Pride

2 Chronicles 26

Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king. He was young and inexperienced but his advisor Zechariah taught him to fear God. Scripture says that "He set himself to seek God" (2 Chronicles 26:5, ESV)and as long as he did this, "God made him prosper." (2 Chronicles 26:5) So Uzziah became powerful and strong he had "large herds, both in the Shephelah and in the plain, and he had farmers and vinedressers in the hills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil. Moreover, Uzziah had an army of soldiers, fit for war.." (2 Chronicles 26: 10-11) many soldiers and tons of army equipment, tools, and engines.

Unfortunately, he became so strong that he became prideful. His first mistake was forgetting where his power came from. Scripture says that "his fame spread far, for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong. God helped him, built him up, and made him strong. So he forgot who gave him all these good things. This in turn gave him a distorted view of himself. Because he seemed to believe that he created his kingdom, he prospered because of his own intelligence, resources, skill, ingenuity, he thought that he could do anything! The second mistake; he goes into the temple (this is a no no because only the anointed priests could do this) to burn incense to God. He wasn't doing this out of a pure heart to worship God! He didn't have any reverence for the Lord- he did it because- this is what pride does, it makes us believe that we can do anything, we are wonderful, we don't have to ask God, and we can create our own rules. In reality the fruit of pride causes destruction, corruption, unfaithfulness, and treacherous behavior. The other priests tried to correct him- they told him to get out- this job is for the sons of Aaron only. His third mistake- he didn't listen to godly correction and advice and instead reacted in anger. He didn't obey the commands of God. God corrected him all right- he ended up a leper, separated from everybody until his death. Didn't Satan do the same thing? There’s a big difference between being a servant of God and serving the King, and having God serve us, our wishes, our desires, our wants, our needs, thereby making us king! Who is really on the throne?

Jeremiah 9:24 But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!

So lets praise God with pure hearts that are thankful for all he has done for us- for his Son Jesus who did all the work for us and loves us the way he does. We absolutely have nothing to boast in- only the cross of our Lord and savior.