What is the difference between wanting to be like God and becoming more like God? The story of Humanity is a constant battle between the two though they seem similar they produce very different outcomes. Genesis 11 tells the story of a united humanity who collectively aim to build an empire to the heights of heaven in order to “make a name for themselves”. They were driven by pride in their own accomplishments. They were aided by the new technology of the time, “BRICKS”. This allowed them to build quickly without needing to quarry or transport stones. However, God intervenes to scatter them for their efforts.
Why? I thought God wanted us to work together? Well, there in lies the issue, their joint efforts were in driven by wanting to be esteemed like God. People often want God’s power, worship and control without his wisdom or humility. That is what we mean when we talk about playing God. The People of Babel’s desire for power and control causes God to come down and stop it. Their form of rebellion spoke of a deeper illness of how the people saw their place in the universe.
In contrast, becoming more like God is associated with God’s Character. King Nebuchadnezzar II is part of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. He does what Babel tried to do by his strength to gain power, land, wealth and admiration like a god. His Kingdom is named “The Gate of God” Bābilim (in Akkadian), the place between earth and the divine. But God also meets with him in a powerful and humbling way, showing Nebuchadnezzar that becoming like God, in humble service, is the better way to succeed than trying to attain God-like status oursevles.
In Philippians 2:6-7 It speaks of Jesus,
“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men”
Jesus demonstrated how we are to live not to aspire to receive praise “LIKE” God. But to develop His Character. Serving, loving and building up other people instead of monuments to our own pride.