I listen to Air 1, the nationwide Christian radio station. One of the DJ’s asked a very good question the other day. Is Tim Tebow breaking God’s rule to not show his faith in public?
According to Matthew 6:1. Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. If this is to be taken literally, then Tim Teboe is breaking a rule of God.
I thought this was a good issue because a lot of people follow the rules so tightly, they don’t give any leeway. And they often confuse what is being said. Matthew 6 goes on to read in 6:2-4, “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
These verses are saying that it is okay to show your faith before others, as long as you are not doing it to show off. If you are doing it with a Christian heart and not to get pats on the back, then that is fine. I have a feeling Tim Tebow is not doing it to get recognition, even though that is what’s happened. He’s been professing his faith for years. It would have been a lot easier for him to stop his actions, than to keep going forward.
Do you show your faith in public? Do you pray when you eat out or are you too embarrassed? Ask yourself this question? If you’re too afraid to acknowledge Jesus in public, why should He acknowledge you to his Father? As long as your actions are pure of heart, you will have no worries.
In a small way, Tim Tebow’s experience reminds me of what Daniel went through. The order was out not to pray in any other name but Darius. So, what does Daniel do? He goes to his room, opens his window and prays – three times a day – to the Living God (Daniel, chapter 6). He didn’t pray to “flaunt” his faith but to simply be faithful. And that demonstration of faith provided a high level of persecution.
I don’t see Tim as trying to “show off” but simply expressing his faith in God as God has commanded. Even as Jesus said, “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32). His faith has opened a door of persecution and ridicule. But, like Daniel, I trust God will bring Tim Tebow through this experience also.
I agree.
And thank you to everyone who forgave my misspelling of his name. It is now correct.
You know I was thinking the same thing today about Tim Tebow. It would be easier if he’d said nothing. If he just kept silent, been a silent Christian like it’s easy to do, no one would have singled him out. I think about how many athletes come out later after they’ve become successful, about the time they’re ready to retire and write a book about Christianity and then give God the credit. Tim Tebow gave God the glory at the beginning of his career. He prayed when he was in college. He’s caused more trouble for himself for his stance not less. So I too have to believe that he is sincere in his actions.
I agree. A lot of people take the easy way out. I’m glad to see he didn’t.