A Breath Of Fresh Air

I Love Sports. This is the understatement of the year if you ask my wife. I can remember watching Sportcenter, before being married with children, over and over again on Saturdays. I could practically recite the previous night's highlights after watching for hours. It's the thought of competition at a high level and the idea that either side could win. I could be content watching Olympic Curling.

High level athletes are often considered role models. Sadly many are not much to admire outside of their sport. For this exact reason it is so refreshing to see the recent success of Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin. Two unlikely stars, each with a wonderful Christian testimony.

Tebow enjoyed much college success and a Heisman Trophy. Few thought he would translate to the different style of play in the National Football League. The only thing standing in his way was opportunity. That opportunity came this past season when he led his team to the playoffs and a surprising victory over the favored Steelers. The media continues to doubt his abilities, but his actions show he is a winner. What is most impressive is his humble attitude. He is not afraid to speak the name of Jesus publicly and always redirects his compliments toward his team.

Jeremy Lin is the biggest story in Sports today. He did not have the college visibility of Tim, but shares many of the same qualities. Jeremy is a gracious Christian who also made the most of his opportunity. Both are products of hard work and determination. Just as Christians should, they do everything heartily. These guys will most likely be successful in whatever they choose to be involved with.

In a time when sports stars are using drugs and going to prison, Jeremy and Tim are a breath of fresh air. They are role models kids can look up to. We know that any human can let us down including these two, however it is nice to see devout believers in such a visible setting. I am grateful they point others towards Christ. They are under a microscope and choose to not fit in. We can learn a lot from these highly visible young men.