The Jesus jersey

"...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."   - Matthew 15:16

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."  - Matthew 7:21

I enjoy occasionally watching sports, particularly the NFL's Saints (when they bother to show up to play... this isn't always a given...).  But I've long thought that professional sports--college, too--has become an alternate religion to many.  So I'm not entirely surprised to read this:

...during the upcoming holiday shopping season, Tebow is going to get even more controversial -- once again without any action on his part.
A handful of Denver fans have decided a customized Tim Tebow jersey would make for the perfect Christmas gift. What could possibly be troubling about that? A whole lot, depending on who you ask.  Rather than have the last name "Tebow" on the back of the Broncos jersey, these fans have placed "Jesus" above Tebow's No. 15.

I do think it important to note this is the action of fans, rather than Tebow himself.  I can't speak to whether he's the pro quarterback everyone expected, but I can say that from what I've seen of him, his faith is genuine.  It took courage to give a personal testimony on a very controversial subject, particularly when he was just making the transition to his pro career.  And as others have noted, he doesn't just pantomime prayer as a camera shot during games; his life speaks to his belief.

Because of this, I praise God.  I praise Him for His work in Tebow's life, as I do for His work in anyone's life that shows the difference made by following Christ.  And I'd venture to say Tebow would be the first to point out that's where the praise belongs -- to God. 

Putting Jesus' name in lieu of Tebow's on a Denver Broncos jersey, though... that's not "glorifying God."  It cheapens Him, every bit as much as the "Jesus bobblehead doll" or the "Jesus is my homeboy T-shirt." 

I'd have but one question for the fans who think this is a good idea: if you're willing to wear Jesus' name on your jersey, are you willing to let Him quarterback your life--to call the plays and direct your actions, all for the advancement of His goals?  If not, what's the point? 

I've noted before our tendency to put form over substance.  I'm less interested in whether the Ten Commandments are displayed on the courthouse than whether their wisdom resides in the hearts of those who work inside.  I'm less interested in whether retail cashiers are allowed to say "Merry Christmas" than I am whether the Spirit of Christ is honored... to include not trampling your neighbor to get that 'good deal' on the aptly named Black Friday. 

As another writer recently pointed out, regardless of heritage, it's a lie to call America a Christian nation today.  Strong words, you say?  The United States leads the world in the incarceration rate, the total prison population, the divorce rate, car thefts, rapes, total crimes, illegal drug use, legal drug use, and Internet pornography production.

All of us--myself included--need to spend less time writing Jesus' name on jerseys and other kitsch, and more time asking God to write His name on our hearts.