Doing the 'Tebow': Is it a Good Idea to Show Your Faith at Work?
Filed under: Celebs & Money
Glory alleluia! Did you see that throw?For those of you who may not be huge football fans, I'm referring to Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow's 80-yard strike for a huge overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers last weekend.
Tebow has caused a stir in the sports world because he's a deeply religious young man who has managed to pull off a few seemingly miraculous wins. Whenever he scores a touchdown, Tebow is known to take a knee and acknowledge Jesus - something that has become known as "Tebowing" (watch an example at the 36-second mark of this video).
Of course, taking a knee and acknowledging God after a home run, goal or touchdown isn't new. But Tebow is one of the few who seems to really mean it. With the Broncos heading into New England to play against the Patriots this Saturday, Tebow is almost bigger than the game itself.
So was Tebow's amazing overtime win divine intervention? Who knows. One thing is certain, though: the Dallas Cowboys may be America's team, but this year Denver is looking more and more like God's team.
Liked this article? Don't miss another one. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook.
Tebow is the fifth child of Bob and Pam Tebow, a pair of University of Florida graduates. Tim was born in the Philippines, where his parents were serving as Christian missionaries. He was home-schooled by his mother, who also instilled in him the family's deep religious beliefs.
Many people admire this talented athlete for having the courage to stand up and openly express his faith. Even Huffington Post Denver reported seeing a halo above Mile High Stadium after the Pittsburgh game.
OK, they're clearly getting carried away in Denver.
But others aren't as impressed, and Tebow has taken his share of knocks:
- Comedian Bill Maher ridiculed him in a tweet
- Saturday Night Live mocked him in a skit
- A Detroit Lions player mimicked him after a sack
- And former NBA star Charles Barkley said he has "had enough" of him
So this begs the question: Is it wise for you to show your faith at work? Does it help or harm your reputation to have a picture of Jesus or a verse from the Quran on your desk?
It really depends on you and your workplace. In my experience people may say they're tolerant, but I've found that human beings aren't always as open-minded as they would like to believe. People judge. They categorize. They stereotype - sometimes without even meaning to. Faith is one of those things that can scare and annoy just as many people as it inspires.
Would you want your boss to know your religious leanings when you are considered for a raise or promotion? Maybe they won't care at all. But maybe they will care a little.
I remember having Colossians 3:23 on my work desk at one time: "Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people."
That's what the verse said. But what was actually written on my desk was: "WYD, waiwatYOUwdiforthe┼anmfp."
I remember my manager asking me what it meant. I told her it was code for the cheats of a video game. Funny, isn't it? Protecting the identity of a Bible verse with a lie.
But the verse did help me through difficult moments in that job, no question. It inspired me to do my best and remain positive - even when my heart wasn't in it. So it's safe to say when it came to my job, I kept my religious beliefs to myself.
Sometimes, expressing your faith is unavoidable. A Muslim wouldn't eat lunch with his colleagues during Ramadan, for instance. But what about more overt displays of faith or non-faith?
How would people react if a Christian displayed a picture of Jesus on her desk with the words "Jesus loves you"? And would anyone be offended if an atheist had a similar picture with the words "Jesus doesn't exist - grow up"?
Is either appropriate for the workplace?
Better safe than sorry
The truth is, I don't know. One thing I've learned is that every workplace is different. Some people don't mind religious expression, while others are offended by it. Some managers have strict rules against it, while others are more tolerant. In the end, my position is that it really isn't anyone's business unless you make it somebody else's business.
My advice: express yourself but be discreet. I admire Tebow because I believe he's sincere, but he's also a multimillionaire NFL quarterback. He can afford to have people judge him publicly. You can't.
Leave the Tebowing to others. Because once you've shown the cards of your faith to co-workers - as admirable as it may be - people will begin to associate you with your beliefs. And like it or not, that's bound to affect your reputation at work - regardless of your job performance.
Liked this article? Don't miss another one. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook.
Add a Comment
"Fear God and give Him Glory, because the hour of His judgment has come, worship Him Who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of water. Rev, 14:7.
When we see ourselves in the light of God's holiness Christians should be of all pople most humble, loving and fogiving.
I confess to you that this is the very frist time I have ever posted a comment on the internet but I felt compelled to do so. I just would like to remind the writer of the article, what the apostle Paul said. "I am not ashmed of the gosple of Christ because it is the power of God unto salvation." I am not saying that you are not to follow the rules of your employers, however, if there is no rule forbidding expressing your faith, then as a christian, I believe it is our duty to do so. This may sound alittle naive, but if we are christians, then Christ expects it of us.
January 14 2012 at 10:39 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
donald951
The question is, why do so many people hate Tim Tebow for being a nice guy?
January 14 2012 at 11:39 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
RSS Feed
Contact Us
3 Comments