3 Lessons from the Tower of Babel
By Clarence L. Haynes Jr.
“The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.” - Genesis 11:6
I recently went into a store to purchase a duffle bag, and because of the size of the store, I could not find it. I asked a clerk for help locating the duffle bag aisle, but I discovered he did not speak English. The language barrier between us created a problem because we could not understand each other. He eventually found another employee who could understand, and once we were on the same page speaking the same language, he led me right to what I was looking for.
In Genesis 11, we encounter the Tower of Babel. This is a remarkable event that illustrates what can happen when there is unity, a common language, and a common purpose. God acknowledged when people work together with a shared language and goal, nothing is impossible. This profound verse teaches us valuable lessons about the significance of unity, communication, and the limitless possibilities that arise when we align ourselves with God's purposes.
Three lessons from the Tower of Babel:
1. Unity Matters
There is incredible power in a unified body. Imagine what a church or any group of believers can accomplish when they set aside personal agendas, preferences, and differences. Imagine this same body focused solely on the work of God’s kingdom for God’s glory. Can you see the influence a group of believers like this can have on our society? The impact is limitless.
However, this only works if we unite around the right things. As great as unity is, if we unite around the wrong causes or agendas, we can still have a significant influence. It will just be in the wrong direction. This happened at the Tower of Babel. That’s why we must unite around God’s Word, kingdom, and glory. As followers of Christ, here are some things we should unite around.
- Loving God with all our hearts
- Loving our neighbors as ourselves
- Kindness and compassion towards one another
- Being willing to show grace and extend forgiveness
- Being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry
- Pursuing righteousness and holiness
I could go on, but if we just did these things, then we would become a formidable force that can bring change to this world. A unity based solely on our shared faith in Jesus Christ, where he is the most important common ground, will transcend our culture. This is a language every follower of Christ should want to speak.
2. Communication Matters
Communication is a vital element if we are going to break down barriers and become one. For communication to work, it is important to focus on what you say and how you say it. In the story of the Tower of Babel, their unified voice allowed them to accomplish great things.
As followers of Christ, we must communicate with God and those around us, whether they are fellow believers or not. We need to establish clear channels of communication with God through prayer and the study of His Word. These are the essential building blocks of cultivating a relationship with Him. As we align our hearts with His purposes, we become attuned to His guidance and direction. This sets the stage for how we communicate with each other. If you are in tune with the Holy Spirit, you will communicate with others in love and humility. You will listen attentively and speak with grace.
In case you haven’t noticed, the world is watching. They desperately need to see Christians who can engage in open and honest communication. Christians who seek to understand each other's perspectives and who encourage one another. Christians who resolve conflicts and who remain unified, even when there are differences of opinion. Differences don’t destroy us, but choosing to divide over those differences will. We have shown the world that for too long; it’s time we turn the page and change that narrative.
3. Unity + Communication = Unlimited Possibilities
A unified body that embraces genuine communication leads to unlimited possibilities. These are not my words. They come straight from the mouth of God. The verse in Genesis reveals that nothing is beyond our limits if we lay down our differences to go after them. But the reverse of this is also true. If we continue to hold on to differences that divide us, then we won’t accomplish anything of value for the kingdom of God. I am not saying things won’t get done, they just won’t have any real eternal value.
Intersecting faith and life:
As a practical application for today, there is one question I want you to consider. Are you willing to lay aside temporary differences to accomplish something of eternal value? How you answer that question tells you everything you need to know about what really matters to you.
Further Reading:
- 5 Steps the Church Must Take for Post-Election Unity
- 15 Verses to Inspire Us to Pursue Unity
- 5 Biblical Ways to Love Those You Disagree With
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Sergio-Delle-Vedove
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