Halloween?

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5: 22 KJV

I learned this Bible verse as a child. My mother taught it to me, not as a memory verse, but as a tool to live by in times when I was unsure of what is right or wrong. I can remember her quoting it before I even knew its reference. Later on, I learned the verse could be found in 1 Thessalonians. This verse still comes to mind in times I am trying to discern truth.

So, why do I, a professing Christian, still allow my own child to dress up and take part in activities on Halloween?

We do avoid scary costumes like witches and ghosts. We try to avoid spooky events. We do, however, dress up and go to a church or school festival. Perfectly innocent, right?

Sometimes I wonder.

My parents allowed me to trick or treat. I was never allowed to dress in anything ghoulish (hence the verse), but they did let me go door to door and plead for candy. Daddy usually went with me and Mama stayed home to pass out candy. Everyone knew their neighbors, and, frankly, the world did not seem so evil back then. I am beginning to sound like my parents' generation, but doesn't it seem that the world becomes more and more evil as time goes by? (In fact, the Bible prepares us for this.)

When I was a kid, Halloween still had some haunted elements, but it was not as haunting or as successful as it is today. Did you know that Halloween has become the second largest grossing holiday for the retail industry? It is second only to Christmas. (Thank goodness for some victories.)

There are two major concerns I have about this "holiday"- I will use that term loosely.

1. Where should Christians draw the line at Halloween when deciding what is "evil" or off limits?

2. Should we, the Church, not participate in any festival (even benign carnivals) at this time of year?

To address the second question, one must search deeply and ask for guidance from The Holy Spirit about the first question. As I said, 1 Thes. 5: 22 has become a lifelong quick reference, so to speak, for me. Of course, you should never take a verse out of context, then name it and claim it. So, I encourage you to read the entire chapter. This particular passage outlines the model walk of the believer. And, ironically enough, when I looked up various versions of this verse, they all pretty much said exactly the same thing, give or take a few words. It seemed to be pretty "cut and dry."

For a Christian, evil is real. It isn't pretend.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6: 12 KJV

This passage goes on to instruct us on putting on the whole armour of God. Armour is used in battle, so I believe The Lord wanted us to fully understand that we are truly at war with the deceiver, Satan himself. As a believer, I know that I am not alone in this war, and that I am protected through Jesus Christ.

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death nor life, nor angels , nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 37-39 KJV

So, evil is real and I should avoid it. Now, on to the second question: "Should Christians avoid any type of celebration at this time of year?"

Don't misunderstand me, I am very thankful that churches have stepped up and provided alternatives for children at Halloween. But, sometimes I wonder if we should avoid any kind of celebrating on that day.

Let me explain. If Halloween is such a huge retail success, aren't we participating in that success by buying candy and costumes for our "festivals?" What message does this send to the retailers who promote and profit from this "holiday?" Also, are we sending a clear message to the world about why we choose these festivals and carnivals? Are they seeing them as simply a safe alternative for their children or as a stand against the evil of Halloween?

I propose that we begin a new trend, a new season of celebration. Let's continue these fall festivals and events, thanking God for the wonderful harvests He has provided. Let's just offer them at another time of year, in September, other times in October, or in November nearing Thanksgiving. And, then on October 31, let's just stay home.

This post could go on, but I would like to close with a Bible verse that I hope will be a guide for me on October 31 and every other day of the year:

"Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this--not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.
I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died.
Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil;
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men." Romans 14:13-18 New American Standard

Are pumpkins evil? No. Are all costumes wrong? No. Are fall festivals and hayrides sinful? Of course not! But, I have to be very careful about the witness I live out in front of others. Simply put, I should prayerfully consider all choices I make, on October 31 and the other 364 days of the year, trying not to hinder the spiritual growth of other believers or the understanding of the gospel by nonbelievers.

By becoming a warrior in prayer, searching daily in the Scriptures, and listening intently for the Voice of The Holy Spirit, only then can I know the path The Lord would have me to take. As for the war of good vs. evil, we may take part in the battles, but ultimately Jesus Christ has already won the war. Praise God! He told us of His Victory over 2000 years ago:

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world, ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 KJV

All Praise to God Who is the Only One to triumph over evil! Amen!

* As always, I welcome your open and honest comments.
And, to let you know in advance, we are going to a church festival this year. We had already promised our daughter before I posted this. As for next year, I don't know. This is something we will have to pray about together. Also, I wanted to add that I had a lot of difficulty with my computer and blogger this morning while trying to write this. :>)