Too Christian...

"Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth." 
~ 2 Timothy 2:15

I've been seeing a lot of publicity on Tim Tebow.  You know, the NFL quarterback that gets down on one knee to give thanks to God.  They've even made his actions a verb.  Someone was "Tebow-ing."  This has brought a lot of controversy everywhere I go.  Even the Christian radio station talks about it daily.

What's wrong with a Christian guy being grateful for the talents he was blessed with?  Apparently the problem is that he is doing it in public.  It isn't acceptable to let millions of people know that you pray.  It's OK if you want to point up to the sky quickly or say a silent prayer on the sidelines but Heaven forbid you do it on National television.  That's just not right.

It is OK however to dance around like a fool in the end zone.  OK to high five or smack another guys' rear end.  It's even OK to have bad sportsmanship and taunt the other team.  But you can't kneel.  You can't mention God or scripture verses in an interview.  You can't put John 3:16 on your face for everyone to see.  Do you see a pattern here?

I have run into the same situation in my own life.  When I started dating, it was suggested that maybe I should tone down that I go to church twice a week.  Perhaps I would give off the wrong impression.  I would hate to have anyone I've just met think I'm the wrong kind of girl [please note the sarcasm].  I've had people sneer at status updates.  Like how could God really have had anything to do with the weather?  No one will come out and confront me directly.  But it's the little things.  Wayne gets the same response when he tells his buddies how God brought us together.  It's probably tougher on him because he has to be a "man."  Well, he's the manliest man I've ever met and he'll be the first one to tell you about Jesus.

We're obviously being "Too Christian."  I'm letting people know that I have faith in the Lord above.  I try to give him credit for the blessings in my life.  I ask for prayers when I need them.  No, I don't have an audience of a million plus people.  I can't get the message out to that many people.  But I am being watched.  By my co-workers.  By my friends.  By people at karate and soccer and play practice.  By my family.  Last but not least, by three precious angels that learn more from what I don't say than what I do say.  

And I know I'm not perfect.  God doesn't expect me to be.  But since I'm Christian, a lot of people do.  "See - she's a hypocrite because she's not perfect.  And she calls herself a Christian."   There was only one perfect human being and I'm not it.  But I will continue to grow and learn.  I'll tell you that God was responsible for giving me the three beautiful children I have.  He gave me Wayne, who continues to bless me as we grow in an amazing "Too Christian" relationship.  He puts food on my table and a roof over my head.  He blesses me with things too numerous to count.

So, at the end of the day I'm afraid that I will be "stuck" with the label of being "Too Christian."  If you don't like it, tough.  I'm not changing.  Well, maybe I am but it won't be in the direction you want.  I'd rather be accused for being a Christian than mistaken for not being one. And for all of you naysayers, I hope Tebow never backs down.  That's exactly what Satan wants.