UNPACK this...Humilityনমুনা

“Kawhi-etly” Making Moves 

As NBA fans, watching big-name players get traded and signed is intriguing. With free-agent decisions, we usually hear rumors about the players' moves before they even became official. Stories are leaked, agents talk, and inner circle information 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 counterculture 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 having our hearts aligned with His, our desire becomes for Him to get the attention and applause. This translates into understanding the importance of serving Him and others quietly in order 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.

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.