In the last few months, devout Christians, like myself, have been offended from the insensitive actions taken with regard to Tim Tebow's zeal for Jesus Christ. Last week two New York high school athletes received a one-day suspension from school for impersonating Tim Tebow in what is now known as Tebowing. The gesture from the students happened to be a self-admitted joke that prompted 40 of their peers to join in -- whether their participation was of sincerity is unknown.
Last Saturday the world's most recognized comedy show SNL (Saturday Night Live) performed a skit mocking the Holy Trinity's favor and anointing that lay upon Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. Although it's natural for Christian sports fans to be angered by these objectionable acts, we should rejoice and this is why; in Philippians 1:12-18, Paul says:
Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
So in the far or near future when someone jokes about the amazing grace of Jesus Christ, know that even beyond their puns, His spirit is still stirring. Although the Apostle Paul chains were that of an incarcerated prisoner, and Tim Tebow's are that of a football field, like Paul, Tim is using them to advance the Gospel while under heavy scrutiny.
Whether Tim Tebow wins his current game or the Super Bowl doesn't matter. What does matter, and of more importance, is that he continues to gain first downs in the heavenly realm by winning souls for the Kingdom of God. Tim Tebow gets it and understands that his first priority while playing professional football is to go for the guaranteed victory by glorifying Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Tim Tebow exudes all the characteristics of what a professional athlete should exemplify. So, regardless of how critics feel about his technicalities as a professional quarterback, in the grand scheme of life and sports, Tim Tebow is a champion and a MVP.