Building Significance

Today's scripture reading came from Genesis 11. It's the story of the Tower of Babel. I've read this passage many times before, which is why I think going through the Bible in a systematic manner is so helpful. It gives an opportunity for my to revisit some passages with fresh eyes. And that's exactly what happened today.

Verse 4 reads:
And they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth."

The phrase "let us make a name for ourselves" resonated with me. I think Christians, including young adults are looking for a way to make a name for ourselves. We have dreams and plans of being the best at something or even famous. But what we are really trying to build is significance.

Everyone wants to feel significant. We want to feel important and unique in the sea of humanity in this world. As a matter of fact, longing for significance is a natural, human desire. No one wants to feel unimportant.

The problem arises when we attempt to create that significance for ourselves. When we bake bricks to build our own tower, trying to reach heaven with our own human self-effort. Our tower building efforts come from the fact that we need to be significant.

The sad reality is that we are significant. We are extremely important to God. He loves us and cares for us. He watches over us and protects us. And wants to bestow on us significance. He wants to give us meaning.

We have to actively resist building our own significance. It may be tempting and the fear of being scattered is high, but all our significance is in Jesus. Find your name in His kingdom, not with your own strength.

-Terri J. Haynes