Stay On Yo' Side

Day 206:  Job 19 & 2 Chronicles 26

My daughter used to watch this youtube "celebrity" named GloZell.  She is crazy.  (I would put the youtube link on here but I'm pretty sure my mom would click on it and I'd get an email about how disturbing the video was - so, if you're clever enough I'll let you find it if you choose and avoid the email.)  GloZell had an episode where she was driving and all the sudden scream (in her car with the windows up) "Stay on yo' side!" to an oncoming vehicle.  I have to admit that it was pretty funny and for weeks after my daughter showed Andi and I this episode whenever we felt someone was getting too close on the road, in the house, car or on the couch we'd yell out, "Stay on yo' side!"

In today's reading a man named Uzziah has succeeded his father as king of Judah and, unlike his father followed God in all he did.  At least for awhile.  The text says that when he was "greatly helped (by God) until he became powerful."  And then later, "his pride led to his downfall."

King Uzziah loved the soil and had vast gardens and lots of herds and flocks and had his servants dig many cisterns to water the earth and the animals.  But he was also an inventor.  He invented some clever defense systems which would allow archers to shoot from the walls and towers and even large stones to be hurled off them.  

But king Uzziah got so impressed with himself that he thought he was capable of doing everything.  He got so good at being the leader of God's people he thought he could be their spiritual leader as well.  So, despite God's law that only a priest (tribe of Levi) could enter the Temple to make sacrifices, Uzziah took oil and marched into the Temple of God to burn incense on the alter.

God had gifted and blessed Uzziah to lead His people as king, but NOT as priest.  When Uzziah tried to operate outside of his wheel-house things went downhill quick.  This happens in the church and in our lives quite often.  Preachers and leaders who are successful in the areas God has gifted them can wrongly assume that they are gifted in all areas.  People who serve in one capacity and do well can then begin to direct others.  For leaders, it is difficult at times to stay focused on what we're to do and not wander across the line into someone else's territory.

So here's the rule, Stay On Yo' Side.  If God has gifted you to lead a small group lead that group well and stay on yo side.  If your gifting is generosity give well but stay on yo side.  If it's preaching find others to lead where you are not gifted so you can stay on yo side.

We honor God when we serve in the way He has gifted but when we begin to horn in on other's role or take more responsibility than He has given we begin to get into trouble.  So here's the rule for every person in ministry or leadership - stay on yo side and God will bless you.  Stay humble and God will bless you.  Stay focused on your task and God will bless you.