Well, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months, you’ve likely heard the name: Tim Tebow.

One of the most “popular” and polarizing figures of 2011, Tebow has become known for being upfront and overt about his faith — and pulling off some pretty remarkable, late-game comebacks.

NFL Football fan or not…

Denver Broncos fan or not…

Tim Tebow fan or not… You have to admit that this young man has faced a lot in his first couple of years out of college.

And the reality is that the way(s) in which Tebow has carried himself, especially the second half of this 2011 season — after he became the starting quarterback for the Broncos — has been a work in progress for many years.

Unfortunately there’s no quick way to construct the kind of faith, character and integrity displayed by Tebow — it’s something that’s cultivated over the course of a long obedience in the same direction.

I think Tim Tebow stands out as a person that most young people can relate to (simply because he’s young), and learn from, when it comes to following God — whatever the cost. In fact, here are 8 areas that I think our young men (in particular) can learn from the model that Tebow is living:

1.) Character counts. Life is not just about how you play the game — but who you are (or are becoming). This doesn’t just magically happen either. Becoming a person of honorable character takes intentionality and consistency. It means making the right choice in every situation — even if that means making the hard, unpopular decision. It means standing up for what’s right. It means looking out for those in need, those in trouble. It means living a life like Jesus — and the countless followers like Tebow who are willing to do just that.

2.) Integrity matters. Mean what you say — and do it. Your life and your words need to match-up — always! It’s just that simple.

3.) Don’t be ashamed of the faith your profess. In an increasingly post-Christian culture we can expect to face opposition as followers of Jesus. Don’t put your faith in a closet. Don’t “save it” for safe places. Be willing to take a stand. You need to give honest thought to what it is you believe — and then you need to boldly live it. This likely will look different from the expressions Tim Tebow exhibits — but we should be expressing something — exhibiting something.

4.) Don’t listen to the crowd. There are a couple of layers to do this. First, don’t let pop-culture be your guide. What’s popular today will likely be out soon — and this flies in the face of #3 and #2. Don’t be swayed by the waves of culture, but intentionally decide what you’re going to be about. Secondly, don’t listen to the nay-sayers. Inevitably there will be some who will come against you — saying that you’re unqualified, incapable, undeserving, etc. If you listen to these folks you will likely become stuck — paralyzed — and unable to move forward. Instead, make sure that you have some people you really trust around you — and be willing to hear the good, bad and ugly from them.

5.) Pursue excellence. Don’t be content with doing things half-hearted. There’s way too much of that in our culture today. Strive for excellence (not perfection). Don’t let “good enough” be your MO. God wants our best. This has implications in your work and studies, relationships and faith.

6.) Lead by example. Paul’s words to young Timothy are just as true for you today: Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Don’t expect things from others that you do not expect from yourself. Be realistic in the expectations you set — and do your very best (see #5).

7.) Own your mistakes. This is big. In a culture that is quick to pass-the-buck, true leaders are willing to own their mistakes. After winning his first 6 games as the starting QB, Tebow and the Broncos went on a 3-game losing streak to enter the play-offs. Tim could have chosen to point the finger at others. But in all of the reports that I saw he owned his fair share of those losses. This doesn’t mean we have to own other people’s mistakes… but we do need to learn how to own those that we make.

8.) Be willing to take on responsibility. Over the course of the almost 15 years I have worked with college students, I have seen a collective retreat from responsibility. No one wants to “own” anything. Yet most people want to be considered leaders — at least in title. Growth and maturation will come as you step into opportunities to take on responsibility. If you won’t take these opportunities, don’t expect much in return.

I don’t want to make Tim Tebow out to be some sort of Saint, but I do believe that there are far too few models of faithful young men out there… so I think he is worthy of being point to… as long as he continues to put Christ first.

What do you think?

How can Tim Tebow serve as an inspiration for faithful living to this generation of young men?

What characteristics does he exhibit — that Christ calls us all to — that more young men need to pursue?