You’ve probably heard some of the chatter about Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow.
Most sports analysts used to say that he’d never succeed as a pro quarterback because he wasn’t like the idolized, typical passers who threw for 300 yards a game with regularity.
Tebow was a runner attempting to make it as a pass-sometimes quarterback and those guys didn’t last in the NFL, the sports establishment said.
Hmmm… Tebow is 7-1 as a starter since being given the job and has led his team to an unparalleled number of last-minute victories against all sorts of odds.
Many of his analyst critics have changed their tune, including people who have been involved with the NFL for decades.
It’s not because he’s become a flawless passer, although he has improved signficantly since assuming the starting role.
What has turned the opinions — and more importantly — the attitudes toward Tebow has been his genuine, enduring humility in the face of all the criticism and in the face of increasing praise for the string of six consecutive victories.
He gives credit for the success first to his Lord Jesus Christ. Critics expected that from the avowed Christian who goes on mission trips during the off-season.
Tebow then gives credit to the other players (“They make plays that make me look better than I am”) and he gives credit to the coaches for making the right play calls at the right time and for not giving up on him when portions of the game aren’t going well.
Essentially, Tebow deflects the credit for success to others on the team and says he’s just doing his job as best he can and needs to improve.
ESPN analyst and fomer Super Bowl-winning quarterback Trent Dilfer said his opinion of Tebow had changed, in part because of better throwing techniques now evident, but more importantly because of the deep-rooted humility that is so consistent and others-focused.
In fact, Dilfer said last night that every parent of a child involved with team sports should have that child watch Tebow’s post-game press conference from last night in order to see a “textbook” example of how to be humble and successful at the same time.
Wow. Remember that Tebow is only 24 years old and yet his play and perspective has left the sports analyst world speechless.
That’s the power of genuine humility, my friend.
The Bible encourages this very thing.
“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.” (Proverbs 29:23)
Whenever the Lord favors us and we find success at work or school or church or wherever, let’s give praise first to the Lord and then to those around us whose efforts made the success possible.
We’ll have plenty of time in the next life to enjoy the honor given us by God by simply being in His presence.
Until then, humility is the better way. Just ask Tim.
As always, I love you
Martin
