By Reynante M. Trinidad
Faith + Care Life Ministries
Published on: August 4, 2025
📖 Key Verse:
“Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves…”
— Genesis 11:4 (NIV)
The Tension Behind Big Dreams
We all have dreams — some of them bold and audacious.
You might be praying for a new opportunity, a platform to influence others, a breakthrough in ministry, or a deeply personal hope you’ve carried for years.
And there’s nothing wrong with praying big prayers.
But before any dream becomes a reality, here’s a soul-searching question worth asking:
A Heart Question to Reflect On
“Am I pursuing this to impress others?
To satisfy my personal desires?
Or do I genuinely long to use this to welcome people and connect them to Jesus?”
This question is what separates Babel builders from Kingdom carriers.
The Tower of Babel – Ambition Without Surrender
In Genesis 11, the people came together to build a tower to the heavens — a monument to “make a name for themselves.”
But it wasn’t just a tower.
It was an altar to self-glory.
A symbol of pride, built on independence from God.
God didn’t destroy it with fire — He simply confused their language and scattered their plans.
Because unity without obedience still leads to ruin.
A Modern Parallel: Everest Ambition
Climbing Mount Everest is one of the world’s most prestigious achievements.
Yet over 300 climbers have died trying to reach the summit — their bodies still remain, frozen in place.
And still, people climb.
Why?
For some, it’s purpose.
For others, it’s pride.
This is the spirit of Babel in modern form — ambition without surrender, achievement without accountability.
It’s not wrong to reach high.
But if you’re stepping over humility, prayer, or obedience to reach a platform, title, or spotlight —
you may be climbing Babel, not following Christ.
A Kingdom Perspective
God isn’t against big dreams — He often plants them in us.
But He’s always after the why behind the what.
He’s not impressed by how high you climb — but by how low you bow.
Ask yourself:
Is this dream about making my name known, or lifting Jesus higher?
Am I more concerned with success, or with staying in God’s will?
If no one ever notices what I built, would I still be content if God is pleased?
A Prayer of Surrender
Lord, search and purify my desires.
If I’m building anything for my own honor, tear it down.
If I’m climbing for applause, humble me.
I surrender every dream — big or small — into Your hands.
Let my life be a platform for Your presence, not my pride.
Not my will, but Yours be done. Amen.
Faith Declaration
I will not climb Babel. I will walk with Christ.
I choose obedience over recognition, purpose over pride, and surrender over self-glory.
My dream is not to be famous — my calling is to be faithful.
My name doesn’t need to be known — only Jesus’.
Let every answered prayer point people to Him, not to me.
Final Encouragement
Your dreams matter — but they matter most when they are surrendered to God.
Before you build anything this season, ask the Lord to examine your foundation.
Because it’s not about how high you climb — it’s about who you’re lifting as you rise.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”
— Psalm 127:1
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🏷️ Tags:
Faith and Ambition, Devotional, Tower of Babel, Purpose vs Pride, Biblical Teaching, Surrender, Christian Living