Is it wrong to proud of our accomplishments, our achievements? After all, I worked hard, I was dedicated, I was loyal. What’s wrong with having a little pride?
Well, pride is a little like bacteria, you have a little of it, and it can quickly multiply into an uncontrollable disease. Thus, the phrase, “pride goes before the fall” (an adaptation of Proverbs 16:18).
The Bible has quite a few examples of leaders who came from humble origins, became prideful as their notoriety grew, and then came the fall, in some cases, total destruction. Uzziah provides insight into a young man who became incredibly successful, who began to think of success as coming from his own hands thus rejecting God, and in the end even refusing to repent when confronted with his prideful actions.
Uzziah’s Success
Uzziah became king of Judah at the age of 16, some 790 years before the birth of Jesus. From 2 Chronicles 26:4-5 we know that Uzziah “Did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.”
What did God give Uzziah success in? From chapter 26 we see that Uzziah was:
- A successful political/business leader—he rebuilt the city of Elath which was a trade center.
- A successful military commander—he defended the country against the Philistines.
- A successful civil engineer—he built towers and cisterns to collect water.
- A successful team leader—he built a team of people who were successful administrators and organizers.
- A successful inventor—he invented important military devices that protected the city.
As Uzziah grew in power and his fame spread (vv. 8, 15-16) he became prideful, and his pride led to his downfall. Uzziah became unfaithful to God when he entered the temple to burn incense on the altar. Azariah and 80 other priests confronted him, and told him to stop, but he wouldn’t listen to them. He even argued with them! God struck him with leprosy right in the temple, which Uzziah had until the day he died.
Summary:
God can bless all legitimate vocations when they are carried out in a way that honors Him. God does not separate secular and sacred. However, God does judge between righteousness and sin. Uzziah had a chance to repent of his pride, but he rejected God’s priests and was judged immediately.
Application:
Beware the trap of man’s power and success. If you are powerful or successful realize this blessing comes from God. The question is what will you do with your success? Will you use it to continue to build the Kingdom, or will your success cause you to become prideful and arrogant?
Join the Conversation!
As always questions and comments are welcome. Has being prideful in you personal or business life impacted you? If so, in what way? How have you been impacted by others who are prideful?
Category: Personal Development | Character
