Making a Name

“And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4

After the flood, God had given Noah the command to replenish the earth (Genesis 9:1). God wanted the people to spread out across the whole world, but they did not want to do that. They decided to build a large city where they could all dwell together. We don’t know exactly why they feared the task of settling the vast landscape that spread before them in all directions, but this passage tells us a bit about their motives. The builders of Babel were concerned with making a name for themselves. They imagined a thriving city surrounding an enormous tower reaching to heaven. It is likely that this tower had religious meaning for these people, and it is easy to see the spiritual significance of the erroneous idea that man can make his own way to heaven; but it is clear in this verse that their goal was to be known for their accomplishments.

It is easy to employ the same mindset today. We are naturally concerned about our reputations. We want others to think highly of us, and we work hard to make good impressions. However, this approach to life is exactly the opposite of what Jesus did when he walked this earth. Philippians 2:7 tells us that He made himself of no reputation. Luke 19:10 says that He came to seek and to save that which was lost. We would be more like Jesus if we focused on making a difference in the lives of others rather than on making a name for ourselves.