Seeking God through our strength and intellect seems to have been the human way since God created the universe and creatures in it. In the biblical story of the tower of Babel, God cast us down speaking all the different tongues of the world in order to confuse us. For millennia, humans have been divided by language, culture, and geography. Meanwhile, we have been busy creating tools to improve our existence. In the current age, humans have created technologies that have connected us, shared information, and made vast distances a matter of hours of travel. I once heard a prophet of technology state, with a straight face, that in the age of computers and internet access for every student, Susie could study algebra at 2:00 a.m. if she chooses. As a former educator, I can assure you that if Susie is online at 2:00 a.m., the chances that she is studying algebra are really quite small.

In an age of technology, we have created an illusion and myth that every person has a voice and information is accessible to all. We seem to think that this will fix what ails the human condition. Translation of unknown language can now be rendered in an instant; therefore, we can communicate freely. Yet we live in a world of misunderstanding. War, crime, hatred, and poverty have not disappeared despite our technology.

When God looked upon the effort of the people of Babel and said, "they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them," the condemnation was about hubris and choices, not the tower and the tools. It appears that humans have learned nothing. Thousands of years have passed, and we continue to think that our intelligence and our collective knowledge will save us from the human condition.

Humans are capable of amazing things, especially when we work together to meet a goal. We can accomplish goals that are both amazingly kind and generous, but our goals are just as often amazingly stupid, harmful, and even evil. Human tools allow us to work. The tools we create are neither good nor evil. The work is either guided by the Holy Spirit or it is not. Those who shout about their wisdom the loudest are likely to be those who work with a "senseless and darkened heart."

Lord, allow us to always focus on your creation not our own. Let us not follow the myths we tell ourselves about our own technology and tools but focus on what you allow us to do in Your name. May every tool we pick up be put to good use to do the work you ask of us to help our neighbors and bring your kingdom close, Amen.

This devotional was written by Jill Pope and read by Susan Daves.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.