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The Tower Of Babel – A Lesson For Unity!

In our present age, unity seems a laughable goal to the cynical. Even in the Lord’s church, division seems to surround us. But does this mean that God has asked something of His children, which cannot be achieved?

Paul tells us that unity is indeed necessary (Ephesians 4:1-6), but if we unite in error, then the failure of our striving is certain. This principle can indeed be seen in the results of the construction of the Tower of Babel, which occurred near the dawn of civilization.

Looking at Genesis 11:1-6:

“Now the whole earth had one language and one speech ….. 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. But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. And the LORD said, Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.“

The Purpose Of The Tower

Let us note that the purpose of this tower was two-fold: (1) It was built to make a name for themselves (for their own glory), and (2) It was built to avoid being scattered over the earth. Remember that God had previously commanded this people to spread, multiply, and “fill the earth” (Genesis 9:1).

It is obvious that their intentions were to disobey a direct command of God. Moreover, their attitudes were in direct conflict with the humble spirit which seeks God’s glory and not its own (1 Peter 5:5-6). Consequently, God frustrated their efforts and fulfilled His own purpose by confusing their languages.

The lesson is, that if we seek to unite ourselves under a banner that is contrary to God’s will, not only will we not have God’s approval, but our efforts will be destined for failure.

Still another powerful point, is that a common language is essential to the success of a united effort. While they had one language and one mind, nothing would be withheld from them (Genesis 11:6). However, once their languages were confused, the people quickly disbanded and were scattered (Genesis 11:9).

Paul Addresses The Principle Of Unity

In the New Testament, Paul notes this same principle of unity, as he addresses the Corinthian brethren in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13:

“Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Now I say this, that each of you says, I am of Paul, or I am of Apollos, or I am of Cephas, or I am of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?“

A Contrast Of Unity Versus Disunity

Note the contrast of having one mind and language which empowered the children of Babel, versus not having one mind and being divided, crippling the church at Corinth. The Corinthian church had divided into groups, which were named after men.

Paul points out two fundamental flaws in their “denominations”: (1) Christ is not divided against Himself, so why should His body be? (Luke 11:17-18; Ephesians 1:22-23); (2) the leader of a group must be able to save the group.

If the men these groups followed were not their savior, and if they were not baptized in their name, then why were they dividing and wearing these men’s names instead of the One in whose name alone is salvation? (Acts 4:10-12).

If it was unacceptable and erroneous for the Corinthian church to be divided, wearing the names of men and following men, then will we be found acceptable before God if we divide into similar denominations today?

Conclusion:

Brethren, Genesis 11:6 gives us a divine commentary on the potential of a united human effort. Again, let us note what God said:

“Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.“

If we would seek the same unity as the children of Babel by seeking God’s will and His glory, rather than our own, then what would the limit of our achievements be for the Lord and His church? Through His inspired Word, God tells us that even the sky would not be a limit.