I Was Wrong

Twenty-some years ago I attended a youth event. The band there sang this song:

He's my rock, my sword, my shield;

He's my wheel in the middle of the wheel;

He's my Lily of the Valley, my bright and morning star.

Makes no difference what you say,

I'm gonna get on my knees and pray,

and praise Him every day 'til Jesus comes.

I remember assuring my youth group that no one would try to stop them from praying. I was wrong. So very wrong.

Tim Tebow is one of the most reviled people in pro sports, maybe in the world in general. His crime? Praying in public! Other sports figures have been guilty of abusing drugs, playing with loaded weapons, sexual assults -- even dog fighting, No seems to mind those things very much. But pray in public! That's unforgivable. Oh, yes, and Tebow is outspoken about being Pro-Life. The guy's just asking to be hated, isn't he?

I think what upsets people most is that he is so genuine and sincere. The world can tolerate hypocrites because we're all hypocritical, but a universe of fakers cannot tolerate authenticity. Sure, someday Tebow will stumble and say a bad word or give in to some temptation of the flesh -- and the unkind world will pounce on him mercilessly. That will be a pity. I respect what the guy is trying to do. Godspeed, Tim.