The word "miracle" has been bandied about lately -- particularly when describing Tim Tebow's amazing come-from-behind victories as a Denver Broncos quarterback.  Theologians are less apt than sportscasters to ascribe that definition to a football game.  Their analysis is far more stringent; however, the more important question is not if an event is a miracle, but rather why is it occurring.

The Merriam-Webster definition of a miracle is "an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs."  While atheists pooh-pooh that suggestion because they believe that God does not exist, believers say that miracles happen constantly as God works in the world.  If the question is why a miracle, then the simple answer is because we need one now.

Look at the sordid reports on the pedophile coaches at Penn State and Syracuse.  Sex abuses on the young and innocent went on for years, in most cases ignored by those who could have put an end to it.  When it comes to American athletes, their sins are largely tolerated and even glorified in our sick and hedonistic culture.

For the past year, Tebow has been vilified for his displays of faith on the field and in interviews.  The demonization began with an ad shown during the 2009 Super Bowl, when his mother revealed that she was advised by doctors to abort Tebow because of drugs given to her while in a coma.  It wasn't an overt anti-abortion ad, but rather a profession of faith and respect for life.  Pro-choice groups were livid and condemned the two ads, but pro-lifers rallied around Tim Tebow, a Heisman Trophy-winner who was actually home-schooled.

If that ad wasn't enough to rile the secularists, Tebow's interviews compounded their disdain.  He admitted that he is a virgin.  Wow, that's almost unheard of when a man is as good-looking as the 24-year-old, 6'3", blue-eyed Tebow.  Not only that, but he never fails to thank his Lord Jesus Christ and his teammates after every game.

In a recent Townhall column, pundit Doug Giles said it best:

Let me see if I get this straight: A sex worshipping, multi-tattooed thug with three illegit kids from three different women scores a touchdown and then proceeds to simulate a sex act in the end zone -- in front of our children and the millions watching by television -- and that's okay? Why sure it is. Who are we to judge? Matter of fact, let's give that future inmate a Nike ad and bump his contract up a few mil because he brings spice (and crabs) to the game. Ah ... sweet progress.

The oddity of Tim Tebow is that he's not a new phenomenon, but rather a throwback to the clean-cut athletes of an earlier time, when athleticism demanded good sportsmanship and humility.  They were good role models for the young.  After last week's miraculous win in the last two minutes from a 0-10 deficit, Tebow wrote on his website, "Praise the Lord! Couldn't be any prouder of my teammates for believing in each other 'till the very end."  Don't expect Tim Tebow to be spiking the ball or dancing in the end zone any time soon.

Players from other teams have mocked his one-knee genuflection after a touchdown and his prayer circle with team members.  Now, however, rival teammates are joining the circle in thanksgiving for a game well played.  Let's face it: spoiled thugs have inundated the NBA and NFL, and perhaps it will take a miracle to bring some respect back to the games.

America is watching Tim Tebow and wondering what's happening.  Every Bronco win is being splashed on the Drudge Report as a near-supernatural result.  Sportscasters who've derided his abilities are starting to revise their opinions, albeit reluctantly.  We're intrigued, and even those, like me, who are not rabid football fans are in awe and tuning in each week in anticipation of another inexplicable win.  Some, of course, are feverishly wishing for an end to Tebow's string of "miraculous" victories.  To them, Tebow is dangerous because he represents the power of faith and good, clean living.

I've always believed that life is about our individual relationship with our higher power, and we should include Him in all aspects of our lives.  Tim Tebow is doing just that.

Call it a miracle, or call it a much-needed wake-up call.