Sacrificing Our Children

by David Padfield

Among the many sins of the Gentiles is the charge that they were "without natural affection" (Rom. 1:31, KJV). Albert Barnes correctly observed that Paul "doubtless refers here to the practice so common among the heathens of exposing their children, or putting them to death."

The pages of history are bloody with the record of heathen nations sacrificing their children. This is one of the reasons God destroyed the Canaanites. "They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons, and shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with blood" (Psa. 106:37-38). The wicked king Manasseh followed the example of the Canaanites and "caused his sons to pass through the fire in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom" (2 Chron. 33:6). The ancient Persians buried their children alive. In Grecian states infanticide was enforced by law. The Romans were the most unrelenting in the treatment of children—the Roman father had absolute power over the life of his children. Babies were also sacrificed among the ancient Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Chinese and Hindus.

How could any parent deliberately sacrifice their son or daughter to demons? The practice is so vile that we can not comprehend what would cause one to commit such despicable acts. Yet, I contend that many parents today are willing to sacrifice their children to demons. While their children are not burned or buried alive, they are placed on the altar of Satan by foolish parents.

The Altar Of Pleasure

Some parents are so concerned about their children having "a good time" that they will sacrifice the soul of their own child on the altar of pleasure. Solomon told the young man to rejoice in his youth "and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment" (Eccl. 11:9). Enjoy life, but don't forget about the judgment!

Parents have been known to leave the Lord and join some denomination because it offers to entertain their children. The entertainment of children is the duty of the home, not the church! Christ did not die on Calvary's cross just so teenagers could have a party in a "fellowship hall."

When parents are willing to sacrifice the souls of their children in the pursuit of entertainment, are they any better off than the heathen who "sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons"?

The Altar Of Popularity

Some Christians have been known to sacrifice their children in an attempt to make them "popular." Since the moral code revealed in the New Testament is not in harmony with the "standards" of the world, many will yield to pressure and allow their children to engage in activities they would rather you not know about.

In an effort to make their daughters "popular" they will allow them to become cheerleaders and try to defend their skimpy attire on the grounds that, "It's no worse than anyone else wears." Yet, Paul admonished women to "adorn themselves in modest apparel" (1 Tim. 2:9).

Other parents will allow their children to go to the public pool where they not only shed their own clothing but cause others to lust after them. Yet, our Lord said that "whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matt. 5:28). A man might be guilty of lusting after a woman, but if the woman dresses in such a way to cause him to lust, she is just as guilty of sin as he is.

The Altar Of Education

No, I m not opposed to secular education. A good education is required for children to function in this world. However, I am also concerned about the world to come.

My heart breaks every time I hear some parent tell me their child could not make it to Wednesday evening Bible class because "they had homework." The homework has to be done, but why at the expense of Bible study? Why don't they just skip a few hours of television or talking on the phone instead?

What excuse can a parent possibly have for their children not having their Bible class lessons prepared? Out of 168 hours in a week they couldn't find one hour to study their Bible? Did they have time for television? Did they find time to talk with their friends on the phone? Did they have time to play outside? I don't blame the children near as much as I do the parents!