Trusting God, rather than the world
2 Kings 16:10: Then King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria. He saw an altar in Damascus and sent to Uriah the priest a sketch of the altar, with detailed plans for its construction (NIV).
Ahaz feared Syria and Israel were going to overrun Judah. Instead of relying on God, he made an unholy alliance with Assyria for protection. This military dependence caused Ahaz to focus on pleasing the Assyrian king rather than God. He even traveled to Assyria to pay his respects and, upon his return, had craftsmen recreate one of their altars in Jerusalem.
Sometimes, we seek reassurance and help from the wrong resources. What they have to offer may seem attractive and useful, even for Christian purposes, and we end up rationalizing our use of them. Next thing you know, it is hard to tell us apart from the world. When we trust others to provide what we need instead of God, we end up under their control.
Are there areas in your parenting where you have compromised Christian principles for worldly ones?
