Preying On Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow's success as the starting quarterback for the NFL Denver Broncos is undeniable.

However, it seems he can't win enough games, run or pass for enough touchdowns to silence his critics. And many of them are brutal in their attacks---both within and without the Christian community.

Those who know such things say he is not the best quarterback or even the best athlete in his position, but he keeps winning. Isn't that what sports are about? Winning?

Well, most of the time. But...

People, a lot of people, are preying on Tim Tebow.

Kurt Warner, a Christian and former NFL quarterback said in the Washington Post that he wished he would, "put down the boldness in regard to the words and keep living the way you're living."

Okay. Serve the Lord, but keep it quiet. Be silent.

Anthony Bradley, associate professor at Kings College in New York City has said, "It seems Tim Tebow might help himself and the Kingdom by getting off his knees and taking the Scriptures off his face."

Yes, Tebow is a devout Christian. Is it because he is public with his faith that people mock and prey on him?

One might expect those outside the faith to prey on him. But other Christians? Yes, I recall, it does happen.

What if he were a Muslim with a prayer rug over on the sidelines?

Some thoughts and answers.

Todd Starnes at FOX NEWS says the attack on Tebow is "because its become something of a sport to attack Christians in this nation."

He reminds us that Christian kids praying for our nation on the sidewalk outside the Supreme Court building this past year were told it is illegal to pray on the sidewalk and were moved into the gutter to pray.

He also reminds us that, "Hollywood spews out reprehensible anti-Christian propaganda wrapped in the guise of family-friendly entertainment---indoctrinating our children to various and sundry lifestyles and beliefs. The music industry relishes artists who denigrate faith and traditional families. Our taxpayer funded museums host religious exhibits smeared in elephant dung." And worse, I might add.

And what if Tebow was a Muslim?

Jennifer Floyd Engel, a Fox sports reporter, wondered the same thing. Watch this short video clip.

And Jennifer thinks she knows why people are preying on Tebow. She says she thinks he makes a lot of people uncomfortable. Why? "He does what the Bible asks us to do," she says, "bring our faith into our everyday life."

Like, "Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify the Father who is in heaven." I'm sure Jesus didn't mean that, did He? There is probably some other abstract meaning lurking nearby.

Nobody is challenging the fact that Tebow lives out his faith. He, as all of us, is imperfect. However, he walks the talk. Maybe Jennifer is right.

I agree with Todd Starnes:

"Perhaps the sad part of this episode is that Tebow is an anomaly in a professional sports industry searching for a moral compass."

"They take great pride in putting bad boys on superstar pedestals."

"At the end of the day, though, which NFL star would you want your little boy idolizing? A dog killer? A guy who beats up his girlfriend? Someone who is communicable? Or a man who loves Jesus, helps orphans and builds hospitals for the needy?"

"I’ll take Tim Tebow in my huddle any day."

I am certain that some day, in some game, Denver will lose and Tebow will also be mocked for losing.

I am equally certain that win or lose on the football field, Tebow will continue to walk with God and live out his faith in Jesus Christ in winning, meaningful ways.

Thank you for financially supporting our mission to advance Christian values and principles in the culture. And to inform you of others who are doing the same. God bless you.

:: Click here to add these blogs to your email inbox.