BIBLICAL EXAMPLE OF MIS-DIRECTED CREATIVITY- TOWER OF BABEL Genesis 11:1-9

After the Genesis flood, descendants of Noah embarked on a project which has intrigued Bible readers. With great creativity they built a city and tower of such significance that the Lord Himself came down to see it. (4000 BC or earlier). Many cities and towers have been built since then, but no people have created the problem found at Babel. What was wrong? The problem lay not in their creativity – this was great. The gigantic tower became the model for other significant towers. The problem lay in their motivation and purpose: “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches into the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth” (verse 4). They wanted to make for themselves a name – to create this gigantic structure to establish their importance in the eyes of men and even God. The city and the tower would tie them together into a solid group, assuring themselves of the strength that comes from unity, so that they might be powerful – even without God’s help. The city and tower would not only tie them together, but also be a monument to their creativity and self-sufficiency without God. But God understood the motives and selfish plans of these rebellious people, and immediately stepped in with the thing they feared the most. By confusing their language so that people groups could not understand each other, He broke down their communication and hence their unity, collective strength and creativity. They could no longer build and function together, so different people groups moved away to establish their own communities. The Lord thus thwarted their purpose, and proceeded to accomplish His own will.

CREATIVITY IN OUR LIVES –

God desires us to practice and grow in the Christlike character quality of creativity. He desires us to use our talents and resources for good. But like the people of Babel, we can get involved in creative projects and practices contrary to God’s will. The projects and practices may be popular, legal, or even socially and politically acceptable; but they are not acceptable to God. How can we know if a project displeases God? How can we decide if we should continue or abandon a particular project? For example, many states have lotteries to raise finances for education and government projects. Should we purchase lottery tickets to support these works?

The Fig Test:

Faith (Romans 14:23)

If we doubt the value of our work — if it causes someone to weaken in his faith –don’t do it.

Inspiration (II Timothy 3:16)

Principles in God’s Word help us evaluate our projects. In the lottery question, for example, we can apply Luke 16:10-11 and realize that being unfaithful with our money may prevent God from entrusting to us the more important things.

Glorify (I Corinthians 10:31)

The apostle, Paul, said we are to glorify and honor God in everything we do.

How are we doing in our lives? Are we using our creativity in ways pleasing to God?

CREATIVITY IN MY LIFE THIS WEEK –

Spend a few minutes in personal reflection:

• Ask the Lord to help you evaluate your work at home and away with the fig test.
• Ask Him to show you any project displeasing to Him.
• Commit to abandoning every project failing the fig test and displeasing Him.
• Ask a trusted friend to help you.