God's Common Grace

It just hit me tonight while reading that there are many legitimate reasons for God to strike me down daily because of my rebellion against Him. This was brought to mind because of 2 Chronicles 26 and the life of King Uzziah. The scripture says that he did was right in the eyes of the Lord (26:4). The Lord blessed Uzziah and he became quite famous and powerful. However, in his growing fame and power he forgot who had blessed him with said fame and power. Uzziah becomes extremely prideful and self-centered. He figuratively spits in God's face by entering the temple and burning incense where only the priests were supposed to be. He was essentially saying that he was so great that he was above the order that the Lord had set up for the temple. This infuriates the Lord who strikes Uzziah with leprosy. He lived the rest of his days as a leper in isolation. This is very eye opening to me because of the fact that I constantly take credit for things and talents that the Lord has blessed me with. I think if we are truly honest with ourselves we will see that we are often guilty of this same sin. I know I am. Obviously this is speculation, but judging by 26:4, I would assume that Uzziah was a true Christian. I obviously don't know this for sure and an easily as convincing argument could be made that he wasn't a Christian because he didn't finish the race strong, to paraphrase the Apostle Paul. Either way, saved or not, God has every right to do the same to me for the arrogance and pride that I show Him by taking credit for His work. It is also amazing that He leaves people like me down here who spend more time glorifying themselves then their Creator. This is the Lord's common grace to mankind. We all deserve to be experiencing eternal torment right now instead of the beauty and blessings of this earth due to our rebellion against God. I am so blessed to serve an incredibly gracious and forgiving God. I deserve nothing that I have here on earth, nor any blessings that I will receive in Heaven. Next time you find yourself wanting to complain or you're tempted to take the glory for something that you have no business boasting about, remember that you are spitting in the face of our Redeemer. He sent his Son to bear His wrath that we deserved to take. Every time I complain, Jesus bore the Father's wrath for that sin. Every time I glorify myself and attempt to steal glory from my Heavenly Father, Jesus bore the Father's wrath for that sin. What an amazing God we serve! I hope this post doesn't cause you to beat yourself up over your sin, but to rejoice in your Savior! Live life for His glory alone - Soli Deo gloria!