Responding in Grace

"The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things." –Proverbs 15:28 (NASB)

 

(Albany, OR)—As someone who has been on this planet for more than a few decades (I'm not saying just how many), I know that no matter how well—or how poorly—a person does, there will always be someone to put them down.

As a Believer in Jesus, and an imperfect-but-devoted follower of Him, I know we have the choice to carefully choose our words, and act with grace when criticism comes, instead of reacting with something much less character-building. And, in fact, the former is what we are called to do as Christians.

So, when I see someone like Jets backup QB Tim Tebow (a solid Believer)—who is not having the best pre-season so far—being constantly criticized, most recently by former NFL QB, Boomer Esiason, I admit that it makes me cringe. (Photo: Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

But, I guess I shouldn't be surprised at Tim's grace-filled reply.

Boomer, who is now a CBS NFL analyst and radio host, said of Tebow, "If I was the Jets, you want to know what I would do? I would cut Tim Tebow. I really would. I'm telling you right now I would, and I'll tell you why I would: It's just not in any way, shape or form benefiting this team."

Esiason—who (USA Today pointed out) never did take the Jets to the playoffs when he was their starter, yet Tebow did in his first starting role with the Denver Broncos—went on to say that Tim Tebow "has played some of the worst football that any quarterback has ever played in the history of the game."

Of course, after such callous comments, the press waited to see how Tebow would answer; if his Christian witness would hold up.

"I've heard nothing but great things about Mr. Esiason," responded Tim. "I know he was a great player here, and I just wish him nothing but the best in his announcing, and God bless him."

. . . Grace and wisdom in that response.

This young man accomplished a lot last season in the NFL, but with each sincerely kind and un-defensive answer he gives; I think he accomplishes even more.

And, I despise pedestals, so I'm not putting him up there. I'm merely using Tebow's example to point out to myself first, and to all of us, how much better it can be to "ponder how to answer," as the Bible notes in Proverbs 15:28.

It's something the Lord is still giving me plenty of opportunities to put into practice—something I hope will one day be second nature.

In Defeat, Glory to God Shines Brighter in Tebow

"It still was a good day, because before the game I got to spend time with Zack McLeod and make him smile..." -Tim Tebow

Heading into Saturday, the media-driven hype surrounding Denver Broncos starting quarterback Tim Tebow had reached an all-time crescendo involving various forms of the web, print and TV.

So when the win-or-go-home playoff match finally took place Saturday night—a heady beatdown by the New England Patriots that culminated in a fairly humiliating loss for Denver—the disappointment (seemingly even by those who expected them to lose) mixed with "I-told-you-so" comments was palpable.

There are plenty of blogs proliferating the internet that have analyzed every physical, football-related aspect of that playoff game this past weekend; to the point where one more is quite unnecessary.

What I wanted to know about is character.

Much had been said about Tim Tebow's exemplary attributes prior to Saturday's loss. And, knowing that true character is forged and displayed in adversity much more than in times of victory and success, I wondered what the reaction from Tim would be after such a defeat. Would he still give God the glory?

From what I can tell after scouring the internet, this young man—though quite obviously discomfited—seemed to remain solid in fiber and faith. (Tebow prays along with some of the Patriots/Al Bello/Getty Images)

"They had a great scheme," said Tebow about the Patriots in the after-game press conference. "They came out and they played well and they executed well. You've got to give them a lot of credit. I just want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and thank my teammates for the effort they put forth not only tonight but the entire season. I also want to thank the Broncos fans for all their support this season and it definitely meant a lot."

When asked about all the media hype, Tim talked about the value he placed on the camaraderie of his fellow players, "I haven't worried too much about [the media]," he told reporters. "I think the cool part is the relationship with my teammates. The run was a lot of fun. A lot of ups and downs but we really try to block everything in the outside off and just enjoy the relationships with teammates and coaches, and work and try to get better, and I feel like we did that all year. We just didn't put forth a good enough performance tonight. You've got to give them a lot of credit, that's a really good team."

Then Tim was asked about how the loss affected him. He talked about Zack McLeod the 20-year-old Cambridge native who suffered a traumatic brain injury playing football, whom Tim spent time with before the game. "It still was a good day," explained Tebow, "because before the game I got to spend time with Zack McLeod and make him smile. Overall when you get to do that it's still a positive day and a good day. Sometimes it's just hard to see but it depends what lens you're looking through. I choose to look through those lenses and I got to make a kid's day and anytime you do that it's more important than winning a game, so I'm proud of that."

In sports or business or whatever it is we work at and try to accomplish on a daily basis... When all is said and done, and we stand before the Lord someday, it will not be the yards passing or rushing, or the money we've brought in for our company, or how many albums we've sold that the King of the Universe will ask about.

It will be the love we've shown to another individual; did we touch someone else's life for Him—that matters.

As journalist, Vaden Chandler pointed out in a recent article, "It's important to remember that, at the end of the day, although millions of dollars and many jobs are at stake, the game of NFL football is still just that, a game.

It's not a matter of life and death, and I for one am thankful that the Broncos have a QB at the helm that besides being a fierce competitor, also understands that concept and will use his position to help others.

It reminds [me] of one other popular and well-known Orator, who admonished His hearers this way: 'For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet loses his own soul?' (Mark 8:36)"

It's evident to me that even at Tim Tebow's young age, he has these priorities straight.

And, perhaps more so because of this loss to the Patriots; his commitment to the Lord of life, and to touching another individual with the love of God, will shine even brighter.

A Modern-Day Daniel?

Editor's Note: My purpose in writing this commentary is not to set anyone on a pedestal. The good Lord knows we do this all too often in and out of the Church and it's bad for everyone concerned. No, this is just a simple comparison and observation that I'm guessing I'm not the first to have. However, I felt it was worth pointing out. Thanks for humoring me. –Aimee Herd, BCN.

For those not all that familiar with Daniel, described in the pages of the Old Testament book with his name, he was a true role model.

Perhaps at that time, there were moms looking for role models for their sons, as they are today. Maybe they were hard to come by.

One thing is for sure—because of his impeccable character, integrity and steadfast faith in God—Daniel was one, even though he was just a teenager.

He had the rare habit of looking past the present pleasures, and striving for God's purposes—in a place where faith in the true God was a no-no. In fact, it was entirely against the rules.

The laws of the country he'd been carted away to, along with the rest of the captured and enslaved Hebrews, didn't matter to Daniel though, because it was God's laws, and his relationship with the Maker of the Universe that he honored and kept vibrant, even in the strange land of Babylon.

The gifting that God had instilled in Daniel made a way for him, even into the king's presence. (See Proverbs 18:16)

That brings up an important point; the Babylonians, certain ones especially, didn't like Daniel, or the favor he seemed to be receiving. And, as just being who he was continued to make them look bad, they began to hate him.

Fast-forward thousands of years to 2011.

It's not a far-fetched comparison, really. Today, moms are desperately searching for current role models with integrity for their sons and daughters.

Proverbs 20:6 says, "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?"

The public, infatuated with the famous, look to Hollywood, music, sports… and they discover good role models are on the endangered species list—but wait a minute…

It was actually in that "wide world of Sports" that I noticed someone who looked a lot like… that's right, Daniel.

Except his name is Tim—Tebow.

Tim's gifting is a little different from Daniel's; instead of interpreting dreams for the king of the land, he's re-inventing the parameters of a quarterback in the NFL.

But, his faith is pretty much the same from what I can see—he doesn't care who ridicules him for kneeling on the field and talking to God after winning a game.

(I wonder if it's a little distracting to pray with a camera shoved in your face?)

And this modern-day-Daniel has (dare I say) a "lion's share" of haters out there.

Some may dislike his unorthodox way of playing his coveted position, or warn against his inexperience—that's valid critique. But if they are hating Tebow because of the fearless and very real way that he lives out what he believes, that's another thing altogether. That just reveals cowardice on their part; just like Daniel's haters.

For example; recently, former Broncos quarterback, Jake Plummer criticized Tebow stating that "he doesn't need to say he loves Jesus Christ all the time."

But Tim stood firm for his faith using the analogy of marriage.

"If you’re married, and you have a wife, and you really love your wife, is it good enough to only say to your wife, I love her, the day you get married? Or should you tell her every single day when you wake up and have the opportunity? And that’s how I feel about my relationship with Jesus Christ," said Tebow, adding that his relationship with the Lord "is the most important thing in my life, so every opportunity I have to tell Him I love Him... I'm going to take that opportunity."

Last week I watched an amazing comeback and winning-finish by Tim and the Broncos, and he capped it off with his usual on-one-knee posture giving thanks to the Lord.

But, it was what happened after that that really got my attention; his interview with ESPN.

I haven't been a football fan for that many years; however, I've seen my share of ESPN post-game interviews.

This one was extraordinary because the whole thing, as they waited for Tebow to come up to the podium—the huge crowd lined up in the stands to watch, and the high-energy banter coming from each ESPN commentator—had the feel of being in a revival meeting (like the Spirit of God was present there).

I thought, "What is going ON?! These announcers are SO excited to talk to Tim. These people who had spurned his "sub-par" techniques last week, were so obviously caught up in the moment, and seemingly moved by "something."

It was almost hilarious to watch, because they seemed so unsuspectingly overtaken, not just by the incredible win, but even more by Tebow's authentic life of faith.

When he finally came out and sat with them, the contagious jubilance seemed to grow. Tim calmly answered questions with candor, thought and much grace. He noted that winning wasn't as important as the children's hospital he is partnering with CURE to build in the Philippines where he was born.

When he left, the ESPN commentators seemed to have difficulty finding the right words to describe this young player. To me they seemed happy; perhaps relieved to come in contact with someone who seemed so genuine in integrity and faith.

I'll state it again, my purpose is NOT to put Tebow (who is as imperfect as any of us) or anyone else on a pedestal—no one should be in that place but the Lord—this is just an interesting parallel that came to mind last Thursday.

As moms and dads look for good (and safe) role models for their children, Tim Tebow seems to be very aware of that responsibility, and perhaps might be a good one.

But as Believers, I think it's important for us to pray for him. As his gifting has given him a platform to live and speak his faith in God; (not to get too spiritual on you, but) he is, and will be a target for the enemy.

I personally find it refreshing to see someone who's been put in such a position; take that place and his walk with the Lord so seriously.

Kudos to Tim's parents as well!