SCOTT
DEPOT, WV – (ANS)- What is so abnormal about living in a normal
Christian lifestyle? By lifestyle, we are referring to one’s way of life,
behavior, conduct, habits, inclinations and normal way of doing things.

I have been a fan of Tim Tebow since
his college days. I am deeply impressed by his parents and have been in various
areas of the country where he and they served as missionaries.

There are some similarities in his
life and mine. As an athlete, I could not have carried the water bucket in his
class. In sports, we never did wear “eye black” nor have facemasks. We just
squinted and picked up as many rocks as we could from both the football and
baseball field. I grew up in a coal mining community, known as Wevaco, near the
head of Cabin Creek in West Virginia.

When I was 14 years old, I committed
my life to Jesus Christ and was determined I would live my life as best as I could
for His glory. The next year, I was the captain of the basketball team. From
that day until now, I have always wanted to share my faith with others. From
junior high through college, at one time or another, I played five different
sports — football, basketball, track, softball and baseball. On and off the
field my faith was always solid and developing.

Why all the fuss about Tim Tebow
letting it be known that he is a believer in Jesus Christ? Unbelievers,
agnostics and atheists are all, in some way, rather outspoken about what they
believe and do not believe.

The January 16, 2012, issue of TIME,
a magazine I started reading my first year of college, had a three-page feature
story, by Jon Meacham, headlined with these words: “Tebow’s Testimony. What his
faith on the field means for the future of American Evangelicalism.” I enjoyed
this well-written story with a colorful and unusual illustration by Joe Magee.

A beautiful young lady, whom Kitty
and I know, an enthusiastic Pittsburgh Steelers fan, as many are in our area,
was wearing a “Tebowing” T-shirt in Bronco colors. Vickie was elated that Tim
Tebow had led his Broncos to victory over the Steelers in a spectacular and
exciting manner — breaking records in doing so.

Meacham in his brilliant story
seemed to take a text from St. Paul, “Each one of us has received a special
gift in proportion to what Christ has given . . . He appointed some to be
apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, others to be pastors
and teachers” (Ephesians 4:7 and 11). Paul was well acquainted with the
athletic events of his day and often used sports terminology in his New
Testament writings.

In this superb TIME article
reference is made to people I have met and talked with such as Billy Graham,
George W. Bush, Francis Schaffer, Bill Bright and Jerry Falwell — all of whom
had or have an interest in sports.

The Christian faith is for all who
will accept it. It cannot be forced on anybody. I “take no pleasure in the
death of the wicked” and I am not pleased that many are not believers in Jesus
Christ.

Now an outstanding pastor, Dr.
Rodney Taylor, tells of his university days when he was an atheist. God changes
those who come to Him. In Billy Sunday’s day, they walked the “sawdust trail”;
for Billy Graham, they would “come forward” in sports stadiums and now millions
worldwide are “Tebowing” before God.

Join me in Tebow’s corner in an
uncompromising testimony for Christ. We are called to be “salt and light.”
Christians should never be ashamed to stand or bow with Tim and others no
matter where we are.

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About Bill Ellis

Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist, and convention and conference speaker on every continent. He is the writer of more than 2,000 newspaper and magazine columns, articles and contributions to books.

He is also a widely known
motivational speaker and pulpit guest who utilizes enjoyment of life and just
plain fun and laughter while speaking to high school, university and
professional sports teams as well as to business and professional groups of all
kinds.

His keen understanding of human
problems makes him a favorite speaker for youth, parent, and senior adult
meetings. He is accompanied by Kitty, his wife, favorite singer, editor and
publisher.

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