Scripture
16 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. 1 Chronicles 26:16 ESV
Observation
King Uzziah’s pride led him to his downfall. Proverbs 16:18 says,
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
I need to learn to be humble before the Lord. Pride causes us to lean upon ourselves over God. We attribute accomplishments and success to our own strengths, attitudes, and work. Let learn to be completely reliant on God giving Him glory for All things come from Him!
Application
I sometimes feel this sense of anger or jealousy or just want nothing to do with someone who has outdone me somehow. I read that pride reveals itself when you compare yourself to someone else and feel attacked when someone seems to be better than you. Comparison leads us to strive to be better than others or to look down on others—a couple of things I need to do.
- Confess and pray. I know when pride creeps up and makes me feel, just as I wrote above. The Bible says that having a proud spirit is an abomination to God. I need to pray and humble myself before God. I need to remember and be grateful for all things have come from God.
- Be grateful and not compare. It is devastating when we begin comparing ourselves to others and trying to outdo others so we can make ourselves look better. The apostle Paul tells us to be grateful and prayerful in all things. Why? Because our focus is taken off of ourselves and place on God.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I know I have pride in myself, and I confess this before You. I ask for your forgiveness when I have let my pride lead me to things that dishonor you and hurt others. I choose to humble myself and to be grateful for all the blessings you have bestowed upon me. Thank you for this word to me this morning, and I pray for the 20th anniversary that we do all things to bring You glory. In Your Name, Jesus. Amen!
