UNPACK This...HumilitySample

“Kawhi-etly” Making Moves

As NBA fans, we find it intriguing to watch big-name players get traded and signed. With free-agent decisions, we usually hear rumors about the players' moves before they even become official. Stories leak, agents talk, and information from the inner circle gets sent to the media.

Kawhi Leonard, however, managed to pull off a very surprising signing with the Los Angeles Clippers. Remarkably, he had meetings and conversations that were kept hush-hush while all the logistics were worked out. Even those who thought they knew what was going on had no clue!

It’s countercultural to do anything quietly in the NBA, but Leonard doesn't seek the limelight and has quietly become powerful and influential, and one of the best players in the league.

In our own lives, we often want our stories of accomplishments and acts of kindness “leaked” or posted on social media, so we receive credit. But as followers of Jesus, we need to keep our pride in check.

By remaining focused on God’s glory and aligning our hearts with His, our desire becomes that He receive the attention and applause. This translates into understanding the importance of quietly serving Him and others to receive true rewards.

Jesus explains in Matthew 6:1–4, “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.

"When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.

"But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

Today, in humility and for God’s glory, let’s serve and give without needing to impress others. Knowing God sees our hearts and motives, let’s loudly praise Him and quietly do the work He’s called us to do.

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess I like to receive credit for my service and generosity, but help me replace pride with humility. Teach me the importance of quietly obeying You with the right motives, so You receive all the glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.