PODCAST
Seen By God Alone
December 31st, 2025
Matthew 6:1-4.
Have you ever been around someone who likes to “humble brag?” You would likely know if you had. This person loves to subtly insert just how awesome they think they are, but often in casually subtle ways: “Oh, you like this outfit? Me too; I prefer to wear this when I volunteer at the animal shelter,” or “Wow, this fruit salad is amazing! It tastes just like what we served when I assisted with the rescue mission dinner on Thanksgiving.”
The troubling thing about the “humble brag” is that it takes what is ultimately a positive action—volunteering, for instance—and makes it all about the person bringing it up. The focus of the action becomes gaining credit or increasing reputation, while the positive impact becomes secondary.
It feels good to be recognized for doing good things; in some sense, we should enjoy the positive feelings we get when we serve others. However, when we become more concerned with being recognized for our good deeds instead of allowing God to be our reward, we risk deadening the impact of the goodness itself. May we desire to be seen by God alone. He is enough.
Author: Grant Miller
