When Ambition Rises Too High (Genesis 11:1–9)

Scripture of the Day: Genesis 11:1–9

11:4 “Come, let’s build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top reaches to the sky, and let’s make ourselves a name.”

11:6 “Behold, they are one people, and they all have one language.”

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Genesis 11 tells the story of a united people with a powerful idea. They shared one language and one vision: to build a city and a tower that reached the heavens. On the surface, it sounds impressive—teamwork, creativity, and ambition. But beneath their plan was a deeper motivation. They wanted to make a name for themselves. Instead of spreading across the earth as God had instructed, they chose to build upward for their own glory. This story invites us to look at our own ambitions and ask: who are we building for?

The people in Genesis 11 were not divided or scattered. They were unified, capable, and determined. “They are one people,” God observed. Unity is powerful. When people work together, incredible things can happen.

But unity alone is not enough. The direction of that unity matters.

The builders said, “Let’s make ourselves a name.” Their focus was on their reputation, their fame, their security. They wanted a tower “whose top reaches to the sky.” In their hearts, they were reaching for greatness without reference to God.

This story is not simply about architecture. It is about pride. Pride quietly shifts our focus from honoring God to elevating ourselves. It whispers that we can define success on our own terms.

God’s response was not random anger. It was protective. By confusing their language and scattering them, He redirected history. What they saw as interruption was actually mercy. A united humanity driven by pride would have drifted further from Him.

Sometimes in our own lives, plans fall apart. Communication breaks down. Opportunities change. We may feel frustrated or confused. Yet God sees the bigger picture. He knows when our towers are being built for the wrong reasons.

The image of the tower rising into the sky reminds us how impressive human effort can be. But no structure, achievement, or reputation can replace humble obedience.

God is not against creativity or progress. He is against pride that pushes Him aside.

The Tower of Babel teaches us to examine our motives. Are we building something to glorify ourselves? Or are we building in partnership with God?

True greatness begins with humility. When we build with God at the center, our lives become more than monuments to ourselves—they become testimonies of His grace.

Why did the people want to build the tower?

What does it mean to “make a name” for yourself?

Have you ever worked hard for something mainly to impress others?

How can ambition be good when it honors God?

What area of your life needs more humility right now?

Lord God, You are greater than any tower we could ever build. Forgive us when pride quietly shapes our plans and motives. Help us build lives that honor You rather than ourselves. Teach us humility in our successes and trust in our disappointments. When our plans change or fall apart, remind us that You are guiding history and shaping our hearts. May our work, our creativity, and our dreams reflect Your glory. Keep us close to You in all we build. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Take one goal you are working toward and ask yourself honestly: How can I pursue this in a way that honors God rather than myself?

Today's Free Printable

Genesis 11:1–9 – Tower of Babel Devotional Drawing Page

Genesis 11:1–9 – Tower of Babel Devotional Drawing Page

How to use this printable

How to Use This Printable as Part of a Devotional

This page is designed to fit naturally into personal, family, or group devotional time.
Rather than simply reading the passage, this approach invites you to slow down and engage
with Scripture visually and reflectively.

1. Begin With Stillness

Before reading, take a quiet moment. You may wish to sit in silence for 30–60 seconds,
pray briefly for understanding, or ask God to help you notice something meaningful.
Devotional drawing works best when unhurried.

2. Read the Scripture Slowly

Read the passage listed at the top of the page. If possible, read it once silently, then
read it again aloud. Pause between readings.

  • Notice words or phrases that stand out
  • Pay attention to emotions in the scene
  • Watch for actions, reactions, or surprises

3. Observe the Starter Image

Look carefully at the simple illustration on the page. It captures only part of the moment.
Consider what might be happening just outside the frame and what details the passage includes
that are not shown.

4. Draw as Reflection

Begin drawing the rest of the scene. As you draw, let it become part of your meditation on the
Scripture. There is no correct interpretation—the act of drawing helps you linger with the text.

  • Draw the environment or setting
  • Add other people in the story
  • Show movement or stillness
  • Use light, distance, or atmosphere to express meaning

5. Pause and Reflect

When you finish drawing, take another moment to reflect. You may find it helpful to ask:

  • What did I notice that I might have missed otherwise?
  • How does this scene reveal God’s character?
  • What does this moment teach about trust, obedience, fear, or faith?
  • How might this apply to my life today?

You can journal, pray, discuss, or sit quietly.

6. Close With Prayer

End your devotional by responding in prayer. You might thank God for what you noticed, ask for
strength related to the passage, or reflect on how the scene connects to your current season.

Using This in Different Devotional Settings

Personal Quiet Time

Use one page alongside your daily Scripture reading and return to it later in the day.

Family Devotions

Read together, draw separately, then share what each person noticed (no correcting—everyone sees it differently).

Small Groups or Church

Allow quiet drawing time, then invite voluntary sharing and discussion.

A Gentle Reminder

This is not about artistic skill. It is about slowing down, paying attention, and creating space
for Scripture to settle more deeply. Even simple drawings can lead to meaningful insight.

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Launch the interactive coloring studio to draw, erase, undo, and export your artwork as PNG.

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