"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
I was never fascinated with Halloween. I grew up in a culture that did not celebrate this date. Now they do.
As an adult in the U.S., I was often busy with college and school work. I did attend one Halloween party. It was a simple gathering of friends who were dressed like some character. It was as simple as that.
The more the years rolled by, the more I decided to watch the culture around me to see why there is so much fascination with Halloween. I found varied answers. I respect all of them.
Dressing up in a Halloween costume is not my thing. I've been part of parties (not during Halloween) where I've had to dress up. I hope I don't have to do it again. I know people who love it. I'm happy for them.
America is a place where whatever you want to do is okay. I'm glad that this is also I place where I can live what I believe about God.
A few years ago it dawned on me that most if not all of the major holidays revolve around candy. I did a lot of research about nutrition many years ago when I discovered I had high blood pressure. I read and read the research on the effects of sugar on the body. While I did not vow to stay away from it completely, I wanted self-control around sugar.
When I became a mom, I was appalled at the amount of sugar kids are given outside of the home. Holidays increase this exposure. It is a fierce battle and I believe that education with continuing conversation is the way to help my children.
People are also very generous in America. My kids get so much candy, they can consume small amounts that can last for a few years.
I am choosing to live my life as I read my Bible. There is a spiritual reality around us. The devil is real and he is what the Bible says about him. First of all, he is defeated. He is a deceiver. I believe one of the tactics is to make Christians believe he is not real. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. We are told to be alert and of sober mind.
So what do we do with all things Halloween? I say we follow the Lord.
I appreciate believers who conduct outreaches to their neighborhoods. Unlike any other major holiday, this is the only one where people go door-to-door. Why not share the hope of Christ with everyone coming by?
God is truly in control. This I know and this I believe.
I also believe that the enemy is not trying to play. He came to steal, kill and destroy. It is up to us to stay alert. We are not ignorant of his schemes (2 Cor. 2:11).
Prayer: Almighty and powerful God, you are indeed in control of the world. You are the Lord and Savior of my life. Help me to be sober, alert today and always. You have defeated death, the grave and the devil. He has no power. Greater are You who are in me than he who is in the world. May I go out as a child of the light, offering hope to those who are hoplessly walking in darkeness. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.
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