Devotions: The Danger of Strength

 

But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the Lord his God, for he entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.

2 Chronicles 26:16 New American Standard Bible 1995

 

King Uzziah started out strong. He sought the Lord and prospered in everything he did. He conquered several strong countries, and others paid him tribute so he wouldn’t attack them. He built fortified cities and walls to protect his people in the future, and all the land knew and feared him. But…the phrase that authority corrupts unfortunately rings true. When he became strong, with all of his strong walls and armies and weaponry, he became proud. Then he trusted in himself and what he had rather than in God. He even went so far as to take over the priest’s job in the temple, something only those appointed and duly consecrated were to perform. He thought he was above the law. Yet, instead of repenting when he was confronted for his sin, he became angry, further proof of his pride. As a result God smote him and he was a leper to the end of his days, completely cut off from his people and his God. He lost everything because of his pride.

How often do we do that? It is easy to see our need for God when we are in trouble and can see that we can’t do it on our own, but when times are easy and we don’t “need” help, we become prideful and don’t seek God’s help or counsel. Sometimes we are so blessed by God that it goes to our heads and we think that we are something special on our own and that is why God blessed us. Our hearts become proud and we think we are above others because of God’s favor, rather than seeing that we are blessed because of God’s love. We need to be very careful that when we stand we do not fall. We need to always remember who put us where we are, who made us the way we are, and that we are only different from anyone else because of God’s work in us. Without God we are no better than any other person.

Do you view yourself more highly than others, thinking that you are in some way superior for any reason? Do you think that you can take care of something on your own without seeking God’s direction or help? Do you find yourself putting others down (if only in your thoughts) thinking you are glad you’re not like them, or are better than them and they should be like you? Take heed. God despises and is opposed to the proud. If you want His grace and blessing you must be humble and not view yourself as above the law, above others, or self-sufficient. You need to regularly, daily, examine your life and heart to make sure that you do not become haughty and arrogant. If you find that you are, immediately ask God to forgive your pride and to help you be humble. The path to humility may be painful, but it is less painful to go that way willingly than to have God bring you down as He did Uzziah.

 

 

To view a video of this devo, visit my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/evelynbray.author

To receive these devotions daily, like my page or subscribe to my blog by entering your email in the subscription box to the right!