Once again, an unpopular opinion

I've already confessed that I'm tired of hearing all about Gabrielle Giffords.  It's probably horrible beyond all belief that I'm bringing that confession up again, especially since today is the one-year anniversary of the shooting that killed six people in addition to injuring Giffords and twelve others.

Even though what I'm about to reveal doesn't involve death, a politician, or patriotism, my opinion will no doubt be equally divisive as my feelings on the Giffords incident.

I don't like Tim Tebow.

Did anyone hear a loud clap of thunder?  I don't feel the hair on my arms standing on end, so there must not be a vengeful bolt of lightning heading earthward with my name on it.  Phew.

All joking aside, I feel like I'm risking the wrath of God and Christians everywhere by admitting that Tebow does nothing for me.  I like the Denver Broncos, but with Tebow under center, I hope they lose every game.

I wish I could explain why Tebow rubs me the wrong way.  I know some people think he should keep his faith to himself, but I'm all for Christians being open about their faith.  Maybe my feelings are rooted in my religious background that tends to shy away from physically overt displays of piety like Tebow's kneeling.   There were no lifted hands or loud amens in the First Christian Church of my childhood and the cynic in me still wonders about the genuineness of such expressions.  Maybe I detect a bit of smugness mixed in with his humble demeanor?  I don't know. 

I do think the attitudes of believers concerning Tebow are what bother me the most.  It's as if they feel that because Tebow has widely professed his belief in Jesus, he's entitled to win every game even though there are surely other believers playing for the opposing teams.  It seems that a lot of these Tebow acolytes think their hero shouldn't have to face disappointment or defeat like every person, Christian or not.  But believers know that's not the case.  Scripture tells us that trials will come, persecution also.  Tebow isn't exempt from any of the things that befall the rest of us.

All three of my kids competed in sports.  For the most part they were very successful, but sometimes they lost.  Sometimes they even lost because their opponent cheated.  Those losses were especially hard to take.  It's easy to be a good witness for Christ when things are going well, when you're winning.  But it says a lot more about your faith in Jesus and your commitment to follow Him when things aren't going your way, when people aren't playing by the rules or the situation is unfair.  I've always told my kids that people would be able to tell way more about them -- their faith and their character -- by the way they responded to disappointment and defeat than by the way they reacted to victory.

I haven't ever personally witnessed or read about an occasion when Tebow was anything other than humble in victory and gracious in defeat.  So, I guess I have to take ownership of my opinion and admit that in this case, a twist on the old break-up line fits best -- it's not Tebow, it's me.