One Christian news organization sent the message that Tim Tebow had caved to liberal adversaries.
Yahoo News was a bit less judgmental: “Tim Tebow cancels appearance at controversial Dallas church.”
Notice how secular media calls controversial what the church used to call Truth, a church not afraid to proclaim Christ the only way to salvation, His often repeated claim.
What a circus modern media life has become.
First of all, the speculation is Tebow canceled his speaking engagement because the pastor there holds the outrageous view that Christ is the only door to heaven, and by rejecting Christ, the only door left is the one leading to hell. Never mind the pastor’s view reflects the same view that Christ proclaimed 2,000 years ago, a view held by the vast majority of Christians for the vast majority of the time, ever since.
Tebow says he canceled for “personal and professional reasons” and will reschedule later.
The pastor says he spoke amiably with Tebow Wednesday night and all is well.
Despite all this, the Christian news organization trumpets the “news” Tebow is a sellout, Tebow has capitulated to the forces of darkness, forsaking his supporters and catering to this critics. Really?
This is the kind of thing that weakens the Body of Christ and hands our adversary a key weapon to wield against us. It is also the kind of thing that makes Christians look like clowns on occasion.
First, the rush to judgment.
Apparently the editor of the Christian news organization has information not available to either Tebow or the pastor involved. Either that, or he “discerns” in his wisdom that Tebow is, like Peter, denying Christ. According to Tebow and the pastor, neither conclusion is accurate.
Since Tebow indicates a willingness to reschedule, and the pastor is willing to accommodate, it does not appear these men have a huge theological disagreement. And let’s keep in mind, Tebow has witnessed for Christ on the world stage like few ever will, and he has paid for it, dearly. Do you really think after all that he is willing to blow his witness by contradicting a central tenet of the faith? Of course not.
Now we see the Christian news editor running a “poll” asking Christians if they are disappointed in Tebow. Having judged him a sellout, the editor proceeds to give aid and comfort to Tebow’s critics based only on speculation and false accusations. Perhaps the editor should remember the commandment: “Thou shalt not bear false witness.”
Instead of being an accuser of the brethren, perhaps the editor should clean his own house, and print an apology. We are all called to confess and repent for a reason: it’s healthy.
It is feared in our zeal to stand for righteousness we often forget the admonition to be “gentle as doves, and wise as serpents.” Besides. Mr. Editor, Tebow’s conscience does not need your help. He has the Holy Spirit for that…
Image: Tim Tebow; Author: Craig ONeal; Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic licens
