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I remember as a kid sitting in Sunday school class with a flannel board in front of me as our teacher told us the story of the Tower of Babel. She told us that the people built the tower so they could reach heaven and see God. For years I believed that to be true
I mean it made sense right. The bible is filled with amazing stories and facts; a talking donkey, a great flood, a chariot of fire (not the movie), Jesus' birth and resurrection and the list goes on.What towers (monuments) are we building to ourselves so we can brag about our achievements? Or are we giving God all the credit?
But later I learned the real reason why the people tried to build such a great tower and it wasn't so they could see God. Sorry Mrs. Sunday School Teacher. To find the real reason for their tower building efforts we need to look closely at what Genesis 11:1-4 says;
Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As men moved eastward, they found a plain in Shina and settled there. They said to each other, "Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly." They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 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."
Did you catch it? The reasons for their tower was so they could boast, brag of their own achievements, to give praise to themselves not God. In other words they were building a moment to none other then...themselves. I can relate, I know I've built some whoppers (not the burger) of a tower in my life boasting of my achievements. Talk about a self centered attitude. What's really crazy is the fact it was a whole city of people and it took place not long after the flood.
God had just finished destroying the world with a massive flood and began the process of rebuilding and what happens...man comes along and thinks he can do a better job.
So what about us youth workers today? What towers (monuments) are we building to ourselves so we can brag about our achievements? Or are we giving God all the credit? Do you view the growth (numerical or spiritual) based on what YOU have done in the ministry? Are your Facebook, Twitter, blog, and/or youth group website being used as a tower of achievement or a tool to present the gospel and what God is doing in and through the youth ministry? With so many networking tools available online today many of us, including myself, are taking advantage of these tools so we can share and get the word out about our ministries and even our private life. But how quickly do we get caught up and forget to share what God is doing and get The Word out.
Students and parents, what monuments are you building (material stuff, status among friends, career) to call attention to yourself and are they taking the place of God in your life?
The people of Babel chose to make bricks (fragile) instead of use stone (solid) to build their tower. Our achievements in youth ministry and life should be built on the solid foundation of Christ, not the fragile things of this world. So what towers are you babbling about lately and is God the builder?
@Jay - Many churches, ministries and individuals deal with this issue. We tend to forget that everything we do is for the glory of God. I pray this article continues to encourage you as well as others.
Brian Ford 6:01:24pm on 1/14/2009
OffensiveI'm saving this one. You would not believe how much it applies to my church. Yes it is personally convicting as well, but REALLY you have no idea how much it applies to the mindset here in our fancy building. I wish I could forward it to certain ones or just read it from behind the pulpit, but that day will never come. Great application!
Jay 11:01:00am on 1/14/2009
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