In what ways can we ensure our actions align with God's will today? The Lesson Written on Uzziah’s Tombstone “And Uzziah rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the field of burial that belonged to the kings, for people said, ‘He had leprosy.’ And his son Jotham reigned in his place.” (2 Chronicles 26:23) Uzziah’s life is a cautionary tale: early zeal, later pride, and finally exclusion from the royal tombs because he overstepped God-given boundaries (26:16-21). His end warns us that right beginnings do not guarantee right endings. We keep our actions aligned with God’s will only by constant, deliberate choices. Guard Your Heart Against Pride • 2 Chronicles 26:16 reports, “his pride led to his downfall.” • James 4:6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Practical steps: – Begin every day acknowledging God’s sovereignty. – Celebrate victories by praising Him, not yourself. – Invite trusted believers to point out early signs of self-exaltation. Stay within God-Given Boundaries • Uzziah violated the priestly office and was struck with leprosy (26:18-20). • Colossians 3:17: “Whatever you do… do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Questions to ask yourself before acting: – Has God’s Word clearly authorized this? – Am I serving or seizing? – Would I still do it if no one noticed? Anchor Decisions in Scripture • Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Proverbs 3:5-6 promises straight paths when we trust, not lean on our own understanding. How to practice: – Read a portion of Scripture daily, looking for commands, principles, and examples. – Match every major decision with at least one confirming verse. – Memorize key passages that speak to recurring temptations. Seek the Lord Continually, Not Occasionally • 2 Chronicles 26:5: “As long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.” Regular rhythms to maintain: – Consistent private prayer times. – Weekly corporate worship. – Frequent thanksgiving lists to keep the heart warm. Walk in Step with the Spirit • Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Daily alignment checklist: – Invite the Spirit’s control each morning. – Yield immediately when He convicts. – Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit (5:22-23) as the standard for attitudes and reactions. Remain Teachable and Accountable • Proverbs 11:14: “In an abundance of counselors there is safety.” • Uzziah prospered under Zechariah’s instruction (26:5) but fell when he ignored reproof (26:18-19). Healthy accountability looks like: – A small group that knows your struggles and prays for you. – Pastors or mentors who can say “no” and expect obedience. – Openness to correction without defensiveness. Practice Quick Repentance • 1 John 1:9: Confession brings cleansing. • Micah 6:8 calls us to “walk humbly with your God.” When conviction strikes: – Agree with God immediately; don’t rationalize. – Turn from the sin and toward an opposite act of obedience. – Accept His full forgiveness and move forward. Offer Your Life as Worship • Romans 12:1-2 urges us to present our bodies “as a living sacrifice” and be transformed by renewed minds. Living sacrifice habits: – View everyday tasks—work, chores, parenting—as offerings to God. – Filter entertainment, spending, and speech through, “Will this please the Lord?” – Celebrate even unseen faithfulness, trusting that His approval outweighs human applause. Measure Success by Faithfulness, Not Headlines Uzziah’s military innovations and building projects were impressive, yet his epitaph was “He had leprosy.” God values steadfast obedience over public achievement. Colossians 3:17 and 1 John 2:5-6 remind us that real success is walking as Jesus walked. Keep looking at Uzziah’s tomb and remember: a humble, Scripture-anchored, Spirit-guided life is the surest path to staying in the center of God’s will today. |
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