2 Chronicles 26:16

2 Chronicles 26:16 (ESV): “But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.”

The Lord will not contend with a haughty saint. He will bring low those who elevate themselves to improper places. Make sure to guard your heart against pride!

Uzziah was sixteen years old when he began to reign. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He was taught by Zechariah the priest to fear the Lord and to walk in His ways. After God used him greatly, Uzziah’s fame spread throughout all the lands, and he became proud, to his destruction. He entered the Temple to burn incense to the Lord, even though only the sons of Aaron were permitted to do so. The Lord struck him with leprosy, and he lived alone for the rest of his life. He allowed pride in, and God stopped using him.

How do you respond when God uses you? Do you start to believe the praise of the people? Beware lest pride enter your heart. We need to be reminded often that it is God who works through us, so He deserves all the glory! Never allow yourself to receive the affirmations of man for what God has done. It will plague your life, and it could very well cause you to be set aside for the rest of your life. Always give God the glory for what He does through you.

Father, what an amazing thing that You choose to use man to show Yourself strong. Keep us humble when You use us. May we always be quick to give You all the glory, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.