Bragging, Boasting, and the MVP Race

The NBA regular season is winding down as teams fight for playoff positioning and prepare for the playoffs. At the same time, conversations center around who should win this year’s MVP award. It appears to be the most competitive race we’ve had in a while, with a handful of players worthy of consideration. 

Team records, stats, and impact are among the factors in determining who should win, and the names discussed include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, and Jaylen Brown.

Of course, the debate fully engages fans and media members, but what's interesting is how players decide how to make their case for the award. 

Victor Wembanyama is only 22 and already one of the most dominant players in the league. He’s had a remarkable season, and his Spurs have a shot at winning a championship. 

When talking to the media recently, he chose to campaign for himself, boast about his game, and explain the reasons why he should be the MVP, saying, "My first one would be that defense is 50% of the game and that it is undervalued so far in the MVP race. I believe I'm the most impactful player defensively in the league.

“Second argument would be that we almost swept OKC in the season, and we dominated them three times with their real team. The third argument would be that offense impact is not just points."

Meanwhile, Luka Dončić is having a tremendous season for the Lakers, averaging 33.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, but it’s his coach and teammates doing the bragging about him.

Fellow Laker Rui Hachimura declared, “All I can say is that he’s the MVP of this league. What he does, what he brings to the game, every game, literally, and just how talented he is offensively…”

The reigning league MVP and reining NBA Finals MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has led his Thunder team to the best record in the NBA while consistently stepping up in the clutch and scoring at a remarkably efficient rate this season. 

He was offered the opportunity to make his case for MVP when speaking with the media, but decided not to brag on himself and instead said, “No, I’m good. Thanks for asking, though. Yeah, I’m good. I let my game do the talking.”

We'll see who ends up with the MVP award, as each of them can make a case for their resume.

In considering our own lives, do we boast about ourselves, let others praise us, or let our "game" do the talking?

There are times when we feel the need to brag about ourselves, highlight what we’ve done, point to our accomplishments, and justify our resumes. We want people to know how great we've been and why we deserve awards, promotions, and recognition. 

However, as followers of Jesus, we must be cautious about lifting ourselves up, bringing attention to ourselves, and allowing arrogance to take over. Of course, there will be times when others may notice our character or our work, and we can receive those compliments with humility.

Proverbs 27:2 (NIV) puts it this way: "Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips."

As we look in the Bible, the apostle Paul had reasons to brag, defend himself, and the ministry work he was doing. However, he pointed to the foolishness of boasting about himself, chose to boast about his weaknesses and suffering instead, and made it clear who we should be boasting about.

2 Corinthians 11:30 (NIV) tells us, "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness."

1 Corinthians 1:31 (NIV) explains, "Therefore, as it is written: 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'”

2 Corinthians 10:17-18 (AMP) says, "However, 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.' For it is not he who commends and praises himself who is approved [by God], but it is the one whom the Lord commends and praises."

As followers of Jesus, our lives should “do the talking” as we point to the One worthy of the glory, reflecting the One transforming us, and allow Him to shine through us so people see Him.

Let's not spend our time on self-promotion and bragging about worldly things, but rather make our lives all about God, praising Him, giving Him the credit, and lifting Him up.

Today, let's boldly live out God's command in Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

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

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for boasting about myself and bringing attention to myself. Please help me to live a humble life that points people to You and Your glory. I pray I live my life boasting, praising, and honoring You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.