Tebow: Love Him or Hate Him?

Tim Tebow is arguably the greatest college football player of all time. In Tebow's four years at Florida he passed for 9,285 yds 88 tds and rushed for 2947 yds and 57 tds, but the stats don't tell the whole story. In these four years he was also able to win the Heisman Trophy his sophomore year and was a finalist his junior and senior years. Tebow also led the Florida Gators to two National Titles. Many college football programs have been around years and have yet to win a National Title.

When it came time for Tebow to become a pro, the general vibe toward him became sourer than it had ever been before. While in college he became unpopular to some for the bold stances he took on his beliefs.


"But even if you suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightned.' But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."- 1 Peter 3:13-17

When I look at Tim Tebow I am amazed at the boldness he has in life. In all of his college games he would write Bible verses on his eye black. This seems small to some people, but there are people in the world, that see the Bible verses under Tebow's eyes and find that as the only source of Christ they would get.

It amazes me how Tebow wasn't even suppose to survive his birth. Doctors predicted a still birth, and told his mother Pam she should have an abortion for her own life's sake. Through prayer the Tebow family promised God that if they went through with the pregnancy and were given a son they would name him Timothy and raise him to be a pastor. This is a prime example of God hearing the prayers of his people, as he granted the good health to the missionary family to give birth to a son.

God had bigger and brighter plans for Tebow. God granted him with an amazing athletic ability. People were always telling him that he would never be good enough to be a Quarterback in high school, college and now the pros. Tebow consistently was able to prove his doubters wrong, and instead of rubbing it in their face, he thanked God for giving him the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong.

Looking at Tim Tebow's life gives me motivation to live a life that is centered around Christ. His boldness amazes me. I know that if I were in his shoes, and was one of the most hated/loved people in America, I would be bitter toward the haters. Tebow has been loving toward his haters, just as Christ calls us to be. When most college kids would go to different places for spring break Tebow would go on mission trips. Tebow's doesn't just talk the talk of being a Christian, through what I have seen he comes close to walking the walk. We are all sinners. None of us are perfect, not even Tim Tebow. We all deserve hell, but the God of this universe loves us all so much that He gave his one and only son to die for us in order for us to receive eternal life in Heaven and not Hell.

Tebow has realized God has given him a great talent, and has done lots to spread the word of Christ to many people who wouldn't have heard it if he decided to sit back and do what the rest of the world would want him to do which is, thank God when you get an award, claim you know Him when your around other Christians, but deny Him, and not be too bold when you get placed in front of people who might not agree with you. As Tebow grows into the man he is becoming, I am excited to see what God has in store for this young man. Tebow has always had his haters, and doubters. Through Tebow's faith in Christ and selfless actions I believe Christ has given Tebow the power to achieve great things because he has ultimately done what he has for Christ's name and not his own. I pray that Tebow is able to remain bold and strong throughout his NFL career and ultimately has a career that will make people look at his progression as not only a football player, but a man and stop and think to themselves...

"Man, that God that Tim Tebow talked about must be real. There is no possible way a man could have accomplished the things he was without the power of an all-powerful eternal being."

God Bless,
Chris Arians

Thanks to espn.com where I was able to get the stats and other personal information about Tebow's background