Perhaps You Shouldn't Build It? (Gen. 11:4)

Read Genesis 11:4.

The desire to build something impressive and to make a name for oneself (to pursue greatness) is tempting still today.  This "me first" mentality causes much damage.

No one wants his life to count for nothing.  He has a dream, pursues it, makes plans, and works hard. God is not against planning, diligence or hard work.  Jesus taught about faithfulness, about keeping your hand to the plow. 

It all comes back to motive.  Why are you building that thing?  Why are you investing your life in it?  Is it about magnifying the name for Jesus?  Who gets the glory, honor, praise and attention as you build?

Short-Term Sacrifices for Long-Term Benefits

 "...things which are short-term urgent tend to trump items which are long-term significant."  That is an unhealthy pattern.  The future of your vocational, relational and financial stability hinges upon understanding the difference.  Read Joe Sangl's post at http://www.josephsangl.com/2012/04/30/short-term-urgent-vs-long-term-significant/.

Preparation and Dependence (Prov. 21:31)

There are two mindsets to be avoided.

• Preparation without humility.  Preparation doesn't guarantee victory.  Preparation makes victory more likely, but the odds will never be one hundred percent.  After all the planning and preparing comes deependence.  Humbly depend on God for victory.
• Faith without works.  We must believe God will give us victory, but we can't stop there.  Biblical faith is not detached from works.  We must believe in God's declaration and provision of victory, but also understand our scripted role in planning and preparing for it.  To declare victory and have done no preparation is nothing more than lazy presumption.