What does "do not give any of your children" teach about valuing life? Key Verse “ ‘You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.’ ” (Leviticus 18:21) The Heart of the Command: Valuing Every Life • Life is sacred because God is its Creator (Genesis 1:27). • Children are a gift and heritage from the LORD (Psalm 127:3). • To “give” a child to Molech meant ending a life to appease a false god; God calls this profanation of His name. • By forbidding child sacrifice, God establishes that no human life may be treated as expendable or as a means to another end. • The command anchors human worth in God’s character: “I am the LORD.” The sanctity of life flows from who He is—holy, loving, and just. How This Command Shapes Our View of Children • Children possess inherent dignity from conception (Psalm 139:13-16). • They are entrusted—not owned—by parents; stewardship replaces ownership. • Any practice that harms or devalues children stands in direct opposition to God’s revealed will (Deuteronomy 12:31; 2 Kings 16:3). • God links the protection of children with the honor of His own name; to protect them is to honor Him. Practical Takeaways for Modern Believers • Guard life at every stage—from the womb to natural death. • Reject cultural pressures that treat children as obstacles, products, or bargaining chips. • Champion policies and personal choices that nurture, defend, and cherish the vulnerable. • Model sacrificial love that seeks a child’s flourishing rather than sacrificing a child for personal gain or convenience. • Teach the next generation to recognize every person as made in God’s image. Additional Scriptures That Reinforce the Value of Life • Exodus 20:13 — “You shall not murder.” • Jeremiah 32:35 — God condemns Israel’s later return to Molech worship. • Matthew 18:10 — Jesus warns against despising “one of these little ones.” • Luke 18:16 — “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them.” • Psalm 72:4 — The righteous king “will save the children of the needy.” Summary Truths to Remember • God’s command in Leviticus 18:21 affirms that every child’s life is priceless. • To harm or discard life is to profane God’s holy name. • Valuing life means embracing children as gifts, protecting them fervently, and reflecting God’s character through compassionate stewardship. |
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