As an NBA fan, normally this time of year I enjoy hearing about the major moves taking place across the league at the start of free agency.
It’s wild to see the big-name players get traded and signed…and fascinating to read the way deals get done and how particular players desire to team up with other stars.
I'm looking forward to NBA action returning, but it's weird to start July without the noise surrounding free-agent decisions.
Usually, rumors are swirling and we even hear about the players’ moves before they become official. Stories are leaked, agents talk, and members of players’ inner circles' send information to the media.
As we reflect on last summer's free agency period, the biggest move to impact the NBA was with Kawhi Leonard.
Having just won the NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors, we knew he was either going to re-sign with them or head to Los Angeles with the Lakers or Clippers. But because he's so hard to figure out, most people really didn’t know what he was up to.
There were many intriguing aspects of his story, but his ability to keep the details surrounding his decision quiet was rather remarkable.
He surprised everyone by signing with the Los Angeles Clippers and helping to orchestrate a trade for Paul George to join him.
Leonard had plans, meetings, and conversations that were kept hush-hush while all the logistics were being worked out. Even those who thought they knew what was going on, had no clue!
Unlike many of the stars today, Leonard privately worked behind the scenes. Although he doesn’t seek the limelight, he has quietly become extremely powerful, influential, and one of the best players in the league. He does what he needs to do, and in the end, has been rewarded for his quiet efforts.
In the NBA, it’s counterculture to do anything quietly and the same is true in our own lives. Anytime we’re making moves, accomplishing something, or serving others, there is a part of us that wants people to know what we’re up to.
We want our stories to be “leaked” or posted on social media so we can be acknowledged and applauded. Our pride can drive us to want credit and attention while we desire to impress others by what we’re doing.
So we have to constantly ask ourselves, what is our motive for doing good things, and why are we telling others about it?
As followers of Jesus, we want to remain focused on God’s glory and have our hearts aligned with Him. Our desire should be for Him to get the attention and the applause, and to understand the importance of serving Him and others quietly to receive the true rewards.
Jesus explains in Matthew 6:1-4 (NLT), “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 applause, admiration, or attention. Knowing that 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 or generosity, but I pray You’d replace my pride with humility. Help me understand the importance of quietly obeying You with the right motives. You deserve all the glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What aspect of serving and giving do you have the toughest time doing quietly and privately?
Why does Jesus implore us to give and serve quietly?
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