We all have something we want to do that requires planning. Some say planning is important to ensure we get the right things done. That is true. We need a plan so we can accomplish what we want to do in our lives. However, the best laid plans still could go wrong. That is what happened to the people in the Bible who moved east to Babylonia.
In Genesis 11, the people decided they wanted to be famous and make a name for themselves so they began to build a tower so all the earth would look at them. God knew their pride and desire for power would only lead to further issues. So He stopped their plans, confused the people with different languages, and scattered them all over the world. Ironically, that was the exact reason the people wanted to build the tower…so they wouldn’t be scattered all over the earth.
How many times do we see people doing things to get attention? To be recognized or honored? Let’s be sure our motives are not to get noticed. Let’s choose to do God’s will so we can give Him the glory.
SCRIPTURE:
Genesis 11:4, 7-8 “And they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the sky. Let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise, we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth…(Then the Lord said) ‘Come, let Us go down there and confuse their language so that they will not understand one another’s speech.’ So from there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth, and they stopped building the city.’” (HCSB)
Psalm 33:10-11 “The Lord destroys the plans and spoils the schemes of the nations. But what the Lord has planned will stand forever. His thoughts never change.” (CEV)
ACTION STEPS:
1. Write what plans you have made lately.
2. List what part of your plans, if any, are in line with God’s will.
3. Pray asking God to reveal His plans to you.
4. Remember following your own plans will lead you away from God.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, we sometimes seek praise from others and want to be noticed by them. Remind us we are here to live only for You and follow Your plan. Keep us humble, Lord, so pride does not creep in allowing the devil to tempt us to follow our own desires. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
REMEMBER:
Proverbs 19:21 “Many plans are in a person’s heart, but the Lord’s decree will prevail.” (CSB)
Luke 1:51 “He has done mighty deeds by his power. He has scattered the people who are proud and think great things about themselves” (NCV)
John 5:44 “How can you believe when you receive praise from each other but don’t seek the praise that comes from the only God?” (CEB)
FOCUS:
Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (ESV)