EMAILED QUESTION (in response to the devotional post “Tim Tebow & The Disturbing Christ“) “Bob, have you considered the reason many devout Christians are uncomfortable with Mr. Tebow’s action is because of Matthew’s 6:5-6? I am not questioning his sincerity but Christ does often warn us about overt displays of piety.”
ANSWER: I thoroughly understand this question and it merits consideration. In Matthew 6:5-6 Jesus said, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
In light of that instruction shouldn’t Tim Tebow pray in the closet of the locker room rather than in the end zone in front of television cameras? Before we draw rigid conclusions from just those two verses in Matthew six, let’s also consider Matthew 5:16 where Jesus said, “”In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
On the surface those two commandments seem to contradict each other. One says, “…let your light shine that men may see you good deeds” The other tells us not to do our deeds of righteousness to be seen.”
Notice, however, that there are two differences. One difference is motive. Do we let our light shine to give glory to God or do we let our light shine to give glory to self? To be seen of men is much different than to give glory to God. That’s a difference that only the one praying can really know.
The other difference is that Matthew 5 is talking about our good deeds and Matthew 6 is talking about our devotional life. John Stott wrote, “Our good works must be public so that our light shines. Our religious devotions must be secret lest we boast about them.”
Obviously, Jesus was not forbidding any public prayer or public worship. Daniel prayed in the open window facing Jerusalem three times a day knowing that he would be seen. Elijah prayed before thousands on Mount Carmel wanting to heard by the false prophets. Jesus prayed publicly before the tomb of Lazarus, “for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe…” Stephen prayed publicly while he was being stoned to death!
It appears to me that Tim Tebow is praying publicly with the right motive- he gives glory to God for his positive accomplishments. In an era when so many Christians are cowardly about their convictions and compromising their faith and while so many in the world are flaunting their evil deeds, I think the believers who are bold enough to publicly stand for Christ in the teeth of ridicule should be encouraged. We desperately need positive, courageous role models. Let’s not question their motives until we have valid reasons to do so.
– Bob
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