"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." "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense."
2 Chronicles 26:5, 16 (NIV)Uzziah became king at sixteen. As long as he sought the Lord under the instruction of Zechariah, God gave him success (2 Chronicles 26:5). He grew into one of Judah's most successful kings. But once he became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord and entered the temple to burn incense on the altar, a duty reserved for the priests (2 Chronicles 26:16). He ended his life with leprosy, separated from the temple he had defiled. Success did not ruin Uzziah. Forgetting the One who gave him success did.
The same pattern repeats today. When we badly need something from God, we pray and obey diligently. Then success arrives in education, business, or career, and we forget who granted it. Some who once leaned on God through their studies end up questioning His existence after graduating. As Christ's ambassadors, we carry authority that is not our own. Our gifts, positions, and achievements all come from the One who sent us. Pride makes an ambassador forget the sender. James reminds us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Keep seeking Him in success as you did in need, and remember that without Him we are nothing.
Lord, keep me humble in every success. Remind me that everything I have comes from You. Guard me from the pride that forgets You, and help me to seek You in times of blessing as faithfully as in times of need. Amen.