In Genesis 11:6, the Lord says that “nothing that they propose to do will be impossible for them.” One could also translate the phrase as “they will be able to achieve anything they propose to do.” The verb ‘to achieve’ and its accompanying noun ‘achievement,’ are both found in the Old Testament. Kings’ achievements are chronicled, for example. In Ecclesiastes, however, achievements are seen as meaningless. In Isaiah it is the Lord who achieves his purposes. But in Job, God ‘thwarts the plans of the crafty, so they achieve no success.” So is achievement a good thing or a bad thing? I think perhaps it is neither. What may be good or bad are the means by which one achieves, the purpose of one’s achievements, or the condition of the heart of the achiever. The people described in Genesis 11 achieved without humility. Their hearts were full of pride. God has little patience for the prideful, for it is God who gifts everyone with the talent, skills, stamina, and ability to achieve goals.
The people in Genesis created a monstrous tower. Sometimes we band directors create a metaphorical monster. When our marching band program practice schedule interferes with students’ academic success, when competitiveness overtakes the joy of performing, or when students base their friendships on perceived levels of talent instead of mutual respect of personhood, achievements become meaningless. It might be time to actually thwart some plans! Go to one less marching competition and cancel a few practices. Attend festivals without rankings for the encouraging adjudication and the opportunity to listen to other bands’ musicianship. Honor members of your ensemble for their work ethic, their sense of humor, their unique contributions, in addition to recognizing their musical prowess. It will be vital to your program to regularly restate its vision, and to check what is against what is supposed to be. Achievement is valid, worthwhile and meaningful when it is based upon shared vision, healthy relationships and humility.