A Rooting Interest

Mark Kriegel, a sports writer for Fox Sports, writes in a recent column entitled, Faith driving Warner in another Super Bowl pursuit, the following:

"I'm less than comfortable with the apparent epidemic of religiosity among our nation's quarterbacks. First, Colt McCoy, fresh from a thrilling win over Ohio State, begins his post-game comments by thanking his "lord and savior Jesus Christ." Then there's Tim Tebow, whose game and demeanor I rather like, changing the Bible verse he endorses on his eye-black, from "Philippians 4:13" to "John 3:16." As if that might make the difference. Personally, my own taste in quarterbacks runs toward the epic old-school debauchers, guys like Kenny Stabler and Joe Namath. If I go to Hell for that, then so be it. I refuse to believe that God — anyone's God — has a rooting interest in the outcome of something as secular and perverse as a BCS game."

I do not know what Mr. Kriegel believes in, but the above commentary he provides is evidence of someone who knows nothing whatsoever about the Christian faith. Colt McCoy thanking Jesus Christ for being his "lord and savior" or Tim Tebow wearing eye-black with scripture verses imprinted on them is not their admitting that God has "a rooting interest" in the outcome of college football games. These two athletes are thanking and promoting their God who serves as the primary motivation behind their exploits on the football field. Of course, fans of all teams in every sport will admit of a time when they said a prayer in support of their team of choice requesting God's favor towards them. That is more of a reflection of the individuals realization that they have no control over the outcome of the contest they are interested in than it is any belief that God is a fan of a particular team.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

If Kriegel were familiar with the Christian faith then, perhaps, he would understand why Colt McCoy would be thankful of Jesus Christ. Of course, McCoy recognizes that the ultimate reason for being thankful is because he has a ticket to heaven for placing saving faith in Jesus Christ. But, McCoy isn't just thanking Jesus for salvation, but for being his life. Kriegel must realize that McCoy is probably thankful when he loses a football game as well. The thing is that usually when you lose a game the cameras and microphones aren't searching for quotes about ones faith at that time, only an explanation as to why you didn't win. As I am sure Kriegel is aware of Colt McCoy finished second in the Heisman Trophy race this year, which is given to the nation's best college football player. He is also aware of the fact that Colt McCoy's team, the University of Texas Longhorns, missed an opportunity to play for the college football National Championship in a controversial decision. I have no doubt that McCoy was thankful at these times as well because losing can teach us reasons to be thankful to our God as well. If we are to be thankful in "all circumstances" that includes winning and losing.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." Romans 1:16

University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow (pictured above) was home schooled by Christian parents who run an orphanage in the Philippines. Tebow travels there in the summer to lead evangelical crusades and minister in the orphanages. He also leads a Bible study on Sunday nights in college which is attended by some of his teammates. I don't say this to put Tebow on a pedestal. I say this because, like Colt McCoy, Tebow's faith in Christ is his life as well. With the exposure and scrutiny that players like Tebow receive on a national scale who you are and what you believe in will show through. Wearing a scripture reference on his eye-black is a small way for Tebow to show that he is not ashamed of his Christian faith. He probably doesn't even see it as something special, but as a natural extension of who he is in Christ. And like McCoy, Tebow has had his share of disappointments as well. He failed in his bid to win a second Heisman Trophy this year. After an embarrassing loss this season he was forced to take the blame for his team's poor performance.

"But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." Philippians 1:18

I agree with Mr. Kriegel in that I don't believe God has much interest in the outcome of a football game. But, the expressions of faith displayed by McCoy, Tebow and many other athletes, in most cases, can be traced back to the strength, support, encouragement and direction they have received from God for having placed saving faith in Jesus Christ. In ignorance, Mr. Kriegel may see their displays of faith as an attempt to say God is on the side of their teams and their performances. However, the truth is that they are taking the opportunity afforded to them to preach Christ the best way they feel they can. Whether it is thanking Jesus Christ for what He has done in your life or proclaiming His message of salvation as part of your equipment, all that matters is that Christ is preached. And while God may not be cheering for a particular team, He is definitely a fan of His Children and can use their availability to Him as an opportunity to proclaim His message of faith, hope and love that can only be found in Jesus Christ. Hopefully, Mr. Kriegel will see through the examples of these two athletes that God has a rooting interest in him as well. Only time will tell if his encounter with the Lord, through these athletes, will lead to him expressing a saving faith in some way. I pray that it does.