Wednesday, January 27, 2010

January 27, 2010

"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," I Peter 3:14-15
I have been a Christian for 53 years. For 53 years I have been taught to be prepared to share my personal testimony. What that means is that I should be ready to simply tell how I became a believer in Jesus Christ. And in my experience, personal testimonies are fairly effective. Unbelievers can argue with you over Scriptures and interpretations of them, but they can't dispute your life story. Afterall, IT'S YOUR STORY!
Tim Tebow might beg to differ with that statement.
The handsome, humble, Heisman Trophy winning, All-American quarterback who led his Florida Gator football team to two BCS Championships and several SEC titles, is in trouble.
What did he do that put him in the center of a scathing controversy? He shared his personal testimony on a video clip that has been produced into a Super Bowl commercial. Say what? That's it?
Here's the story:
CBS responded to complaints over a conservative group's planned Super Bowl ad featuring football star Tim Tebow by saying that it had eased restrictions on advocacy ads and would consider “responsibly produced” ones for open spots in its Feb. 7 broadcast.


CBS Corp. said Tuesday it had received numerous e-mails — both critical and supportive — since a coalition of women's groups began a protest campaign Monday against the ad, which critics say will use Tebow and his mother to convey an anti-abortion message.

Funded by the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family, the 30-second ad recounts the story of Pam Tebow's pregnancy in 1987. After getting sick during a mission trip to the Philippines, she ignored doctors' recommendations to abort her fifth child. She later gave birth to Tim, who won the 2007 Heisman Trophy and helped his Florida team win two BCS championships.

CBS said airing the Tebow ad reflected a change in its policies toward advocacy ads that has evolved for several years.


“We have for some time moderated our approach,” said spokesman Dana McClintock. “Most media outlets have accepted advocacy ads for some time.”
Tim Tebow has never been shy about sharing his faith. He regularly inscribes Scripture references on the eye black patches he wore each game. He goes on mission trips every time he gets a break from college and he gives glory to God every time he is interviewed.
But what brought the wrath of............not God.........down upon him? He SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABORTED BUT HE WASN'T. How dare he! Hasn't he heard of political correctness?
Dare I speculate that none of this criticism or scorn came from the lips of Gator fans?
Pray for Tim Tebow. Find his Facebook page and shoot him an encouragement. Commend CBS for their stand. Send off a quick email of support. And don't back off of your testimony! It is your story of God's grace in your life and it needs to be told. Don't be intimidated by the PC police. God's love is stronger than their hatred!