Most have heard of the faith of Tim Tebow, quarterback for the Denver Broncos.  What do you know about a Christian point guard for the New York Knicks, Jeremy Lin?  Lin and Tebow have comparable Christian experiences and were not expected to succeed professionally.  They testify for God when being interviewed.  Both play positions that are leadership roles for their team and their enthusiasm and faith permeate the entire team.  They are winners and they are Christians.

In high school Lin was a standout player leading his team to a record 31 and 1 in 2006 and a California Division II championship.  Despite his high school success he failed to receive any scholarship offers from top colleges.  He ended up playing for Harvard and getting a degree in economics.  He was overlooked by the NBA because he was a slender Asian and played for Harvard.

He was accepted by the Golden State Warriors to try out.  He ended up having to sleep on his brother’s couch.  A scrub at Golden State, in New York, he becomes one of the hottest sport stars in the world.  Lin tells about reading the Bible while having hurt feelings when Golden State released him without giving him a chance.  Lin said: “I definitely didn’t see it coming and got pulled out midway through the first practice.  My agent and I had zero idea that was going to happen.  It was really tough for me at the time but I just tried to hold on to a lot of the stuff in the Bible that God gives to trust, have joy in the sufferings and trust in his perfect plan.  That’s what I tried my best to do and I’m thankful the way things turned out.”

I have known a number of people who experienced “perceived failure” or what is perceived as failure but in time came to realize that God let them fail to lead them in a new direction. A number of lessons can be learned from failure. For one thing, it strengthens us spiritually. For another, failure not only teaches us to be dependent upon the Holy Spirit, but also it opens up unlimited possibilities. Every circumstance in life, including failure, can become an eventual blessing.

In an interview Lin was asked about Tim Tebow.  He feels Tim is such an inspiration and a polarizing figure but I think the things he says in interviews and his approach to the game is just unbelievable and I respect him so much.  Lin said: “I want to be able to do some of the things that he does in terms of the amount of charity work and the nonprofit work and the way he impacts people off the field.  I think that is what is most inspiring to me about him.”

Lin testified at River of Life Christian Church that he considers everything in his life, his coaches, his height (6’3”) and his opportunity to play basketball all blessings from God.  In one interview he said that he hopes to become a pastor and lead nonprofit organizations following his basketball career.

He recently said: “I’m thinking about how can I trust God more?  How can I surrender more?  How can I bring Him more glory?  It’s a fight.  But it’s one I’m going to keep fighting.”  He admitted that initially he was playing for great games, wanting to obtain a contract for next year.  After spending more time, Lin said his true prize was something in heaven not on earth.  “I realize I had to learn to stop chasing the perishable prizes of the earth and give my best effort unto God and trust Him with the results.”

If you want to follow Lin on twitter or Facebook you will find him having posted Romans 5:3 to 5 and Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”

In our book: “God and the Bottom Line” we believe Christians can have an advantage.  Faith and trust in God develop confidence.  The Christian who depends upon the Holy Spirit and is sensitive to His leading is like the athlete who listens to an experienced coach. The coach can’t guarantee an athlete’s induction into the Hall of Fame, nor can he guarantee a gold medal for the athlete, but he can train him and teach him everything he knows, giving him every advantage, allowing him to consistently do his best. The Christian advantage does not guarantee presidencies, chairmanships, wealth, achievement awards, fame, or recognition, but it will lead the Christian in the direction that fulfills his God-given purpose. I believe Lin and Tebow are doing just that—their God-given purpose.

Ephesians 6:5 – 9 – Changed how I worked.  “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.  Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.  Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.  And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.” Instead of the word slaves, insert the word employees.  I believe what Lin and Tebow are doing is serving wholeheartedly Christ in what they do.