Uzziah, son of Amaziah, King of Judah, appeared to be headed toward a successful and godly reign. “He sought God in the days of Zechariah…and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper” (II Chron. 26:5). “God helped him against the Philistines” and other surrounding nations until “his name spread abroad…for he strengthened himself” (vs. 7-8).
Progress in many areas
As the years went by, he strengthened the defenses of Jerusalem and built towers in the desert for defense against marauding tribes. He reorganized and expanded the army until there were 307,500 “that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy” (vs.11-13). Furthermore, Uzziah provided for them all the latest in military hardware and placed special weapons in Jerusalem “invented by cunning men…and his name spread far abroad; for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong” (vs. 14-15).
Uzziah also was intent on improving the food-producing capabilities of the nation. He “digged many wells,” developed vast herds of cattle and restored vineyards throughout the mountains of Judah “for he loved husbandry” (vs. 10).
But where was spiritual help for his people?
No religious revival
In spite of Uzziah’s widely varied endeavors, there could be no doubt he was headed for failure before God. It is a characteristic of all true believers that they are vitally concerned for the spiritual welfare of others. To a person, they use any position of influence they have for eternal good.
Israel’s national father, Abraham, won the confidence of angels because “He will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment” (Gen. 18:19).
God took David “from following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance” (Psa. 78:71). Here was the prototype ruler of God’s people. He was not known for his agricultural developments or building projects. He was known for his revival and reorganization of the worship of Yahweh and his psalms that still enlighten the mind and feed the inner man. This is the kind of shepherding God wanted and which David did: “So he [David] fed them [Israel] according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands” (v.72).
Asa, who “did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father” (I Kgs. 15:11), initiated a great rededication of all the people he could influence (II Chron. 15:8-9). His son, Jehoshaphat, did likewise, sending princes and Levites to “teach in the cities of Judah” from “the book of the law of the LORD” (II Chron. 17:7,9).
Uzziah’s end predictable
In spite of his strength and prestige, Uzziah did not learn from faithful forebears to use his opportunity for the spiritual welfare of the people. His neglect of this area revealed he did not love God with his heart, soul, mind and spirit. It is thus no surprise to read: “When he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God” in arrogantly forcing his way into the sanctuary to burn incense, a function delegated by God to the anointed priests (H Chron. 26:16-21).
“And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death…he was cut off from the house of the LORD” (v.21).
Our own sphere of influence
We do not have the influence of a king over a nation or a patriarch over his people, yet virtually every one of us has a sphere of influence.
Many of us belong to ecclesias in which we have opportunity to make great impact. While we may not be involved in the more conspicuous functions, our attitude and example can be vital. The most effective exhortations are those we see. The loving care for the elderly or the faithful endurance of financial loss can have great impact on others. Our love exhorts them to do likewise; our faith encourages them to trust in God.
Most of us belong to families. This provides a natural sphere of influence whether we are parents, children, grandparents, aunts, cousins, etc. By their daily conversations and on-going attitudes, husbands and wives have great impact on each other and obviously on their children. What is sometimes not recognized is the influence children can have for good or bad on their parents and siblings, no matter how old they are. In addition, two-worker homes give opportunity to the extended family to care for grandchildren, nieces and nephews when they can greatly influence the young minds.
All of us have people who look to us for examples. The 22-year old is looked to as a role-model by the 17-year olds and the 17-year olds by the 13-year olds.
How we influence others
Yes, we have opportunity, but how can we use it to influence others in spiritual matters? All we have to do is think of how others impact us to realize how we can influence others.
Taking the negative side first, we know how we are dispirited by hostility or neglect. If we are ill and no one calls or sends a card, we feel others care little whether we live or die. Sometimes brethren have their own pet project and, if we don’t support it, they ignore us, treating us as if our spiritual welfare is of no concern.
There are other things on the negative side: The worldliness of another can dampen our own resolve to live the Truth. Those who persistently miss meetings weaken our determination to be active. Our conviction is eroded by those who doubt the Bible.
Looking at the negative makes it easier to see how we can have a positive impact on those in our sphere of influence. Our own commitment to the Truth helps them to remain firm. Good quality Bible exposition is important as it feeds their souls. We need to remember that we are people of the Book which provides us the bread and water of life. Our loving concern for others greatly encourages their spirits.
Our enthusiastic support for ecclesial activities motivates others to do the same. In respect to this last item, consider what a difference it makes to the family if the 15-year old wants to attend ecclesial functions. All by himself, he can transform the attendance of the whole family.
Unlike Uzziah, let us make full use of our opportunities to influence others for good, looking forward to the day when we can dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One