But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense. 2 Chronicles 26:16 KJV
It is amazing what pride can do to even the best of men. Uzziah was one of the great kings of Judah; he loved the Lord and served the Lord. As a result he experienced much blessing in life, everything he did seem to go well. But gradually the successes he experienced went to his head and he was puffed up with pride. Because he thought more highly of himself than he should he was thinking he deserved a privilege that was not his: he sought to do what the law of God only allowed the priests to do. As a consequence he was struck with leprosy for the rest of his life and was never again able to enter the Temple. Instead of giving us more, pride will actually take away privileges we have.
Lord, what a warning the example of Uzziah is when we walk with You and experience Your blessing not to take too much on ourselves but to enjoy what we already have from You. Help me to recognize and observe the boundaries You have placed in my life.
