Reaching for the Stars
Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth." Genesis 11:4 ESV
Reflection
Each year, golfers from all over the world converge on one of England's, Northern Ireland's, or Scotland's many prestigious coastal links golf courses to compete in golf's oldest tournament, the Open Championship. The field consists of one hundred and fifty-six golfers, which includes a handful of amateurs, who battle each other and the elements for four rounds over four days, all with the hope of earning the distinction of "Champion Golfer of the Year" and having their name memorialized forever etched into the tournaments prized Claret Jug.
For a few golfers, winning the Major Tournament is yet another accomplishment in an already impressive golf career; for most, victory can signify a rise from obscurity to international fame and notoriety, a sure way to make a name for oneself in the sporting community.
Biblical Application
Sometime after the flood, Humankind again established itself and began migrating east toward a plain in the land of Shinar. (Gen 11:1-2) There, they sought to do something extraordinary. The Biblical story states:
Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth." (Gen 11:4 ESV)
One might ask, what was wrong with building a tower to the heavens?
Their sin was not necessarily the act of building the tower; their sin was in their motivation for doing so: pride. Their desire to make a name for themselves contradicted their intended purpose of being God's image bearers (Gen 1:27) and for Humankind to spread and fill the earth. (Gen. 1:29). Humankind was created to reflect God's glory, not their own. With their aspirations of greatness, their pride caused them to seek their destiny and abandon God's will and direction for their lives.
There is nothing wrong with seeking to accomplish great things with our gifts and talents, especially when success reflects hard work, dedication and sacrifice. Let's face it: we have been told to reach for the stars since childhood. However, we must always be sure that our motivations align with God's will and that our success ultimately gives Him the glory.
Explore the Word
Prayer
Lord, thank you for my many gifts and talents. Root out every ounce of pride from my life, Lord and let every motivation of my heart and act of my hand be to give you glory. Amen.
Yours in Christ,
Brad
