Cain And Tim Tebow…
For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; not as Cain who was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.
1 John 3:12
I’m going to go ahead and admit that I don’t know a whole lot about Tim Tebow. However, I have been intrigued by the controversy and media upset that Tebow’s faith has caused.
The Holy Spirit used Tebow to show me the truth of the passage here in 1 John. You have to ask yourself…why do people hate Tim Tebow? Why are people so offended by Tim Tebow? Because he has faith? Because he expressed and lives out his faith?
Why does the world mock those that are “too good” simply for being “too good.” If you think about it…it doesn’t really make any sense.
The world can’t stand symbols (and people) of innocence and righteousness. They crave to see these symbols and people fall. Why? Why do we want to see things that are good and right turn bad? Why does the world scoff and reject things that are pure?
It’s because things are as they have always been. Cain hated Abel simply because he did what was right and good. Abel didn’t even have to call out the sin of Cain in order to illicit Cain’s hate…Abel’s dedication to what was good and right did two things:
- It exposed and shed light on Cain’s selfish heart
- It stirred up jealousy, because deep down, Cain also wanted the Father to be pleased with Him. Cain wanted to be near the Father.
I think this is still the effect that righteousness has on the unrighteous. Things that are good and right expose the things which are not good and right. Also, and more importantly, I think that every single person still wants to their Father to be pleased with them. They might not acknowledge it or even know it for themselves, but deep down, they want the approval of their Father. Sin has turned our hearts into skeptics and critics thinking that since we are inclined to evil; true, pure and perfect good doesn’t really exist. But, it does. Those that practice unrighteousness can’t stand the faith of the righteous, because if true, pure and perfect good does exist…then in light of that Good who can stand? Men of darkness are afraid to be exposed by the light, so they hate the light for being light. Just as Cain killed his brother Abel for being light, so the world will always use whatever means it has to turn off the light.
The world hates Tim Tebow because they can’t accuse him of anything other than that he believes too much. His believe is offensive because it exposes their unbelief. To me, Tebow just seems like a good guy that loves God, loves people, and is trying to be obedient to what he thinks is right.
God responded to Cain’s frustration with Abel by saying this,
If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.
Genesis 4:7
Jesus gives us a way to not be mastered by sin any longer but to become fully satisfied slaves to righteousness. Slaves to doing what is good and right. We no longer need to hate what is good, because we now have a way to participants in the greatest Good.
Good stuff!
I have often thought how sad it is that people don’t like Tim Tebow! He seems to be trying so hard to do what’s right…how sad that people are down on him for that…I am glad he keeps standing strong in his faith. Would be good to pray for him, that he stands strong…