How can we avoid the prideful self-reliance shown in Genesis 11:3? Setting the Scene “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” So they used brick instead of stone, and tar instead of mortar. – Genesis 11:3 In a single sentence, the people of Babel reveal hearts determined to engineer life on their own terms. God is nowhere in their planning; self is everywhere. Where Self-Reliance Takes Us • Elevates human ingenuity above God’s wisdom (Genesis 11:4) • Breeds insecurity that must be covered by bigger projects and louder boasts (Jeremiah 9:23) • Invites God’s loving but firm opposition: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6) Guardrails That Keep Pride in Check 1. Remember Who Builds • “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). • Before starting any plan, ask: Will this stand if God is not in it? 2. Trust Rather Than Lean • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Actively surrender the part of the plan that feels safest to handle yourself. 3. Abide, Don’t Strive • “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Prioritize time with Christ over tasks for Christ. The branch bears fruit only by staying connected. 4. Celebrate God’s Strength, Not Yours • “Let him who boasts boast in this: that he understands and knows Me” (Jeremiah 9:24). • Speak often of what God has done; speak little of what you have done. Daily Habits That Foster God-Dependence • Begin the day with open-handed prayer: “Lord, this schedule is Yours.” • Read a portion of Scripture before reading email or news. • Keep a running gratitude list; pride withers where thanksgiving grows. • Invite at least one trusted believer to ask you regularly, “Where are you leaning on yourself?” • End the day recounting specific moments God carried you (Philippians 4:13). Warning Signs of Creeping Babel-Thinking • Planning without prayer • Irritation when plans change (Psalm 46:10) • Secret relief when praise comes to you instead of God • Neglect of fellowship because “you’ve got this” Promises That Replace Pride With Peace • “Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). • “If My people…will humble themselves and pray…I will hear from heaven” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Putting It All Together Keep building, but build with God at the center. Trust His blueprint, use His materials, and give Him every headline. When He is the Architect, the tower rises for His glory, not ours—and pride has no bricks left to stack. |
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