2 Chronicles 26:16 “But when he had become powerful, he also became proud, which led to his downfall.”
These words were written about the Hebrew king, Uzziah. For most of his long reign he did what was right, honoring and obeying God. And God blessed Uzziah by enriching and fortifying his kingdom and giving him victory over enemy nations. But power and prosperity became his weakness, his pride, his ruin. He stopped taking God seriously and lost his position, living out his final days excluded and alone. Power can be used for much good, but mixed with pride it becomes a hazardous substance that not only ruins individual lives, but devastates families organizations, businesses, and nations. Whether they’ll admit it or not, too many high-ranking executives and politicians know this all too well.
Father, never let me get smug and self-important, deceiving myself into thinking I can do things my own way without acknowledging and seeking you. I don’t want to destroy relationships and the good things you’ve helped me build over the years, ending life a bitter, lonely man because of my disobedience. I want the true life that you joyfully lavish on all who follow your ways.