“It is for each of us freely to choose whom we shall serve, and find in that obedience our freedom.”
-Mary Richards
As you may know Tim Tebow is presently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. And he has quickly become a figure of controversy because of a particular way he expresses commitment to his deepest convictions.
At crucial moments during the game or just afterwards he will kneel, seemingly oblivious to those watching him. Head bowed and resting against a firmly clinched fist, eyes shut, he prays. And this simple act has become a full-blown phenomenon. “Tebowing” has even been recognized as a word in the English language by the Global Language Monitor as a result of its worldwide usage. It is celebrated by an army of admirers and mocked by more than a few cynics.
What’s going on here? What exactly is the big deal about a football player, even a professional football player on television, kneeling to pray? Why are so many so upset? His critics loudly claim that Tebow has commercialized his religion, that he is a phony, that he is manipulative, and that he is out of line. But the shrill tone of these judgments, and the disproportionate anger aimed at “Tebowing” suggests a much deeper process at work here. And the simple act of kneeling is the trigger.
What does kneeling symbolize? Obedience. And in a world where individualism has become a popular religion, where the “I” answers to no one, kneeling is sacrilegious. With “I” as supreme ruler kneeling is an undignified and immature act at best, and more probably a sign of pathology…of a weak “follower.” Self-actualized adults are supposed to outgrow obedience like footsie pajamas, belief in Santa Claus, and the need for parental approval. Right?
Not if we’re talking about obedience as a virtue. A virtue makes one better, and also makes the world better. So, sad people checking their minds and their dignity at the door, and blindly following some crazy, evil tyrant need not apply.
Obedience as a virtue is about freely, thoughtfully following orders. It may be connected to religious beliefs, but it may not involve religion at all. The virtue of obedience reminds us that we don’t know everything, that we could use a little guidance now and again, and that we must be accountable to something more than our egos. It challenges us to move past self-absorption toward humility and service to others. And in the practice of the virtue of obedience, we find our greatest freedom.
“It is for each of us freely to choose whom we shall serve, and find in that obedience our freedom.”
My hope is that at some point the people criticizing Tim Tebow will stop focusing on his kneeling, and start focusing on his life. Because how he expresses obedience isn’t nearly as important as what this obedience produces.
And maybe these critics will also find some time to ask themselves what brings them to their knees…or should.
Question for reflection: What do you kneel for?
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About Me
- Ross Porter
- Dr. Ross Porter received his B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his Master of Divinity (Theology) and Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology) degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary, where he first became interested in the integration of psychology and spirituality. He is a teacher, author, counselor, and consultant, specializing in integrative psychology, virtue ethics and family systems. He has taught at the high school, college, and graduate school levels. Ross is also the Founder and Executive Director of Stillpoint Family Resources, a non-profit organization that offers counseling services to individuals, couples, and families in crisis, with nine different office locations throughout Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange Counties (specific office locations can be found at www.stillpointfamilyresources.org). In 2009, Dr. Porter was named an “Outstanding Angeleno” by the Los Angeles Daily News. Ross and his wife Jennifer have been married for 21 years, and have four beautiful children. John Michael, their son who has Down Syndrome is their first born.
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