As I was looking over my Bible School notes, I came across a king from the Southern Kingdom in the book of 2 Chronicles, Chapter 26, entitle Uzziah, King of Judah. My notes stated that there were very few “good” kings of the Southern Kingdom, and other kings that were bad–just plain bad.
Note: The Northern Kingdom did not have any good kings). Uzziah was included in the “good kings,” of the Southern Kingdom.
The story is as follows: Uzziah pleased God during his early years as king. He was a successful warrior and city builder, skilled in organizing and delegating. He reigned for 52 years. He was a remarkable approved king. His achievements brought him fame. He was triumphant in war and peace, in planning and execution, in building and planting.
After God gave him great prosperity and power, he became proud and corrupt. It is true that “Pride goes before destruction.” Proverbs 16: 18 Uzziah overestimated his own importance in bringing about the great achievements he experienced. He did so many things well that a consuming pride gradually invaded his life like a leprous disease (boom), that finally destroyed his body. In trying to act like a priest, he took on a role that God did not mean for him to have. He had forgotten not only what God had given him, but also that God had certain roles for others that he needed to respect. God gave him wealth, influence, popularity and power and Uzziah was not thankful.
It is normal to feel elation when we accomplish something, but it is wrong to be disdainful of God or to look down on others.
He did not give God the credit to Him.
Uzziah’s pride was rooted in his lack of thankfulness. There are no accounts of Uzziah ever showing appreciation to God for the great gifts he received.
Our accomplishments may not compare with Uzziah’s, but we still owe a debt of thanksgiving, to God for our very lives. If God is not getting the credit for our successes, shouldn’t we start looking at our life differently?
When people have power, or hordes of wealth/great income, folks often think they can live above God-given rules. But even leaders are subject to God, as Uzziah discovered.
No matter what our position in society, God expects us to honor, worship and obey Him, and to “do the right thing” toward others.
For much of his life, Uzziah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as in 2 Chronicles 26: 4, but Uzziah turned away from the Lord, and he was struck with leprosy and remained until his death. (Boom)
He is remembered more for his arrogant act (pride) and subsequent punishment than his great reforms.
God requires lifelong obedience.
Spurts of obedience and weekly attendance on Sunday are not enough. Only “the one who stands firm to the end” will be rewarded. (Mark 13: 13).
We should practice being consistent in our faith, daily, that way we will build a lifetime of obedience.
Otherwise, we, too, may become more famous for our downfall, (boom), than our success. Living in obedience is the way we will be truly good (right) in the eyes of the Lord.
Don’t Let Pride Be Your Downfall.
Written by Armand P. Pecora
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on My Beloved’s Voice
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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