Throughout the Scriptures, there are rare yet profound moments when the Creator of the universe publicly affirms, testifies to and even boasts about a human being. These are not moments of flattery but eternal benchmarks of what God finds pleasing. In a world filled with self-promotion, there’s something different when God does the boasting—especially when it’s about a lifestyle that reflects heaven on earth.
The Bible says, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him,” (2 Chron. 16:9). God is not impressed with performance, charisma or religious externals. He is drawn to the inward posture of a person’s heart and the lifestyle that flows from it.
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
Here are 10 traits that provoke divine affirmation—lifestyles God is not ashamed to boast about:
1. The Broken and Contrite in Spirit
Scripture: Isaiah 66:1–2
God doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands; He is drawn to the humble and repentant. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” In a generation intoxicated with pride and self-sufficiency, God seeks those who recognize their profound need for Him. Brokenness is not weakness—it is the prerequisite for spiritual authority. Contrition catches God’s attention because it reflects the posture of Christ Himself.
2. The Person Who Fears God and Shuns Evil
Scripture: Job 1:8; 2:3
Twice in the book of Job, God speaks to Satan and brags about His servant Job. Why? Because Job feared God and turned away from evil. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and God is attracted to those who walk in reverence and awe of His holiness. In a culture of compromise and blurred moral lines, God celebrates the rare soul who still chooses righteousness at personal cost.
3. Those Who Know God Face-to-Face
Scripture: Numbers 12:6–8; Deuteronomy 34:10
God Himself declared that Moses was unlike any other prophet because He spoke to him face-to-face. This wasn’t just about prophetic accuracy—it was about intimacy. God values relationships over results. He will pass over a thousand who work for Him to find the one who walks with Him. Face-to-face friendship is the reward for those who seek God beyond ministry or miracles.
4. The Friend of God
Scripture: James 2:23
Abraham was not only the father of faith—he was called a “friend of God.” God shared secrets with him, covenanted with him, and used his life to set a redemptive trajectory for the nations. Friendship with God is costly. It requires obedience, trust, and surrender. But once attained, it is something God boasts about—even calling His covenant with Abraham “everlasting.”
5. Those Who Give Sacrificially to God
Scripture: Mark 12:41–44; Hebrews 11:4
Jesus watched people give offerings, but it was the widow who gave “all she had to live on” that moved Him to speak. God does not measure gifts by their amount, but by the sacrifice they entail. Likewise, God esteemed Abel’s offering in Genesis 4, and Hebrews 11 says, “Through his faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.” When you give God your best—even if it’s small by the world’s standards—heaven records it. God praises those who are givers whose hearts are fully surrendered.
6. The One Who Pours Out Extravagant Love
Scripture: Luke 7:36–50
When a sinful woman anointed Jesus with perfume and tears, the Pharisees scoffed. But Jesus defended her and said her love was great because she had been forgiven much. Extravagant love is never wasted. Worship that comes from deep gratitude moves the heart of God more than formal religion. This kind of affection is rare—and it’s the kind Jesus immortalized in Scripture.
7. Those Who Lay Down Their Lives for Jesus
Scripture: Revelation 20:4
There is a special reward and honor given to the martyrs—those who did not love their lives even unto death. In Revelation, God sets apart those who gave everything, including their blood, for the testimony of Jesus. While the world forgets its fallen heroes, heaven crowns them. There is no higher honor than being found faithful unto death. God brags on those who hold fast when the cost is ultimate.
8. The Greatest Are Those Who Serve All
Scripture: John 13:12–17
After washing the feet of His disciples, Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” In the kingdom of God, greatness is defined by servanthood. God is not looking for celebrities but servants. He brags about those who prefer others, who lower themselves to lift others, who embody the towel—not the title.
9. Those Persecuted for Righteousness
Scripture: Matthew 5:10–12
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake… for great is your reward in heaven.” Heaven celebrates those who are marginalized for truth and who endure scorn for standing with Christ. God doesn’t celebrate popularity—He boasts about fidelity. When you are hated because you reflect Him, it’s a sign that you’re walking close enough to be recognized.
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
10. Those Who Walk With God
Scripture: Genesis 5:22–24
Enoch walked with God, and then “he was no more, because God took him.” Enoch’s walk was so pleasing that God bypassed death and ushered him directly into His presence. It wasn’t ministry output or theological acumen that set Enoch apart—it was his consistency in communion. When you walk with God daily, you walk in sync with eternity. God is drawn to those whose steps are aligned with His Spirit.
Conclusion: Bragging Rights in the Kingdom
In a culture obsessed with external success, platform and applause, God is looking for something very different. He boasts in broken hearts, surrendered lives, sacrificial giving and holy love. The ones God brags about are not always known on earth—but they are famous in heaven.
Let us live lives worth testifying about—lives that attract divine affirmation. May we become the kind of people that, when God’s eyes search the earth, He stops and says, “There—look at that one. That’s someone I’m proud of.”
Dr. Joseph Mattera is an internationally-known author, consultant and theologian whose mission is to influence leaders who influence culture. He is the founding pastor of Resurrection Church, and leads several organizations, including The U.S. Coalition of Apostolic Leaders and Christ Covenant Coalition. Dr. Mattera is the author of 13 bestselling books, including his latest The Purpose, Power, and Process of Prophetic Ministry, and is renowned for applying Scripture to contemporary culture.
