Tim Tebow took North America by storm when he began bowing on one knee during the NFL pre-game activities. What is “tebowing” and how can you use your position of influence. Brad Hewey has some ideas.
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A Definition of Tebowing
In 2012, Tim Tebow (famed American Quarterback and born again Christian) drew global media attention, and scores of additional fans, by inadvertently creating the phenomenon that became known as “Tebowing” (getting down on one knee, placing his elbow on his knee and hand against his forehead) a pre-game acknowledgment that GOD was in control.
Tebow was awarded the trademark to “Tebowing”, and the word “Tebowing” was recognized as a word in the English language by the Global Language Monitor, due to its level of worldwide usage.
We can praise God that his name was glorified, and searching hearts may have found him through something as informal as one mans prayer before setting out onto the sports field.
Forgotten Trends
But how quickly time passes, and how things that were once mainstream and current, soon pass as a trend forgotten. Consider Baby Boomers (and even those born years later) how words and styles, and music from the 1960’s, bring back memories, that have all but faded from popular culture. When was the last time you heard the words or phrases “Dig it…..going steady….out of sight….groovy”
Change, and displacement have always been. As Christians, we are reminded to be forward thinkers.
In Phil 3:13, we read “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before…
There are so many wonderful bible verses that aide us in pressing forward. What did Jesus tell us? In the GREAT COMMANDMENT Jesus said “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matt 22:37
What a beautiful verse to focus us. All else falls into place when we put GOD FIRST.
People Called By God For Specific Tasks
Scripture is full of stories of people called by God for certain tasks; people who (to those looking on from the outside) had little talent or skill for what they were being asked to do. But when they put God first, and allowed him to lead, great things happened.
Consider Moses, called to lead the nation of Israel but was such a poor communicator he needed Aaron as a spokesperson. But look how GOD worked.
Consider the apostles, who were called to evangelize the world, yet many of them were tradesmen, whose common skill was fishing. But GOD led the charge.
The key to each fulfillment of calling was a willingness to say “yes,” and to trust in Him who calls.
God Equips us for Tasks
God knows what you are capable of, and will equip you for the task. All you have to do is take that first step of faith. Stay open to His direction and re-direction, and He will take you on an adventure that satisfies your unique design and surpasses your wildest dreams.
As we continue walking in this world, we see the effects of sin abundantly worming its way into all things. Sin has weakened the morals of society, and has weakened the church. More often than not, most churches are suffering from a dire lack of interest and participation. Of those in attendance, many are not as immersed collectively in Bible stories, truths, parables, and OT events….as before.
When God Doesn’t Factor Into Plans
Add to that, a growing population of unsaved with their own notions of life, and a disinterest or disbelief in the afterlife. According to the “natural man”, or to the person who is outside of Christ, there’s no need to worry about a relationship with the Creator. Most just have no time for the thought of GOD…he doesn’t factor into their plans.
In the mid 1800’s, W. E. Gladstone was Prime Minister of England. A young man visited with him and said, “Mr. Gladstone, I would appreciate your giving me a few minutes of your valuable time, in which I might lay before you my plans for the future. I would very much like to study law.”
“Yes,” said the great statesman, “and what then?”
“Then, sir, I would like to gain entrance to the Bar of England.”
“Yes, young man, and what then?”
“Then, sir, I hope to have a place in Parliament, in the House of Lords.”
“Yes, young man, what then?” pressed Gladstone.
“Then I hope to do great things for Britain.”
“Yes, young man, and what then?”
“Then, sir, well I trust that I would retire and spend life with my family.”
“Yes, young man, and what then?” he tenaciously asked.
“Well, then, Mr. Gladstone, I suppose I will die.”
“Yes, young man, and what then?”
The young man hesitated and then said, “I never thought any further along than that, sir.”
Looking at the young man sternly and steadily, Gladstone said,
“Young man, it would be wise for you to think on life in its entirety, not just in the here and now!”
Certainly, this man’s “life-plan” seemed….well planned.
But we read that “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov: 16: 25
What a grave reminder to us, of the outcome for all who fail to recognize their GOD. How we need to demonstrate through the light that shines from us, that there is a way that “IS RIGHT”, and that way is found in the one who says “ I am the way the truth, and the life”. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me”.
Using Position for God’s Glory – Like Tim Tebow
We praise God for all who are, like Tim Tebow, using their position for the glory of the Heavenly Father. Trends and fads may come and go, but anything that’s offered up to God, in praise to God, has lasting effects that we may never fully realize in this life. But pressing forward, seeking to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind, we would pray that those who have no plan of GOD, who walk the path that leads to death, would be halted in their tracks. That they would heed the “still small voice” that is calling them to walk in newness of life; a life that leads to a promised afterlife…. an eternal dwelling with GOD, our maker and Redeemer.
Brad Hewey
Brad offers up practical, scriptural advice from a perspective borne out of everyday life encounters. As we live and move and have our being…it’s the individual life lessons that most often present the greatest challenges, but can yield the richest blessings. We’ve all, as Christians had those faith affirming moments, where we’ve had an overwhelming sense of God’s spirit, or his very presence “at a particular but, maybe random time”.
Brad was born and still resides in a small community in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, where he and his wife Karen raised their 3 children. Brad & Karen fellowship at the Greenland Bible Chapel, where Brad serves as an elder.
Brad loves meeting and engaging with people. His background in sales has provided opportunities to travel throughout the US and Canada, networking with people from all walks of life. Brad is a singer/songwriter, and has recorded 3 Christian albums. Songs from his “Brighter Day” release, have aired on Christian Radio stations across Canada and two of Brad’s albums are on HopeStreamRadio’s playlist.
Images Courtesy Of:
Tebowing – KeithJJ
NFL Game – WikiImages
“Going Steady” –Disarm
City centre – Chaflek
Woman praising – LoveToTakePhotos
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