Are We Sacrificing Our Children?

King Ahaz of Judah was a wicked ruler, an immoral man. Among his more infamous acts was his practice of sacrificing his children in idolatrous worship. The Bible says that he “burned his children in the fire” (2 Chronicles 28:3), probably to the idol Molech.

We shudder at the thought of such a heinous practice. “How could a man do such an unloving thing to his children?” we wonder. Good question. But just as good a question might be posed to many parents today: “Why are YOU sacrificing YOUR children?” Idolatry is alive and well in America today, just in different forms.

Some are sacrificing their children to the god of PLEASURE. They feel that Sunday is “their day” (not the Lord’s), and so they’ve determined that the first day of the week should be devoted to golfing, hunting, fishing, or simply taking a day trip somewhere, rather than making sure that they and their children are in a worship assembly. Beloved, fun activities are alright until they start ‘choking’ God out of our lives (Luke 8:14).

Many parents are sacrificing their kids to the god of RICHES (and the things riches will buy). A living must be earned, but it is not this of which we speak. Extra hours and hours are spent, sometimes by both parents, in the pursuit of a bigger house, more luxurious car, up-to-date electronic devices, more stable retirement portfolio, etc. These things are OK until they come at the sacrifice of parents’ time with their children. Parents, we only have so many years with our children. Let’s use them wisely. The houses and cars and computers and TVs and gold and silver of this world will all pass away, but the souls of our children will live on forever! (Matthew 6:19-21; 16:26)

Some are sacrificing their children today to the god of ‘PEACE & HARMONY.’ This is the god that promises a temporary false tranquility -- a few moments of less stress if the parent will leave their young child alone when they’re throwing a temper tantrum or are disobedient. “Just reason with the child,” this god suggests. But this is just a cover for a parent who is lazy and doesn’t want to take responsibility. Sadly, this irresponsibility will produce a spoiled brat who, in the teenage years and beyond, will bring 100 times more stress to the life of a parent. The Bible says, “Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction” (Proverbs 19:18).

Then, there are the parents who are sacrificing their children to the god of SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE. They don’t want their precious little Johnny or Susie to feel ‘out of place’ in their school or social circle, so they allow them to wear the immodest fashions of the day, attend school dances, drive around with friends of bad reputation, etc. (Proverbs 1:14; Psalm 1:1-3). What twisted thinking! Can I ask a question? What’s wrong with our children feeling out of place in this world?! (Read Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 11:13). And is it not the true and living God with whom we want them to find ACCEPTANCE?

“Fathers… bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Mothers, train your children to love Jehovah and His word. Be encouraged to resist the tug and pull of the gods of this world.

--Mike Noble