Unity Anchored in Jesus
Genesis 11:4
Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves…”
Genesis 11 gives us one of the clearest warnings in all of Scripture about the power of unity. The people come together with shared language, shared purpose, and strong momentum. On the surface, it looks impressive. They are aligned. They are motivated. They are unified.
But the problem is not their togetherness. The problem is what their togetherness is centered on. Their unity is rooted in pride. “Let us make a name for ourselves.” It is ambition without submission. It is collective strength without dependence on God.
One of the sobering realities of Scripture is that unity and momentum do not automatically mean something is spiritually right. People can rally behind an agenda believing it is noble, when in fact it may be deeply misaligned with the heart of God.
History has shown this again and again. Even within the last century, we have seen political and cultural movements marked by passion, excitement, and collective purpose, yet moving in a direction that contradicts God’s design. Genesis 11 reminds us that unity is powerful, but power without submission to God can become dangerous.
The question is not only, “Are we together?” but “Are we together under God?”
For believers today, this requires discernment. There are many things that can stir our emotions. We can feel compassion, urgency, or resonance with a cause. But just because our emotions are stirred does not automatically mean the agenda is worthy.
We must take the movements around us, the voices calling for unity, and the causes that feel compelling, and stack them up against Scripture as our ultimate authority. Feelings do not dictate truth. Jesus does.
Gospel-centered unity is not built around pride, fear, or cultural momentum. It is built around Christ. True unity is not “we are together no matter what.” True unity is “we are together under the lordship of Jesus, submitted to His Word, shaped by His Spirit, and committed to His mission.”
Genesis 11 is a warning, but it is also an invitation. God does not oppose unity. He opposes unity that exalts man over God. The church is called to a deeper unity, one rooted in humility, truth, and worship.
May we be a people who are united, not around making a name for ourselves, but around lifting high the name of Jesus.
Prayer
Jesus, give us discernment in a world full of loud agendas and emotional movements. Help us pursue unity that is rooted in You, shaped by Scripture, and guided by Your Spirit. Keep us from pride and self-exaltation, and make us a people who are united for Your glory. Amen.