Tim Tebow continues to make headlines long after his glory days in sports. It has been years since he won the Heisman or scored a touchdown in the NFL, but he still impacts lives and sets an incredible example of a Christian role model. No doubt, part of it is his perspective on his success. “Success is not about money, fame, and power. It’s about the difference you can make in someone else’s life,” when he was asked about success. He changed his view of life from focusing on himself to what really matters, like fulfilling others’ needs.

While many Christian coaches or athletes have received good press for something other than sports, not many have filled an entire resume with “good works” outside their sport, like Tim Tebow. Can you think of another athlete or coach who has taken as many mission trips as he has or planned 375 proms for people with special needs? Not to mention the man he aided and prayed for who had an in-flight medical emergency?

Third John 1 – Actions Speak More Clearly Than Words

Like 2 John, 3 John is a personal letter by John that shows the importance of obedience to God by loving one another. This letter is written to Gaius, who set a similar example to Tebow by offering hospitality and love to others who came through his town. John loved Gaius and trusted him to do the right thing. His example showed other believers how to put Jesus’ command to “love one another” in practice. As many people traveled through his region, they needed housing, food, and financial support. John commended Gaius for doing these things. He opened his heart, home, and hand to fellow Christian teachers, and we should do the same.

John also wrote about another man named Diotrephes, a lousy example demonstrating love for others. Diotrephes is singled out for his pride, stubbornness, and desire for personal gain. He didn’t walk in the truth of love for others. From John’s comparison, it’s evident that actions speak more clearly than words about the condition of a believer’s heart.

 The Kingdom Coach and Athlete’s actions show they walk truthfully by loving their teammates and coaches. They fight to prevent spiritual pride and humble themselves before the Lord while demonstrating virtues of love, hospitality, generosity, and integrity.