Why did Tebow lose?

Two in a row on football...
While I am glad for the positive publicity generated by Tim Tebow, he has certainly been a stellar example of what we are called to be, I am concerned about some of the assumptions which I hear bandied about by some Christians. There seems to be a school of thought that God is making his team win because TimeTebow is a good Christian. If that is the case, then one can ask the question why did he lose (and lose badly) this weekend?

I think one strong posibility is that New England is a much better team. Tom Brady is a much better quarterback. In this match up, the Broncos in general, and Tebow in particular were mismatched. Does this mean that Tom Brady is a better Christian? I have never heard any witness from Tom Brady. So why did God let this happen?

Well, history indicates that being on God's team often times means losing. The recent history of the Jews is a harsh reminder that being the People of God does not preclude great suffering. The Christian faith is centered around a crucified Messiah. Martyrdom was, according to Tradition, the most common way that Jesus' disciples ended their lives. Throughout the centuries, those who most radically imitated the life and ministry of Jesus have, by and large, lived humble lives of service.

In our age, an age of megachurches and politically powerful preachers, we have somehow got it in our head that God makes us winners. Faitfhulness is at risk of taking a backseat to success. Such thinking equates God's blessing with material abundance, fame and victory.

There are many reasons why this has happened, I will point out one: American Consumer Religion. Jesus says, "If you follow me it means loss of all you hold dear. It means carrying a cross. It means generosity with your gifts and fellowship with outcasts." Not exactly the typical marketing strategy of most churches. It does not sell. Winning. Victory. Miracles which make us a success. Now that resonates with our consumer culture...

There is a victory in Jesus, but it is yet to be revealed. Whether Tim Tebow wins a super bowl or loses his job next year because he is not good enough, he remains a man of God and a committed Christian. That is what matters. Not winning games, but winning souls!