A Lesson from the Tower of Babel

We all have a desire to be known; God gave it to us. That desire is so strong that if it is not directed toward God, it can be much abused. If we pursue that desire without regard to our maker and those around us, we will cross a critical boundary that will harm us. When, however, we seek God and make him the object of our affections and ambitions, we can fulfill that desire to be known. Just to be known by God is the greatest gift in life. It is through this intimacy that we find purpose and meaning in life. Paul states this for us in these words: “The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God” (1 Cor 8:2-3).

In the book of Genesis, the people attempted to build a tower that reached the heavens. The problem with the tower was what it represented for the originators. Its builders saw God like other gods. The tower itself was their god, one they could control. This is the weakness of human religion—the desire for self-advancement. By our good works, we believe we can make ourselves more holy. This is the delusion of every religion in the world except for Christianity. The Gospel teaches us that we are saved by grace through faith and not of our works.

The builders of the tower were also driven by the ambition of making a name for themselves. This force drives people of every walk of life to be known. Some people will endure shame or disgrace for the opportunity to make a name—even if it is momentary. This drive to make a name for ourselves can cause us to lose our integrity and compromise our values. The desire to make a name for ourselves drives us to lie to exalt ourselves, to imitate others that we admire, assume a different identity, and worst of all to seek our own glory.

In the book of Jeremiah, we are told that seeking our glory is not a good idea, “Should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not.” (Jer 45:5). This is similar to Jesus’ words to us: “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it” (Mark 8:35).

The tower of Babel ended in confusion and chaos because the people tried to displace God. When we forget God or attempt to replace him with our own creations, we invite chaos and disaster. The best way to enjoy life and find the highest meaning here on this planet is to love God and be known by Him.