Is it ever right to wish ill upon someone?
I don’t think so.
The Denver Broncos newly minted quarterback, Peyton Manning, doesn’t need me to come to his defense. But his arrival in Denver has spawned something of a backlash in a few select places, with some actually suggesting that it would suit the Broncos and Manning well if he were to reinjure his neck this coming season.
A thirst for vengeance is an ugly human emotion. Sadly, it manifests itself in our spirit all too often. Why? It’s one of the more damaging consequences of two prevalent sins, pride and arrogance. It starts with us thinking we know what’s best in a given situation, instead of turning the outcome of it over to God. When our “perfect plan” is thwarted or rejected we become bitter – and we take it upon ourselves to right the perceived wrong.
Show me a person who is hungry for revenge, and I’ll show you an individual who lacks the peace and poise that comes with God’s perspective.
In this instance, people are upset that Tim Tebow was traded. I get it. I can appreciate and understand a person’s disappointment. In a league too often tinged with egotistical and even illegal behavior, Tim is a breath of fresh air. He’s a good guy, the kind of man we want our sons to grow up to be and, like John Elway noted, the kind of man we want our daughters to marry. Throughout Bronco nation, Tebow’s departure stings the young and old alike. A colleague of mine has a six-year-old son who, for the last six months, has slept with a picture of Tim in a frame beside his bed. As his dad was putting him to bed last night he noticed that the frame was empty.
“Where did Tebow’s picture go?” he asked the young boy. With a sad voice his son replied, “It’s just not right. He’s no longer on our team, so he shouldn’t be in my frame in a Broncos uniform.”
His father reminded him that it’s just a game – and let’s face it, it’s also a business. Peyton Manning is a strong competitor. He’s also a husband and a father of one-year-old twins, and the family comes to Denver with high hopes. His little daughters certainly don’t deserve people hoping their daddy will get hurt to avenge Tim Tebow’s departure.
It’s time to take a big deep breath.
It’s always a contradiction of the faith for a Christian to wish someone ill, especially as a means to punish them. And Tim Tebow doesn’t need fans avenging his trade.
How can the Lord be glorified when we wish misfortune on someone else? Plain and simple, He can’t be.
Thanks for the two wonderful seasons here in Colorado, Tim. We’re sure you’ll make the most of your time in the nation’s largest media market – whether it’s scoring touchdowns or spreading the gospel to an even broader audience. And in the end, perhaps that’s God’s ultimate plan.
And welcome to Denver, Peyton.
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