Making a name for ourselves…
Tower of Babel, Genesis 11
Come, let's build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the sky. Let's make a name for ourselves; otherwise, we will be scattered throughout the earth." [1]
Years ago, I read this story with a different framework from what I am sharing today. In the past, I would read the "Tower of Babel" story in awe of what people could do if they came together in unity. Humans were working together to build something they thought would be great!
“The Lord said, "If they have begun to do this as one people all having the same language, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.”[2]
Those building the tower of Babylon's motive were to make a name for themselves. And yes, they would have achieved that goal together in unity. But is that what God wanted? If you continue to read the story, you will see that God saw what they were doing and confused their language so they couldn't continue with this self-motivated plan.
As I read this today in my bible reading plan, the true nature of the human heart hit me like a ton of bricks. It is in our nature to want to self-elevate and make a name for ourselves. Yet if we are in Christ, we can put on His nature. I loved when the Psalmist David prayed these words, "God create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me." [3]
May this be a daily prayer of our hearts as we plan our goals for the year.
Here are a few questions to ask ourselves:
What is the motive of my heart for this goal?
Is the motive of my heart truly God-honoring or self-honoring?
Will God receive glory out of this goal?
Will other lives be impacted for the greater good by achieving this?
As I walk through the assignment, I believe the Lord has for my life. These are the questions I have decided to ask myself. Let me know what you think, and let's move forward this year for the good of others and for the glory of God.
Love,
Jennifer
n Dt 1:28; 9:1; Ps 107:26
[1] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ge 11:4.
2 Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ge 11:6.
3 Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ps 51:10.