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Genesis 11 – Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should
“Just because you can doesn’t mean you should”, is attributed to both Marloes De Vries and Sherrilyn Kenyon; but no doubt has been said by many. A variation is found in “Jurassic Park” by the character Dr. Ian Malcom, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” Another old quote said, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Originally, it meant that good intentions never materialized to good actions. But another way to interpret that is, “Just because you mean well, doesn’t mean you should”.
What were the intentions behind the people building the Tower of Babel (lit., Babylon) in Genesis 11? Their intentions are stated both positively and negatively: “Let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise, we will be scattered throughout the earth” (Genesis 11:4).
What was the endgame of their intentions? Some surmise it was so they could go up to God; others, so God could come down to them. Either way, it appears they are trying to reverse what happened due to Adam and Eve. This is where I think, “Let us make a name for ourselves” comes in. Adam and Eve were obviously famous as being the first; but now they are trying to become more famous by fixing what they messed up.
(By the way, only God can fix what we mess up! It is through Jesus Christ)
Regardless of which one, this is a mimicry of God’s creation as seen in the phrase, “Let us make” (Genesis 1:26; 11:3). Instead of an area called Eden with a garden (Genesis 2:8); it is now a city with a tower (11:4). Another tie into creation is God’s concern over what these people he created will be able to do. In the Tower of Babel it is, “then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them” (11:6). In the Garden of Eden the fear is, “he must not reach out, take from the tree of life, eat, and live forever” (3:22).
Shockingly to the way many think, God is not interested in us “reaching our potential”, which is another way of saying, “then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them” (Genesis 11:6). God is more interested in us following Him and becoming like Him. Whether their intentions were good, bad, or neutral, do you see how what they intended was contrary to God’s will?
- INTENTION: “Otherwise, we will be scattered throughout the earth” (Genesis 11:4).
- COMMANDMENT: “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth” (Genesis 1:28).
God has given mankind such a creative mind, it shows us our Creator within ourselves. However, just because our mind can think of something to do, doesn’t mean we should.
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