Genesis
11:1-4 (NIV)
1 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech.
2 As men moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled
there.
3 They said to each other, "Come, let's make bricks and bake
them thoroughly." They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar.
4 Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a
tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and
not be scattered over the face of the whole earth."
It happens
at the end of every semester, after every graduation, at every job fair, during
every political campaign season, people work over time trying to make a name
for themselves. Resumes are dressed up, new clothes are purchased,
imperfections are covered over, personal contacts are made so some one can make
a good impression, make themselves look good and hopefully stand out among the
field of those looking for work, to get elected. chosen, etc.
Now I am
not bashing all of this, but it seems to be that perhaps we have this whole
thing backwards. We work really hard at making a name for ourselves and often
times it causes us to embellish the truth, use deceptive words, make false
promises which all leads to confusion and a disintegration of our real
identity.
Those at
the tower of Babel thought it most wise to concern themselves with their own
reputation instead of God's. Take a look around at the result of such self
oriented lifestyles, confusion has reigned ever since. Nations cannot
understand each other, husbands and wives cannot seem to connect too often and
even best friends misunderstand each other. Oftentimes lasting friendships are
lost over the use of words where something else was meant, but confusion
reigned instead of communication.
Instead of
thinking of how they could make God's name famous those at the tower of Babel
were focused only on self. I want you to take a real good look at what happened
at the tower of Babel. When self ruled the day families were split apart, lives
were shattered, confusion became the rule of the day. There was much division.
So is
there an answer for this division brought about by the tower of Babel? The
Scriptures give us the answer very clearly in Matthew 6:33 "But
seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be
given to you as well."
If we will
make the kingdom of God our first concern and seek to make much of God we will
regain the joy lost at Babel. We will find joy where confusion reigned, we will
find harmony where there once was only discord.
Just a
thought for today, "Why not ask God to help you make much of Him and see
what might happen along the way today."
Now go out
and say a good word for Jesus
Seeking to
Make Much of Him,
Pastor Phil