Jesus in the Spotlight

In a world of celebrities gone bad, it's very refreshing to hear about someone in the spotlight who is actually setting a good example for the youth (and young adults) of this land. Tim Tebow, the star quarterback for the University of Florida, is one such celebrity.

Tim is a brother in Christ and a solid one at that. The son of missionaries, he has consistently placed Jesus into the same spotlight that media and fans have lavishly shined on him. A hard worker with a competitive passion to match, Tim has consciously sought to reach out to his teammates and coaches in the name of Jesus during his four years at Florida. His witness for Christ has even touched his coach, Urban Meyer. Here's an excerpt from an online article that started out focusing on speculation involving Meyer's job interest in Notre Dame into a testimony about Tebow's faith.

Meyer paused one more time, composing himself after he was asked about the impact Tebow has had on him. Tebow inspired Meyer to take his family on a mission trip to Central America.

“The one thing about Tim is his unselfishness, and his mission outside of college football is unparalleled as far as I’m concerned,” said Meyer, holding back tears. “The impact that he’s made, it’s almost like selflessness is now a cool thing. Kids realizing to give back and if you can brighten someone’s day, you do it. The impact that he’s made on this team is phenomenal and as coaches. It’s very noticeable behind closed doors, more than probably what you guys see. It’s a significant impact.”

Tebow wasn’t nearly as emotional when talking about his final home game. But he was adamant that Meyer would be in Gainesville a long time.

“I don’t think he’ll be at Notre Dame. I don’t think that’s anything he’ll do now. I don’t think he’ll do that ever,” Tebow said. “I don’t think he’s really interested. I think he’s enjoying his time here. I think he’s enjoying being the head coach at the University of Florida and enjoying this senior class and being undefeated; we’ve won 21 in a row.

“He loves his players, and I don’t think he wants to go to a place where he has to start fresh.”

Tebow added that he would consider coaching at Florida down the road, once his playing days are over. Meyer first mentioned the possibility a few years ago.

“He actually always gives me a hard time about that, saying one day how I’m going to be in his seat and coaching here,” Tebow said. “I don’t know. That’s something that intrigues me … being able to coach them as far as life experiences and football.

“I like being able to correlate the two. … I think I’d enjoy it. That door will never be closed for me.”

I love it when sports stars are focused on a bigger mission than touchdowns, home runs and dunks. They influence so many young lives. One man I admire greatly is former NFL coach Tony Dungy. Tony is in his second year of retirement but he has done anything but retire from the game. Tony is now seeking to invest in the lives of NFL players and coaches as a mentor. He knows that there is more than football affecting the lives of football players. There are pressures and temptations that can eat away at whatever moral fiber was instilled in the athletes as youths. So Tony is seeking to find the most troubled and enter their lives in the name of Jesus. It's great to see that Tim Tebow is seeking to do the same with those around him and wants to do the same when he gets to be in Tony Dungy's position.

It's wonderful to see such people in the spotlight for reasons that honor and glorify the Lord, isn't it?

Be God's.

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