How many of us have worked in places where the higher ups never listen to what lower-level staff think? Employees are considered mere bodies expected to do the grunt work and keep their opinions - even those that will benefit the company - to themselves.
As the Lord guides us along the path to becoming business owners and employers (or if you already fall into that category), King Uzziah's experience offers a cautionary tale.
King Uzziah was a man helped mightily by God. And as long as He sought the face of God on things, he experienced great success.
However, he eventually became proud and decided that he, and not the temple priests, would light a censer at God's altar.
Now, the priests balked at this idea. High priest Azariah and 80 others confronted Uzziah. They explained that only the descendants of Aaron were allowed by God to do what he wanted to do. They told the king, "...leave the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful and you will not be honored by the Lord God." (2 Chronicles 26:18).
Instead of listening to those who had hands-on experience, Uzziah got mad and raged at the priests. All this drama went on in the Lord's Temple. It all came to an abrupt end, however, when God afflicted the king with leprosy on his forehead (2 Chronicles 26:19).
If only King Uzziah had listened to the priests. They warned him that he would not be honored by God and so it was. The priests understood the real consequences of what the king was trying to do. After all, two of their own lost their lives for not obeying God's strict instructions during the time of Moses (Leviticus 10:1-2). They understood how things worked in the temple but the king, in his pride, neglected to honor them with a listening ear.
As believers, we must equally learn to listen to others even if they appear to be beneath us in power and rank. This does not change our responsibility to primarily listen to and follow the Lord's guidance. Yet, we must realize God can and does use the lowly to instruct the powerful.
King Uzziah was a proud man who'd known nothing but success because God's hand had been upon him for his good. He sadly forgot to fear God and allow Him to use others to steer him aright.
May we not make such a mistake when we reach the stage of having experienced God's continuous favor in our businesses and careers. May we be humble enough to listen to others and not disregard godly counsel. May we never allow pride to lead to God's punishment, IJMN, Amen.
Here are some related posts to consider:
May we not make such a mistake when we reach the stage of having experienced God's continuous favor in our businesses and careers. May we be humble enough to listen to others and not disregard godly counsel. May we never allow pride to lead to God's punishment, IJMN, Amen
Amen! I have been studying the books of Kings and Chronicles for the past few months and so many of the lessons and principles from them can (and should) be applied to or businesses and careers.
May God help us to lead with humility and always seek His guidance. In Jesus' name, Amen.