Tim Tebow
Living in today’s culture can be a daily challenge for Christians, especially for young adults who are trying to live in the world, but not be of the world. We are frequently harassed for our faith, while we see acts of vanity and lust idolized by celebrities and through social media. We often feel discouraged and wonder where we can find good role models. We know, of course, that we have the saints who are true warriors of God and who struggled with some of the same things we have, but sometimes we yearn for a role model who is living in today’s society.
So let me tell you a little bit about Tim Tebow, a former professional football quarterback and now a minor league outfielder for the St. Lucie Mets. Tebow has always been a Christian and never hesitated to share his faith. He recently told Christianity Today magazine: “When people look at me or look up to me, hopefully they see that it’s not about me. It’s having a relationship with Christ.”
Model for chastity and kindness
Tebow does not drink alcohol or party, which certainly sets him apart from most young athletes. In addition, he takes the virtue of chastity seriously, as he is unmarried and says he is a virgin and will remain one until he gets married.
Tebow started a nonprofit organization called the Tim Tebow Foundation with a mission to “bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.” The foundation was “primarily created to show God’s love to children around the world,” and that is exactly what Tebow has done. He has granted wishes to children fighting cancer, provided playrooms in hospitals, and helped the poor and sick children of the Philippines by building a hospital and providing homes for orphans.
Here we see Tebow surprising a young boy with cancer in the hospital.
Someone to admire
Tim Tebow is a bold Christian whose actions inspire many. He fearlessly evangelizes and speaks publicly about his faith. While playing college football, he received a lot of attention when he played with “John 3:16” written on him during games. This Bible verse states: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life.” So that all who believe in Him may not perish, but have everlasting life. Tebow threw for 316 yards; his yards per completion averaged 31.6; the final quarter-hour ratings were 31.6; the Steelers’ quarterback threw an interception on third and 16; and the time of possession for the Steelers was 31:06. Coincidence? It couldn’t possibly be.
