We are now a week away from the Super Bowl so lets revisit the “Tebow Effect”.  Everyone seems to have an opinion on the former Florida Gator turn Denver Bronco quarterback.  Topics on the football side that include the poor passing numbers, the non NFL QB style, how he just wins, etc., fill the sports airways.  But tied directly into these conversations are all the questions that have been belted around concerning his Christian faith. Does God care about football games; is Tebow blessed more than others; is he just lucky are some of things that being discussed.

I have been part of a couple of these discussions that have really taken a different direction.  Here is what I would like to suggest.  I am convinced that one of the reasons that many are so amazed at the consistency of Tebow in his Christian walk is that it is not what they normally see in other Christians!

Here is an email that was sent to me:

“The light turned yellow just in front of him.  He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.  The tailgating women was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.  As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer.  The officer ordered her to exit the car with her hands up.  He took her to the police station, where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell.  After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door.  She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.  He said, “I’m very sorry for this mistake.  You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you and cussing a blue streak at him.  Then, I noticed the ‘What Would Jesus Do’  bumper sticker, the ‘Choose Life’ license plate holder, the ‘Follow Me to Sunday School’ bumper sticker, and the chrome plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, so naturally…..I assumed you had stolen the car.”

For many people who claim to be Christians, the walk as a believer is just for Sunday’s.  The problem is the world is not in your church, it is outside your church.  This is where others are watching.  Tim Tebow is modeling his faith in his everyday life.  Titus 2:7 says, “In everything, set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity and seriousness (NIV).” As believers, we are called to set the example in all aspects of our lives.  We are not called to live like Christians just on Sunday, but every day of the week.

It is awesome to see how the Bronco QB is following 1 Cor. 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”  Facing the rigors of the NFL, it is not easy to do what Christ has called him to do, but he has been a model of consistency in his walk with Christ.

What if all Christians took the importance of following this verse in the same manner?  WOW!  What a difference would be made.  But many will say that this is too hard.  David in Psalms said in 71:7 “My life is an example to many, because you (God) have been my strength and protection.”  God will give us the strength to do what we need to do.

The question now that must be answered in how will we respond?  I sure hope we do it right, because the police might be behind us.