Keeping the Faith: Tim Tebow’s belief runs deep

Written by Marjorie Anderson | 05 February 2010

TSI Religion Editor, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:  on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 1st Peter 4:14

It’s going to be a really big show, as Ed Sullivan used to say. The Super Bowl, the mega game of all games will be played in Miami, Florida tomorrow. The two teams who have risen to the top and will clash on a 100 yard field showing their dynamic athleticism are the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. Peyton Manning, a former U.T Vols quarterback, is the quarterback for the Colts. Drew Brees will be leading his Saints in the match-up. Both of these men are not only great quarterbacks, but they are exemplary role models for our youth. Both lead regimented lives, family men that don’t live in the ‘fast lane’ as so many super stars of sports do. You can find out on the web just how deeply committed they are to their charitable causes, especially ones for children.
In watching all the hysteria leading up to the most watched sports event of the year, we learned Tim Tebow, quarterback for the Florida Gators and Heisman Trophy Winner, will be featured in an ad for the Christian organization, Focus on the Family, during the Super Bowl on Sunday. Controversy surrounds the ad, because of its anti-abortion implications. Tim is a Christian athlete who displays his faith by painting Bible scripture verses under his eyes where the glare resistant stripes are during his games.
There is a history behind Tim’s strong anti-abortion beliefs. While his parents were working as missionaries in the Philippines, Pam Tebow became seriously ill while expecting Tim. The doctor suggested aborting the baby to help assure Pam’s survival. But that was not an option for Bob and Pam Tebow.
Tim was raised with four brothers in a loving Christian family. His mom home-schooled them when it was virtually unheard of. Recently when Pam was asked to be the key note speaker at a women’s Christian conference, she remarked, “You will not be great because you can throw a football or a baseball well, but you become great when you serve. That’s the lesson Jesus Christ taught.”
Tim Tebow was interviewed by a writer trying to understand his views. The writer wrote, “Tebow represents certainty, fortitude and resolve. There doesn’t appear to be any gray areas in his world.”
Tim Tebow chose to carry the name of Christ even on the battle of the football field. On Tim’s part, “He is glorified.”