Allow me to join the list of people who have extended their congratulations to you, the graduates, for your accomplishments.

I am sure I am not the first, nor will I be the last to say, that you should be very proud of your accomplishments.

Believe me when I say that your pride is shared by your parents, your family, your friends, and your church.

As you receive your accolades and are showered with compliments which add to your elation, allow me to caution you as well as challenge you with the story of Uzziah. The story of Uzziah, needs to be heard not only by the graduates, but it is important for everyone to hear

Uzziah, was one of many from a long list of ancestors of David who reigned as king of Judah. His reign began when he was 16 years of age. The wisdom and maturity with which he ruled was way beyond his years.

This coupled with the fact that the prophet Zechariah, had taken Uzziah under his wing, enabled Uzziah to be an excellent king. His reign is summarized in verses 4 and 5,

"He did what was right in the sight of God. He set himself 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."

Prosper he did, Uzziah was a success in war and peace. He was a success in planning and execution. He was a success in building and planting. Verse 15 reads,

"And his fame spread far, for he was marvelously helped,"

that is by God, "until," and this is where you and I need to listen, "until he became strong."

What does, "until he became strong" mean?

It means, he became too big for his britches.

One of the problems which comes with fame, notoriety and power is that we become too prideful. In other words our pride becomes arrogance. This leads to an attitude that we are better, or that we are above others and the law. This is exactly what happened to Uzziah.

"But when he had become strong he grew proud, to his destruction."

Uzziah’s pride changed to conceit and self love which prompted him to break one of God’s laws. Granted he did not break one of the ten commandment, but never the less, Uzziah broke one of God’s laws.

The law he broke God gave to the Israelites, roughly some 700 years before. God was giving Moses directions and laws on how the Israelites should live and worship in the promised land. The law Uzziah broke, had to do with offerings. Offerings to God was the responsibility of the descendents of Aaron.

I am sure there are some who are saying so what’s the big deal. He didn’t hurt anyone. It wasn’t harmful to anyone, he simply entered the temple and made an offering he wasn’t suppose to make.

The problem is not with the offering, it is with the attitude. His attitude was that because of who he was, he was above the law, man’s and God’s.

Early in his life Uzziah was faithful to God who gave him great prosperity and power. Now he thinks he is above God.

Proverbs 16:18 is true, "Pride goes before destruction." Never was this proverb so true as in the case of Uzziah.

While it is normal to feel proud when you accomplish something it is wrong to let that pride cause you to be disdainful of God or to look down on others.

Even though for much of his life Uzziah, "did what was right in the sight of the Lord." Uzziah’s pride caused him to sin. The consequence of his sin was leprosy. Uzziah became an outcast and died a leper. Instead of being remembered for his great reforms. He is remembered for his arrogant act.

As I reflect on Uzziah’s life, I wonder, what went wrong, a king with so much promise, so much fame, so much power.

What went wrong?

The answer is found in this quote,

"We are never closer to failure than during our greatest successes. If we
fail to recognize God’s part in our achievements, they are no better
than failures."

Uzziah’s mistake was, he overestimated his own importance. He did so many things well that a consuming pride gradually invaded his life like the leprous disease that finally destroyed is body. In trying to act like a priest, he took on a role that God did not mean for him to have. He had not only forgotten how much God had given him, but also that God had certain roles for certain people that needed to be respected.

One thing you notice as you read the story of Uzziah, unlike kings David, Solomon, Josiah, etc. is that there is no account of the king ever showing appreciation to God for the marvelous gifts. No matter how great or small your accomplishments you always owe God a debt of thanksgiving for your life.

Uzziah’s pride was rooted in his lack of thankfulness.

"But when he had become strong he grew proud, to his destruction."

Who do you give credit for your present successes?

Who will you give credit for your future successes?

If God has given you wealth, influence, popularity, and power, be thankful; but he careful.

Remember God hates pride.

Remember God requires life long obedience, not spurts of obedience.

Be remembered for your consistent faith.

May you become famous for you endeavors, but may you become infamous for your gratitude,
faithfulness and obedience to God.

Amen

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