Business Lessons from the Tower of Babel

The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.”

Genesis 11:6

Nothing can stop a united people from what they plan to do together — except the Lord of course. Unity is key to building a successful business. So aligning with team members to ensure you’re on the same page is crucial in business growth as learnt from the earthly ministry of Jesus with His disciples in this post.

In Genesis 11, the Lord Almighty saw that the people were united — which is a good thing because He made them so. However, the mission of their unity was the main problem. Their goal didn’t align to the word of God which He commanded in Genesis 1:28;

“Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it…”

Rather than creating goals on how to fill and subdue the earth, the people were engaging in an unproductive venture;

“Then they said, Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4

God has to stop their ungodly unity because they were wasting their resources building a tower that will prevent them from spreading over the earth to fulfil the word of God.

This is a lesson with caution to Christian entrepreneurs to seek unity in business as long it aligns with God’s command.

Every true Christian entrepreneur can only engage in business ventures that align with the word of God. As you learnt from the lesson of the power of unity above, God will not bless any business that is contrary to His word. You must seek God first if you have doubts about a business or project you’re thinking of undertaking.

Though sometimes the business might look acceptable at the beginning over time it might become something that conflicts with your faith. Hence the need to always pray and seek approval from God who knows the end from the beginning.

I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’

Isaiah 46:10

Another important business lesson here is that, do not start a business to make name for yourself as the people of Babel did;

“…so that we may make a name for ourselves…” Genesis 11:4

As a Christian entrepreneur if you want the blessing of God upon you, every business you partake in should be for the glory of God;

“…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

There is no meaningful progress once there is an obstacle to communication within a team. Poor communication will lead to misrepresentation of ideas which may lead to chaos.

“Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”

Genesis 11:7

After the Lord confuse the language of the people, I believe there were lots of fights and divisions among the people building the tower of Babel. And most likely, there was no longer harmony in ideas and goals.

Have you wondered why God didn’t send an earthquake to destroy the tower? I believe, the omniscience God knows that wouldn’t deter them from carrying out such a project again because they’re still united in the same language. However, the people plans were jeopardized after their communication was attacked.

So then, if poor communication can permanently halt a project, what do you think good communication will do? Certainly a successful outcome.

Takeaways: God wants people especially entrepreneurs to be united to do His will — multiply and fill the earth. Nevertheless, if your goals don’t align with God’s plan, it will be fruitless as the tower of Babel.