Our American, western culture has become prideful in one aspect that has created a deep unsettling in the mass majority when anything comes to attack it.

Reality.

For example, reality TV is at an all time high on prime time television…for more and more people are desiring “reality” to be injected into life, all in the name of avoiding hypocrisy.

However, reality TV has actually become the most unreliable source of reality our nation has ever seen – yet it’s still highly desired. In fact, it’s so desired that it has become an unhealthy addiction.

What really has brought this all to the surface lately in my heart has been the fever pitch surrounding Tim Tebow.

Knees to the Earth by Juliet Towner

Now I’m not a huge football fan – in fact, I’m not the most avid sports fan. I like my fair share of catching a hockey game on the TV now and again (Detroit Redwings, you have my support), and I enjoy the Olympics (USA!) – but beyond that, football, basketball, baseball and soccer…I honestly could live without. Yet, it’s hard to ignore the constant media coverage of Tim Tebow lately as he becomes a prominent target of contention in our American society.

“Don’t mix religion with football – it’s just not realistic.”

Seriously?…Seriously?

Come on folks…let’s get “real” here for a moment. Whether we like it or not, religion (just like politics) is in our face every day we live and breathe. Yet, go figure, these are the very two things we’re “instructed” to avoid discussing because of the huge disagreements they can cause.

The truth is though, these are the very topics of discussion that need to be addressed in our lives, for these topics actually target reality. They target core heart issues that define our very lives by the beliefs we hold within each of these two areas. They single-handedly go hand in hand with our daily lives.

Perhaps this is the very reason most want to avoid discussion of such topics and just want to focus on mind-numbing nothingness…because it provides an escape from the reality of life. However, this isn’t how Christians are called to live out life.

“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!” -Lamentations 3:40 (ESV)

It’s right here in scripture, yet so many overlook this vitally important aspect of the Christian life. Most would rather turn a blind eye to the true aspects of life, rather than truly face them head on and examine their own lives against them, along side the very word of God.

In all honesty folks, this is why Tim Tebow has become the very thorn in most peoples’ sides. His outward expression of His devoted faith in God shines a light on all our sinful lives to the point it mirrors an image back to us that honestly is just hideous. And sincerely, who really wants to look at an ugly reflection?

Friends, I get it. I really don’t like some of the reflections I get shown to me either – but it doesn’t mean the problems that I have within me go away by avoiding them by seeking to demolish anything that comes along to reveal the truth of my own depravity to my blind-shaded eyes.

The reality is, I am a human, I am sinful, and I need constant correction. And the only way to do this is to constantly keep myself in a realistic check that despite my sin, I am still loved by an almighty God who loves me amidst my failings. Praise Him for His grace! So why shouldn’t I constantly praise Him in all areas of my life…wherever I go…despite the hecklings I will endure? Why shouldn’t we all?

God will have His way, and reveal who He is through whomever He can in any arena He’s given the ability to shine in. Tim Tebow is merely one person who deeply loves Christ, and it unashamed to live it out boldly. For this, I can only commend him – and in turn, hope I continue to grow in ways that leads me to be just as bold for Christ.

For the reality is…Christ is everything, and this world is nothing without Him.