Tim Tebow’s Greatest Attribute

I know what you’re thinking… “not another Tim Tebow article boasting, or bashing (depending on the author’s stance), about the Denver Bronco quarterback.

While I can definitely understand the hype, and therefore the disdain that has come out of the mass media coverage over the past several years and more noticeably the past couple of months, I merely want to share my thoughts on what I believe makes Tim Tebow so successful, and at the same time so polarizing.  I believe duplicating this trait can help make YOU more successful with your health and fitness goals, and ultimately your life.

There’s no denying that Tim has passion.  You can’t NOT notice it.  On the football field you can see it in his eyes when he’s driving the team to a come from behind victory.  You see it in his emotions when the team scores the game winning touchdown or field goal, which almost instantly spills over into gratitude – another of Tebow’s noticeable traits.  It’s this passion that fuels Tim on the field and has ultimately led to the platform from which he now finds himself off the field.

One of the things that we most often DON’T see is how hard someone works.  But based on comments from teammates like Champ Bailey who said, “I know he’s going to work to get better and be the best he can…he’ll work at it…I expect nothing but the best from him”, it’s clear that those around him the most know that he has a strong work ethic.

Traits like passion, gratitude, and a strong work ethic are all ingredients for the making of a great leader.  Tim Tebow IS a leader.  Two national championships in college and now a turn around playoff run in the NFL are proof of that.  Granted there were some bumps along the way.  I’m sure both Tebow and the Broncos learned a lot about themselves through the process. Tim is also a leader off the field with his unapologetic, uninhibited faith.  He wears his heart on his sleeve and I believe that is what makes him so polarizing.

Tim Tebow is a passionate, hard working, grateful leader.  But as distinct as these qualities are I think there is another that is Tim’s greatest attribute.

It’s not as visible, yet “speaks” louder than all the others traits combined.

It’s a trait that few have mastered (if any) and one that we would all benefit from be better at doing.

I believe that Tim Tebow’s greatest attribute is stewardship.

The verse that comes to mind when I think of the life of Tim Tebow is 1 Peter 4:10.  From the message it reads “Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it”.  Obviously Tebow is blessed with a natural ability to play football and it’s just one of the blessings that he has received.  He’s caring, well spoken, good looking, and now…wealthy (monitarily).

Tim uses all of his gifts to help others.  I would argue that Tim is on this “stage” to show others how it is meant to be done, which is probably why so many people are taking shots at him.  Tim Tebow’s mission, as stated on his foundations website, is “to utilize the public platform that God has blessed Tim Tebow with to inspire and make a difference in peoples lives throughout the world.”

Tim Tebow is generous.  He never takes full credit for success, and yet owns up to his shortcomings in a defeat.  As one author has stated, “it’s not that he usually says the right things… he ONLY says the right things.”  Up to this point Tim has not sat back and coasted on his natural talents and abilities either.  He confronts the critics head on and tells them that he has things to improve and that he will get better.  And you know what?  I believe him.  Why?  Because he follows through.

Look… I’m not trying to deify Tim Tebow.  I’m positive that he’s NOT perfect and that he has blemishes in his life.  How can I (or anyone) be certain of that?  Because he’s human, just like you and me.  But you can’t argue with the volume at which his life speaks!

Stewardship is defined as the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.  Choices are a direct reflection of how well we care for and manage ALL the resources that are entrusted to our care.  And by resources that includes our money, our health, our bodies…OUR LIVES.

We can all learn a great deal from Tim Tebow.  We can live life with more passion.  We can show more gratitude.  We can work harder.  And by aligning our choices so that we are better stewards will make us all better leaders… in our homes, in our business’ or work places, and in our communities.

Just imagine if more athletes took the time to invite a person in need to a game and spent quality time with them to put a smile on their face.  And imagine if you and I did that on a daily basis, reaching out to someone just to let them know you care.  What kind of world could we create?  How much more would our community thrive?  And how much healthier could we be if we simply managed and cared for our bodies with greater conviction and passion?

Think about it.  And the next time you see Tim Tebow, let that be a reminder of how powerful a stage God gives all of us.  Even if it’s not front and center in the NFL, people are watching.

Thanks for reading!  And God Bless!

Clint