Don’t Become too Shiny

2 Chronicles 26:15-16 In Jerusalem, Uzziah made machines that were invented by clever men. These machines were put on the towers and corner walls. They shot arrows and large rocks. Uzziah became famous. People knew his name in faraway places. He had much help and became a powerful king. But when Uzziah became strong, his pride caused him to be destroyed. He was not faithful to the LORD his God.

Success can be a fickle thing. Of course we all want to be successful at what we do. Nobody sets out on a venture – large or small – with the express intent of failing. And yet, too much success can be a dangerous thing.

Any venture that you embark on takes effort. There are risks to be taken, decisions to be made, opportunities here or there to cut corners, to cheat, to lie. I’ve been there, you’ve been there. But if you manage to resist those temptations, more often than not you’ll achieve at the very least a modicum of success in your chosen field.

And then, don’t people flock toward you? They all want to pat you on the back, be in the spotlight with you, feed off your success. Oh, and doesn’t that make you feel so good to be surrounded by all that adulation and praise?

In truth though, that’s the very moment right there at the pinnacle of success that’s the most dangerous. Just ask King Uzziah of Israel …

2 Chronicles 26:15-16 In Jerusalem, Uzziah made machines that were invented by clever men. These machines were put on the towers and corner walls. They shot arrows and large rocks. Uzziah became famous. People knew his name in faraway places. He had much help and became a powerful king. But when Uzziah became strong, his pride caused him to be destroyed. He was not faithful to the LORD his God.

As twentieth century American preacher Vance Havner put it, if the devil can’t make you fall, he’ll make you shine. Don’t become too shiny.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.