NIV Once-A-Day Bible Worship and Praise DevotionalSample

A MONUMENTAL MISTAKE Part of what it means to be created in the image of God (see Genesis 1:27) is that we humans have the God-given capacity to make a difference. Yet our desire to “leave a legacy” can become twisted. We may forget that everything — ​including ourselves — ​has been created by God for God. We exist to do his bidding — ​not the other way around. The tower of Babel incident is a continuation of the ugly events begun in Eden. Can you hear the hissing of the serpent behind the scenes? “Fill the earth? Obey God? Don’t be ridiculous! You’re much better off serving your own desires! Can’t you see how he’s keeping good things from you? Your only hope for life is to throw off his oppressive rule and do your own thing.” It’s easy to want to act like the people of Babel, to desire to build a personal monument to ourselves. Sometimes we do that through elevating our families, our possessions or our accomplishments above our devotion to God. Fight against that desire today. Humble yourself before God, knowing that he will exalt you at the proper time. Lord, teach me how to . . .