The Problem With Success

Megalomania:
-Obsession with the exercise of power, especially in regards to the domination of others.
- Delusion about one's own power or importance.

"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
Proverbs 16:18

How would you describe success?

Webster's says this: 
The accomplishment of an aim or purpose, the attainment of popularity or profit.
Synonyms: prosperity, affluence, wealth, riches, opulence.The website, I AM SECOND, actually lists “Success” as a stumbling block, along with addictions, emotional dysfunctions, etc..
Who doesn't want to be"successful"?
The defination in Webster's definition sounds great;
there is nothing wrong with any facet of success, in and of itself.

The problem with success lies with what is going on in the heart of the sucessful.

David and Solomon started out great, their hearts were fixed on abiding with God and obeying Him, but as they grew more and more successful
pride grew in their hearts and they got their priorities all mixed up. 
They came to think that they were actually the ones pulling the strings;
they thought they actually were in charge,
instead of the King of the Universe.
They began to scorn God's word.

The resulting consequences were ugly.

There is nothing new under the sun.
Success has a way of puffing up those who have been blessed.
The challenge of those blessed with success is to pursue humility, recognizing that God is higher than they are, and is the One from whom all blessings flow.

"Do nothing out of vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."
Phil. 2:3
Scorn not God, or success itself, but rather scorn the worship of success-
be vigilant and don't let it become an idol.

The pride of success brings a downfall,

but as we walk in humility before the LORD- keeping Him alone preeminent, beloved, He  promises to lift us up.