I went back to the beginning – to Genesis – to slowly journal through the old testament. I was prepared to be bored (sorry God) since I’ve read Genesis many times…..I thought I had the gist of it. Not even close….I found my pen flying across the paper with verses and stories completely relevant to my own life in 2012.
The story of the Tower of Babel instantly stood out. I knew this was the story of God confusing language and scattering people throughout the earth. But I had not focused on the biggest part of the story – the WHY. Why did God do this?
The people of Babel were building the greatest tower ever seen…..a true wonder of the world. They wanted everyone to immediately understand their importance. They were saying, “Look at me and all that I have achieved.” But it was a monument to the people themselves – not to God.
It made me consider the types of personal monuments we build in today’s world to convey our significance. What do we use to call attention to ourselves or our accomplishments……house, car, clothes, job, other “things”? If we do, what does this say? Is this how we build our identity or self-worth?
Are we defining ourselves by our towers and monuments instead of through God?
Genesis 11:4 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”
1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
GUIDED FROM ABOVE 