Building walls Genesis 11:1-9

When I lived in New York City, I lived in the city that had 4 buildings that at one time or another was the tallest building in the world.  While living in Chicago, the Sears tower towered over everything else in the city and for a while the world.  People love to build large buildings.
That was also the case is days of old.  The plain of Shinar was the site of perhaps the first skyscraper.  Unlike the modern day skyscraper, this one was made of bricks and tar.  The goal of this tower was to make a statement: "so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the earth."  What is interesting is that was the result. They did make a name for themselves, maybe infamous but a name nonetheless.  They were also scattered over the face of the earth.
What was wrong with what these people did that God reacted in this fashion? 
First, they walled themselves in and tried to cut themselves off from God.  Second, they wanted to be on an even playing field with God.  Third, they let their pride govern their actions.  Finally, they put themselves above God's judgment.
In our churches, we need to avoid these pitfalls.  Many times the city church will try to insulate itself from the people around them and see their ministry just for the members of the church.  Second, we try to build our towers to God rather than use the bridges that God has given to us by which he comes to us.  Third, we forget the church belongs to the Lord and that it is not our little kingdom.  Fourth, we do not humble ourselves before God and His word.
Babel is still well known today because of its great fall.  Let us take the lessons from Babel and learn from them.  We are called to serve the city.  Remember that we are protected by God, who is a mighty fortress.  We fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith.  The church is built by God and that Christ is our foundation.  We are living stones that are built into a spiritual house for a life of service.