Is God a Broncos Fan?

Just in case you aren't a sports fan let me give you a quick update. For the past few weeks Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the Denver Broncos, has been the talk of the NFL. Tebow was an enormously successful college quarterback but nearly every scout said he did not have what it takes to succeed in the NFL. Since Tebow has taken over as the starting quarterback for the Broncos they have won six games in a row and 7 of their last 8 games. And, I have to admit, that I have jumped on board the Tim Tebow bandwagon. Yes, it is Tebow time.

Now aside from his uncanny ability to win games Tebow has been extensively criticized about the fact that he is outspoken regarding his faith. He already has a patented move, a prayer like pose that he strikes quite frequently, and Jesus and his faith are routinely a part of his post game interviews. For some they find this offensive, some fellow Christians (including another former NFL quarterback and strong believer Kurt Warner) have told him to tone it down and even Tebow's pastor in Denver is saying that they are winning because of his faith. So is God a Denver Broncos fan?

I do not believe that the Broncos are winning because God is willing it to happen. I do not trivialize God to be a good luck charm that helps us win and those non-believing heathens to lose. But for whatever reason I am cheering for this guy. I am cheering for Tebow not because I am a Broncos fan (actually they beat my team last week and I may have been secretly pulling for the opposition) and I am not cheering for him because of his faith (even though I do find it refreshing.) I am cheering for Tim Tebow because he is not ashamed to be himself. If faith is a part of who he is that is what you are going to get. Like it or not, that is who he is. He may not be the prototypical type quarterback but he doesn't change just because he doesn't fit in. This is who he is.

Too often I fear we worry about offending others or we worry that we don't fit in so we deviate from who God made us to be. Too often I worry that the church has softened the Gospel because we don't want to rock the boat for fear of losing people or turning them away. Being a follower of Jesus means a lot of things that we have hushed into the corner. Being a follower of Jesus means that we are generous. Being a follower of Jesus means that we care for those who are hurting. Being a follower of Jesus means we live our lives according to a specific code that typically goes against the norms of the world. And I worry, we may at times, shy away from this because it doesn't fit in.

I am not a Broncos fan (and I don't think God is either) but I am pulling for Tebow. I appreciate his courage and confidence to be who God has called him to be, even if that isn't the most popular thing. Who has God called you to be? Are you being that person? Or are you too concerned about fitting in?

See you in church,

Chris