"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17
Last Sunday night we arrived home from church just in time to catch the end of the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers playoff game. As my son turned on the TV, the coin was in the air and we heard the Steelers player say "tails" and then heard the announcer say, "It is heads - the Broncos win the toss." Then for the first time ever my entire family gathered around the screen to see what was going to happen next. Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow faked a hand-off and then zipped the ball to a receiver who sprinted his way to an 80 yard touchdown. Game over. Another chapter in the legend that has become Tim Tebow. This moment would be one we would never forget. (Partially because we don't like the Steelers but mainly because we want to see Tebow succeed...)
There have been many times in recent months that I have cringed as I listened to sports radio and analysts on TV berate Tebow on everything from throwing motion to being too verbal about his faith. I have been an NFL fan for most of my life and I can't recall a player ever facing such scrutiny. However, one thing that impresses me the most (and drives his critics crazy) is that he always gives the credit to God. In the post game press conference on Sunday night he made a very impressive statement. He simply said, "God has given me a platform and I want to use it for Him." Football is a platform. He sees it as a chance to take Colossians 3:17 literally.
What is great about that statement is that in reality God has given all of us a platform. Yours might be your job, your family or your ministry. They can come in many different forms. The question is are you using that platform to bring glory to God? A few years ago a dear friend of mine and brother in Christ, Charlie Watson, was diagnosed with cancer. After a few surgeries and several treatments he learned the prognosis was not good. He was given only a few months to live. Soon after he learned the news he contacted me and told me he had a simple prayer request. He asked me to pray that he would honor God in all that he did. God answered that prayer. Charlie used the platform of suffering to point everyone (including Doctors and nurses) to Christ. He epitomized Philippians 1:21, "To live is Christ and to die is gain."
What is your platform? Sports? Career? Suffering? Are you taking full advantage of the opportunity to bring honor and glory to God? Tim Tebow's career may be long and successful or like a vapor. You may love him or hate him but the truth is he is using his platform to point people to Christ. Now is the time. Embrace the moment and use it for God's glory!
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