When things are going well in life, we can feel self confident about our success. The risk is that we become filled with pride, losing sight of how God equips and blesses us; forgetting that all we have is because God grants it to us.
In 2 Chronicles 26:16-22, King Uziah has had much success. “But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the LORD his God (verse 16).” His pride makes him lose site of reverence toward God—a lack of respect of God’s holiness. This prompts Uziah to enter the “temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense (16)”—something he is strictly prohibited from doing. His pride had blinded him, causing him to lose sight of the sacred and the role of the priests. He is unable to humble himself before God.
The priests act boldly and confront the king, telling him, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful and will have no honor from the LORD God (18).” Uziah becomes angry with the priests “and while he was enraged with the priests, the leprosy broke out on his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, beside the altar of incense (19).” Because of his leprosy, Uziah is isolated from everyone the rest of his life. God humbled him. “And Jotham his son was over the king’s house judging the people of the land (21).”
When we experience success, when things are going well, we need to remember to thank God for his blessings in our life. Humbling ourselves before God is a way to keep our pride in check. It is an act of keeping things in perspective—keeping God as a priority, in His proper place in our life. If we let pride take over, we can quickly become god of our life. We can become angry at people who confront us about our arrogance as Uziah did. Better to enter the house of the Lord with a reverent, humble attitude to offer thanks to Him for being in our life—for the grace and love he offers us each day.
140 Character Christian 
Powerful perspective for each of us to remember! Over and over, Jesus teaches us the lesson of humility. If we don’t pay attention, our pride will fuel an out-of-control ego.
Yes, the Bible continues to teach us about humility. Pride is something that must be kept in check. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
Amen. Only Jesus can be a king and a priest at the same time. The rest of us should stay in our own lane.
Great thoughts, brother. I read an old Our Daily Bread devotional (yesterday) on this same subject.
Sometimes it’s hard to stay in our own lane—the lane God gives us. May God give us wisdom to follow His lead. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings.
I noticed too, that he didn’t get in trouble for worshiping idols or some sexual sin, but for trying to take someone else’s place in God’s family. That makes it a lot more personal for me. Blessings Chris. Great post!
Thanks for reading and the comment. Good point. I once served in a leadership role in a church and the pastor reminded me that ultimately we are accountable to God. Blessings to you and may God strengthen you and your ministry.
This: “We can become angry at people who confront us about our arrogance” – so true! When our hearts become hardened, it becomes easier to harden our hearts, in a downward spiral. If we don’t humble ourselves, God certainly knows how to do it.
Thanks for the comment. Yes, God knows how to humble us to help keep our pride in check. So true. Blessings.