Hab2:9 “Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, setting his nest on high to escape the clutches of ruin!
In world history, Roman empire, Greecian empire, Persian empire, the Caliphate, Mongol empire and the British empire are regarded as one of the strongest empires in history. The rise of most of these empires was because someone wanted to dominate and rule the then known world. The conquest of a strong military leader or king determines who rules. Beneath the desire to rule, there was also a desire to amass wealth to expand the empire's strength and influence but all these empires fell.
Are you also building your own empire? I don't mean physical building but a lifestyle that seeks to grow in influence and affluence in an ungodly way. It also includes being greedy for gain so as to stay relevant. God knew that human empires don't last because the motive behind them stems from self that was why he declared a woe on those that build unjustly. It is possible to be in church and start building empire by playing dirty politics. What about the 'pull him down syndrome' in your life? You try to discredit everyone around you so that you alone can stand commendable in the eyes of all.
You need to evaluate your life constantly to know where your heart is. If everything you claim you're doing for God is for self glorification and for personal gain, that empire will crash soon. God can work on your heart through His word so that your thoughts can align properly to His ways and will. We all need to constantly tell God to build us into the house where His presence can dwell unhindered rather than trying to build our empire in an ungodly way. Every human empire will fall but God's will shall prevail.
Father, purge my heart. Demolish the empire i'm building for myself and build me to become a house where your presence can dwell unhindered in Jesus name.