I’m a Tennessee Vols fan, always have been and always will be (even during seasons like 2011). As a Tennessee fan there are certain teams that I am not a fan of. For instance, I’m not a South Carolina or Georgia fan. I want the Vols to beat them every year. However, there are two teams Tennessee plays every year that I like even less than the two mentioned above. Those teams are Florida and Alabama. Being a Vols fan, means strongly disliking these two schools since they are probably our two biggest rivals. Tennessee may not win 9-10 games a season, but if they can beat Florida and Alabama that season is a success.

Recently, I have found myself cheering for Florida. Well, not for Florida exactly, but one of Florida’s former players. Tim Tebow may be the greatest player to have ever worn a Florida uniform. During his time at Florida let’s just say I wasn’t his biggest fan. After all, he and his team beat my Vols all 4 years he played there. However, now that he’s not beating my team every year (although Florida still is), I see Tim Tebow differently. I see him as someone I respect.

Tim Tebow is one of my favorite players in the NFL. It’s not because he is a winner on the field (although the Denver Broncos are 6-1 with him as their starting quarterback), but because of the manner in which this young man conducts himself. He is not arrogant, he is not flashy, he is not a dirty player, he is not obsessed with himself, he is not someone with a foul mouth, he is not someone who parties, he is not someone who experiments with substance abuse, he is not someone who gets in trouble for his off the field issues and he is not someone who is going to make excuses. Tim Tebow is none of these things.

Tim Tebow is a team player, he is a leader, he is an encourager, he is a motivator, he is hard working, he is determined, he is tough and he is a light. I am a fan of Tim Tebow, not because of what he does on the field every week, but because of what he stands for, both on and off the field each week. Although, I do not agree with him on some doctrinal issues, I admire and respect Tim Tebow because he is willing to stand up for his belief in God and face the scrutiny that comes with it. Every week more and more people speak out against Tim and the way he openly professes his faith. Yet, each week, he continues to let his light shine to those around him. I wished more of us who professed to be Christians were willing to stand up and stand out the same way he does. Tim Tebow is not afraid of what others think. He seems only to be concerned with being a light for the Lord he loves.

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).

Friends, you and I can learn a little something from Tim Tebow. Why not heed the words of Jesus and be a bright shinning light for him?

Now that’s Something to Think About!