We are encouraged to set goals in every area of our lives. These goals provide us a focus on how we should invest our time, talents and efforts.
King Nebuchadnezzar was a leader who had achieved great success. In Daniel 4:22 Daniel depicts him as a man who had become great and grown strong, and whose majesty had become great and reached to the sky and whose dominion extended to the ends of the earth. In today’s terms he had arrived.
However, he had a major character flaw. He was prideful and attributed all his success to himself. Daniel confronted him in Daniel 4:24-29. He warned the king that the Most High God is the true ruler and it is He who bestows success on whomever He wishes.
Like many successful men, the king had a blind spot and refused to acknowledge his pride. Twelve months after receiving this warning, the king was looking at his royal residence and boasted that he had built it by his might and for the glory of his majesty. (Daniel 4:30-33) God’s judgement was swift and he was driven away from mankind until he came to his senses.
We are admonished in Deuteronomy 8:18 to remember that it is the Lord our God who gives us the power to succeed. Nebuchadnezzar chose to ignore this principle. The wise man watches for pitfalls ahead and makes plans to avoid them. Pride is a pitfall that we must all be alert to in our daily lives.
Who do you give the credit to if you receive a promotion, get recognized as Employee of the Month, close a significant sale, graduate from high school or college, are elected to a political office or experience any recognition?
The Nebuchadnezzar Syndrome is pride. It is failing to give God and others credit for my success.