Many kings of The Old Testament started off well, but did not finish well. “…So his fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped till he became strong. But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction….” 2 Chronicles 26:15-16. Uzziah became strong in his own strength, pride took hold and he desecrated the Temple of God, sickness came upon him.

Christians today are going in the same direction. Look at what Christ said to the Churches in the book of Revelation. “I know your works.” You may have started off with passion and fire, but where are you today? Are you still in the race?

To finish well we must follow our King (Jesus Christ); get rid of the idols in our lives. An idol is anything that you put before the Lord. King Uzziah’s idol was himself. Are you putting yourself, man (doctor, pastor, friend, teacher, husband, wife, child), fear, worry, pets, worldly possessions, etc, before God? If so, repent and turn toward Him. Get back in the race.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1