Kirk Reflections 13th October 2024.

Rev. Erick du Toit brings this week's reflection from Kirkliston Parish Church, Scotland.

ORIGINS VII: Motives

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 ) NIV

In high school one of my friends started dating the girl of his dreams.
Upon his first visit to her house, he was quite apprehensive; and rightfully so, because he had some reputation as a ‘pretty boy.’ Emma’s dad wasn’t impressed and asked him upon entry:

What are your intentions with my daughter.’

Motives matter. They determine the course of our life.

In the story of the Tower of Babel we get yet another glimpse of how distracted humans can be when they focus on edifying themselves, when their motives are simply to honour their own names. It’s a story on repeat and one we can relate to it on a very deep level.

How often do you audit your heart? Examine the reason for serving, or doing?

This passage is massively challenging as it reveals the pride hidden in every human heart.
PS. My friend ended up marrying this girl and they now have 3 kids! Indeed, motives matter...