How can we ensure our successes align with God's will, as seen in Uzziah's reign? Setting the Scene—Uzziah’s First Steps • “He built Eloth and restored it to Judah after King Amaziah rested with his fathers.” (2 Chronicles 26:2) • At only sixteen, Uzziah steps into a ruined port city and, with God’s favor, turns it into a bustling gateway for Judah’s trade. • His immediate instinct is to repair what belongs to God’s people—not to chase personal prestige. Key Principle: Start Every Project with God’s Priorities • Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” • When our first move mirrors Uzziah’s—advancing God’s agenda—success remains tethered to the Lord’s will. Walking with God—Not Just Working for Him • 2 Chronicles 26:5: “He continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.” • Success flowed from an active, ongoing search for God’s direction. – Regular worship (Psalm 27:4) – Consistent counsel from spiritually mature mentors (Proverbs 11:14) – Obedient response to revealed truth (John 14:21) Guardrails Against Pride • 2 Chronicles 26:15–16: “His fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped until he became powerful. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction.” • Practical safeguards: – Credit every accomplishment to the Lord (Psalm 115:1). – Keep thanksgiving louder than self‐congratulation (Ephesians 5:20). – Remember the clay—God can prosper or humble at any moment (Daniel 4:37). Stay Within Your God-Assigned Lane • Uzziah’s downfall came when he barged into the temple to burn incense, a priestly duty (2 Chronicles 26:16–18). • Aligning success means respecting roles God assigns: – Spiritual gifts are different by design (1 Corinthians 12:4–11). – Boundary crossing, even with “religious” intentions, invites discipline (Numbers 16:3–35). Ongoing Dependence—The Antidote to Complacency • John 15:5: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” • Practical rhythms: – Daily Scripture intake to recalibrate motives (Psalm 119:9–11). – Confession and repentance at the first sign of self-reliance (1 John 1:9). – Fellowship that lovingly confronts drift (Hebrews 3:12–13). Measuring Success God’s Way • Psalm 127:1: “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” • True success is fruit that remains (John 15:16) and glory that goes upward (1 Corinthians 10:31). • When outcomes, motives, and methods all honor the Lord, we can celebrate victories without fear of the leprosy of pride that overtook Uzziah. Takeaway Aim for progress that begins with God, relies on God, stays in God-assigned boundaries, and returns every accolade to God. That is success aligned with His will. |
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