Faithful Politics

This past Sunday, Tim Tebow did it again: defied the odds, shocked the nation, and achieved an incredible victory for the Denver Broncos. No one—not a single one of ESPN’s NFL experts—predicted his uncanny win. No one thought it possible—no one, that is, except for tens of thousands of fans challenging us all to “believe.” Believe. Because God is on Tebow’s side.

Before his victory, Tim Tebow’s name was everywhere; but since his spectacular feat on Sunday, his popularity has reached a new zenith. From setting records on the football field with more than 300 passing yards against the Steelers Defense (incidentally the best defense in the NFL) to records on the internet with more than 9,000 twitter updates a second following the game, Tebow is unstoppable.

His undeniable skills on the football field are unmatched, except perhaps by his undeniable faith in God. Every touchdown is followed by his trademark “Tebow” in the end zone, as he kneels in thanksgiving to God. Every interview includes a profession of faith or a reference to the Bible. And every Christian football fan heralds Tebow as an incredible example of what it means to follow Christ. Finally: we have an outspoken believer at the forefront of pop culture.

Everywhere around the country, Christians are rallying behind “Tebow Time.” It doesn’t have that much to do with the Broncos—we’re just glad Tebow makes us proud of our faith. Every Christian is quick to defend Tebow (especially when we see John Elway’s sullen expression off-field). Even my company, a non-profit Christian ministry, has altered HR dress code policies to allow us to sport Tebow jerseys in the office. We need to stand behind our brother, right?

And I’ll be the first to admit that I’m 100% behind Tebow. What’s not to love? Unfathomable comebacks; outspoken, almost rebellious, belief in God; and the surging enthusiasm of thousands of fans. And despite all the glory, it appears that Tebow is still a humble guy, just doing his job for the glory of God.

However, I’ll also confess that my fellow Christians make me a little nervous with their Tebow fanaticism. Something about it just doesn’t feel right to me (and judging by some of Tebow’s comments on the same topic, I’d say the discomfort is mutual). My basic concern is that we’ve elevated him to such a high level. It’s as if we finally found someone that we can hold up to the secular world and say, “See! We’re cool, too.” But the thing is, I don’t think God finds Tebow any more spectacular than many other Christians who surround us in this world. Yes, Tebow has been incredibly public with his faith; but to me, he’s just being obedient in the opportunities that God has given him—just like dozens of other courageous men and women I know who surround me. The point is that God gives all of his children certain opportunities to serve him. It’s up to you to steward those opportunities as best you can, whether that’s on the football field or in your company’s call center.

Come Saturday, I’ll still be cheering for Tebow as he takes on New England. I’m proud of what he’s doing, and I think you should be to. But I’ll also remind myself that my other less glamorous brothers and sisters are doing no less for the Kingdom of God.