The Eiffel Tower is one of the famous buildings of the world. It was named after it's architect, Alexandre Gustave Eiffel. He was commissioned to build it for an international exposition late in the nineteenth century. When he conceived the idea he was excited. When the tower was built he was filled with pride. Here was a building destined for greatness, a structure by which Paris would be identified the world over.
Yet his attitude was not shared by the citizens of Paris. It was widely described as hideous and monstrous, and people called for this embarrassment to be torn down as soon as the international exposition was finished.
Application: attitude, point of view, perspective. Today of course we find it difficult to believe people once decried the Eiffel tower, which just goes to show how easily people can have a point of view that is radically different to ours.
Application: conformity, worldliness, integrity, convictions. History vindicated Alexandre Eiffel. In 1889 he was roundly condemned. Today he is praised. His story shows us that what matters is not the opinions others have of us and what we do - these will change according to what is culturally fashionable - but holding onto what we believe to be the values and wisdom of God.