Uzziah

 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.    Colossians 3.23-24

‘Never get too big for your boots,’ If I heard that once, I heard it hundreds of times. After all, I thought I was the centre of the universe. But the harsh reality hit when my flaws became apparent to me and everyone else. I had stood on the pedestal of my pride, and it crumbled beneath me. This seems to be the story of King Uzziah too.

King Uzziah was known for his many military and architectural achievements during his fifty-two-year reign over Judah in the eighth century BC, yet he failed to lead his people spiritually. Second Chronicles 26.4-5 highlights that King Uzziah prospered as long as he obeyed God’s commands, God was with Uzziah. His downfall was recorded in 2 Chronicles 26.16 when he overstepped his role. In his attempt to perform the duties assigned only to priests, he violated God’s divine order. Pride led to his downfall, and he spent his later years suffering from leprosy.

Had King Uzziah recognised he was supposed to work for God’s glory and not his own, his pride might have been tempered, and he might not have ‘gotten too big for his boots.’ We must live by faith knowing God is pleased when we serve Him. He is at work in all our efforts, whether we see results or not, and He is using us to further His purposes, not ours.

Father, humble my heart. May I always fix my gaze on You, seeking only to do Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.      2 Corinthians 15.58