Tim Tebow and the Pressure of being Christian

Those of us who know Jesus also know the pressures and temptations that go along with following Him. Persecution is around virtually every corner. Being a Christian means not going out with friends to bars, saying no to a pretty girl or handsome man, tithing and saving, enduring a difficult time in a marriage.

For a man like Tim Tebow, the temptations are magnified. "More money, more problems" is a famous saying, but if you reflect on Jesus saying in Matthew 19: versus 23-24; “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Jesus knows that the temptations that come with wealth, power and fame can easily become destructive to the soul and to faith.

However, Tim Tebow stands firm. The importance of understanding how difficult it is for a man like Tebow to stand firm in his faith and live a Christian lifestyle is imperative. Tebow has a lot of adoring fans around the country. We all know that. He also has a lot of haters. For instance, there are Facebook pages created by groups of people who literally hate him. "I HATE Tim Tebow" is an example. A few others are: "Tim Tebow Crying", "Tim Tebow Sucks" and "Tim Tebow is a Little Girl".

Of course, Facebook does not define the world by any means, and despite the venomous anti-Tebow, anti-Christian groups out there, many others are supportive of Tebow. Facebook is only an example of what he faces. Women throw themselves at him daily. A.C. Green, former NBA star, remained a virgin throughout his playing years until he married. He has stated that teammates during his playing days would send women to his hotel room to tempt him. Being a Christian star is harder than being a regular one. If you have no faith, no one expects anything from you. If you have faith, people will be waiting to watch you fail.

Think about that last line. Christ never wants to watch us fail, and he does not want us to wish personal failure on other Christians. Tim Tebow, the man, is standing firm in his faith and sharing the gospel. It is time that Christians unite behind men like him, to encourage living the Gospel. Faith and Love can unite, doubt and hate are destructive.

God Bless.