Are We Still Sacrificing Our Children?

“You shall also say to the sons of Israel: ‘Any man from the sons of Israel or from the aliens sojourning in Israel who gives any of his offspring to Molech, shall surely be put to death; the people of the land shall stone him with stones.”
(Leviticus 20:2, NASB95)

The Organization Chart is NOT EQUAL TO the Family Tree

The practice of child sacrifice was regularly practiced in Old Testament times. While we don’t kill our children for gods these days – we can easily sacrifice our children’s gifts at the alter of our own practical needs and ego. As business owners we are tempted to absorb our children into our business or ministry even if they were crafted for something completely different. By doing this, we are removing a gift of God from fulfilling the needs of the Body of Christ.

As I mature and following my own calling I find that I am frequently reminded that I am not my father. This isn’t meant to be derogatory, simply an observation that his gifts and mine are completely different. In the grand scheme of things, these differences are a huge blessing. If I pretended that I was gifted in the same way as my father I would not fulfill my purpose and bless the Body of Christ with my own gifts. Falling prey to this trap would limit me and my family’s impact on the Great Commission. With individual skills – individual gifts & a unique calling we are able to better serve the Body to glorify God.

Therefore, it is imperative as parents in family owned businesses to soberly evaluate our own gifts – our own call & our own situation. After this sober assessment, we must ask how we can best serve our Lord with the gifts he’s provided. These gifts include our children. To this end, we need to lean into our own gifts and find saints to fill the gaps in our organizations as needed – which may or may not be our own children. This doesn’t mean that we force fit our children into our own businesses. If it fits – lean in. If it doesn’t fit, release them from a burden that you have created for them and allow them to bless someone else!