Until He Became Strong...

Muhammad Ali has been called the Louisville Lip, and was always known for his pre-fight smack talk. Urban legend tells of his arrogance while flying on an airline to another venues. Before take off he had not fastened his seat belt. The flight attendant requested that he do so and Ali responded, "Superman don't need no seat belt." 
The flight attendant quipped right back "Superman don't need no airplane either." 

Arrogance is funny thing - it falsely insulates the bearer from perception. Perception of how the person is perceived by others, personal perception of personality flaws and can even insulate someone falsely from the dangers of harm. It also opens the door to poor behavior. 
I am reading through the Old Testament and came across this passage about Uzziah, one of the kings of Judah, in the southern dynasty after Israel divided. 2 Chronicles 26 lists many of the accomplishments of King Uzziah, then in verse 15 and 16 there is a shift. The Bible says, "Hence his fame spread afar, for he was marvelously helped until he was strong."

There are some fascinating insights in that short verse. The king's dependance was on the Lord much of his reign and then when his resolve upon God slackened he thought his strength was more in himself. Arrogance and pride comes before the fall. 2 Chronicles 26:16 continues, "But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the Lord his God...."  Those verses should easily lead one to prayer, that we should want to be strong in the Lord and not ourselves. Arrogance is a common hindrance because people have abilities and begin to serve in the flesh. 

Pray with me, "Father, help me to remain dependent on you and not to become arrogant in the things you've led me to do. Protect me from false insulation of pride so that you are glorified and my strength is in You."