribulation will come our way.  2 Timothy 3:12 says " Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."  Indeed, in Hebrews 12:5-6 we are told that God will discipline every child He brings into the family.  God will use those tribulations to produce maturity in our faith (Hebrews 12:11).  The mature Christian recognizes hard times as a chance to worship and glorify God and to try to glean whatever guidance God has for him in those situations. 

Tim Tebow will be okay whether he plays another down in the NFL.  The media sought to put the attention solely on Tebow to the exclusion of his team.  Tebow put the attention and the glory where it sh0uld be...on God.

1 Timothy 6:6-11
6  But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy are giving glory to God.  Are you?