2 Chronicles 26:1-15 speaks highly of King Uzziah. After he ascended to the throne, he rebuilt towns and fortified the cities with towers for defence. He constructed infrastructure and drugged well to encourage and promote agriculture. At that time, Uzziah was humbled and teachable.

Well aware of the instability in the region, he built a very strong army. He commissioned experts to develop and manufacture new weapons of war to enhance his military power. There is no doubt that he was a respectable strategist and economist. Everything seemed to be going well for him.

However, probably at the height of his success, he gradually developed pride. He entered the temple of the Lord and burned incense on the altar, which was forbidden because he was not a priest. When the priests warned him, he became angry and unfortunately, God punished him with leprosy.

Yes, in times of pride, Uzziah may think that he is in control of everything and doesn't need to rely on God at all, that God is just a “guest of honour” in his life who just needs to stand by and silently bless him. It is only when he is in trouble that he needs God. This mentality makes him lose the fear of God, which ultimately leads to his failure.

Is this a reflection of our lives? When we reach the pinnacle of our career or life, or when everything is going our way, we feel pretentious and then begin to put God aside and only turn to Him when things get tough? We have to be careful; success, smooth times and high point often lead to complacency and pride without people realizing it, and this is the most dangerous time because it can lead us away from God.

God's Word repeatedly reminds us, “Pride goes before destruction,and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) So let us remind ourselves often that in good times and in bad, let us keep our hearts humble, continue to rely on God, and give Him all the glory. It is not our accomplishments that God looks for, but whether we always rely on Him in everything we do.

Prayer : Dear Father, keep us humble and dependent on you, even in times of success. Keep our hearts from pride and help us to give you the glory every moment. May we always remember that everything we have comes from you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.