Dangerous dreams are dreams which set the pursuer on the path to confusion and self-destruction. Such dreams are, by their very nature, not in line with God’s purposes. Yes, God has purpose for everyone and everything he created. I use the term to also refer to a dream one chases sacrificially, at high cost, but does not enjoy its fulfilment in his or her lifetime – the Ecclesiastes describes this kind of situation as “another evil under the sun, it weighs heavily on men…” (6:1)
The Tower of Babel was a dangerous dream. Men (males & females) 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 and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” (Genesis 11:4)
The tower of Babel’s dream consisted in human beings (men) building a name for themselves and not being scattered over the face of the whole earth, contrary to what God intended for them, namely, to fill the earth (see Genesis 2:28). It was an expression of man’s search for independence and autonomy from God (humanism).
They did not want to be scattered in the first place, but they ended up being scattered on account of speaking many different languages (confusion). Their dream was bound to fail because it was the opposite of God’s plan and purposes. Hence, God opposed it. Theirs was a dangerous dream because it had God oppose it. I pray that you will always make sure your dream(s) is/are in line with God’s plan and purpose for your life.
Luke 12:13-21 shows us another kind of dangerous dreams. I am talking about dreams born out of all kinds greediness, the drive to amass wealth or material possessions. Please note that Jesus says, “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Verse 15c)
The Rich Fool’s dream was dangerous. Verse 19 states, “And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat and be merry.’ In other words, his dream was to not work one day but enjoy the fruit of his investment instead. Please note verse 20, “But God said to him, ‘You fool!’ This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” God opposed his dream like he did in the Tower of Babel’s dream.
It is important to note that the Rich Fool’s dream was born out of greediness and was not in line with the plan and purpose of God as stated in Genesis 2:15, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” It is important to understand that human Beings are on earth to work, take care of something…. The following statement is noteworthy: “Human beings need to be healthy in order to work and work helps keep them healthy.”
Let me ask you to consider your own dream(s). What do you dream for? What are your dreams about? There is only one way to ensure that your dreams never fail and that you live to enjoy their fulfilment: Always dream in line with God’s plan and purpose for your life so that he will back you up. Avoid dangerous dreams because God opposes them.
May the Lord help us all, in Jesus Christ’s name!
