A Tower or an Altar?

The men of Babel wanted to make a name for themselves. They desired to build an empire—to dominate. But God saw that with this attitude they would become too dependent upon themselves and their own resources and abilities. They might achieve success, but they would be filled with pride. So He confused their language and “scattered them abroad from there over the face of the whole earth” (Genesis 11:7-8).

In contrast, the Bible then tells about another man, Abraham, born near Babel, in Ur of the Chaldees. While Babel’s founders were seeking something permanent, Abraham was called to leave everything behind and go on a journey of faith. Instead of depending on his own resources and abilities, Abraham had to depend upon God. While the men of Babel built a tower to honor themselves, Abraham built an altar to honor God, to worship Him, and to give Him offerings (Genesis 12:7).

God didn’t honor and bless the men of Babel, but Abraham—the man who was willing to walk by faith, who left comfort and stability to obey God and follow Him wherever He would lead. You see, Abraham wasn’t concerned with recognition, landmarks, or possessions. He humbled himself and dedicated his life to serving God, and he realized that everything was a gift from Him.

Today, who are you trying to be like? The men of Babel? Or Abraham? Seek to be a person of faith. Walk not by sight, but by faith. Don’t seek to build monuments to yourself, but make your life an altar. Offer everything to God. Worship Him. Seek first His Kingdom.