On this day in 1889 the Eiffel Tower opened.

The Eiffel Tower, an immense structure of exposed latticework made of iron, was built for the Paris Exposition of 1889. At the time, it was the world’s tallest structure—at 984 feet, a soaring celebration of the science and technology achievements of the age.

The Tower was not without its critics. One group of French artists called the Eiffel Tower “useless and monstrous”—an affront to French taste and the arts. At one time, it was almost torn down, saved only because of its antenna, which was used for telegraphy. Today, it is completely accepted by French citizens and is internationally recognized as one of the symbols of Paris itself.

Of course, the Eiffel Tower was not the first time humans had built a structure to honor their own achievements. That distinction goes to the Tower of Babel (see Genesis 11). After the Flood and the world had been repopulated, the people of the world decided that they would erect a tower in honor of—themselves! It most likely was a ziggurat (a pyramid-looking structure with steps). Often they would be as tall as 300 feet and just as wide.

The Tower of Babel was undoubtedly an incredible sight to see. But the people built it for all the wrong reasons—for their honor and glory, not God’s. We can do the same thing when we “build monuments” by using trophies, awards, report cards, clothes, or possessions to call attention to our achievements and ourselves. It’s OK to be good at sports or at school, or to be honored for your achievements. But when those items or honors take God’s place in your life, you may be building a monument that will never last.

Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. (Proverbs 18:12, New International Version).

To Do

Take an inventory of your room or your locker at school. What “monuments” do you have to your achievements? What can you do to make those “monuments” a tribute to God?

Also on this day . . .

Today is National Bunsen Burner Day.

1870—In Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Thomas P. Munday became the first African-American to vote.

1918—Daylight Savings time went into effect for the first time.

1923—In New York City, the first dance marathon was held. Alma Cummings set a new world record of 27 hours.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.