Monuments and Their Demise

The people gathered at Babel and built a great tower to make a name for themselves. Where did this idea originate? (Isaiah 14:12-15) Does that give you a clue who was behind this endeavor?

The desire for recognition, "to make a name for ourselves," is deeply ingrained in the human heart. But pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18). The list is long of men and women who were lifted up in pride--who became a legend in their own minds--only to be brought down.

At the tower of Babel, God intervened to humble their pride by confusing their languages and scattering them throughout the earth. We learn that self-promotion and envy lead to confusion (James 3:13-16). Better to practice Philippians 2:3:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3, NIV84)

Where have I sought my own glory or respect from others rather than glorifying God and considering others better than myself?