Tim Tebow's Super Bowl Ad

Tim Tebow--if you have even a small love of football, you know this guy. He's been everyone's darling, the Heisman Trophy winning quarterback for the Florida Gators. He's clean cut, an engaging all around nice guy. His faith in Christ is strong, and he has never hidden it. For the Super Bowl, he has recorded a pro-life ad, not condemning anyone, but stating his gratitude that his mother, a missionary, didn't choose abortion for him when her medical team advised it. Everything hit the fan. Suddenly the media is all over him, accusing him and the network of being "anti-family, anti-women" for airing such an offensive ad. He's the talk of the nation again, much of it extremely negative. One commentator I heard questioned "why Tim had to do that. He is risking his popularity, his income, his future, and even the popularity of his next team with this public stance." Wow--that guy misunderstands the goal of the Christian life that Tim embraces. Here's the thing: Though we are called to love everyone, the goal of a Christian's life isn't to be loved or even liked by everyone. The story of Jesus shows that he certainly wasn't. As Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to courageously stand for what we believe, speak truth even when it is unpopular, and defend the helpless. Certainly we have to balance this reponsibility with love and compassion, and season our words with care. But trying to avoid controversy is not an option. It lacks courage AND character. No one who actually is thinking with the mind of Christ will choose it.