Next week, some families will participate in festivities connected to Halloween. Just the word Halloween conjures up images of costume clad people, pumpkins, candy, fun and games. But it also brings to mind other images of witches, ghosts and goblins. Whatever your opinion of the holiday is, there seems to be a prevailing theme of fear. Some fear that if they participate in the traditions of Trick or Treating or Fall Festivals that they are disobeying God. Others fear that their children will be missing out on the fun of dressing up and playing games. Still others are concerned that they are losing out on the opportunity to take a pagan holiday and use it to minister to others. And then there are those on the opposite spectrum who just love the adrenaline rush of having the living daylights scared out of them at the haunted houses and trails. All of these have to do with fear.
Some fears stand as warnings to keep us from danger. These are formed from our experience and education. But some fears keep us from our purpose in Him. Fear is the number one tool the enemy uses to attack us. Fear is about the future, our perceptions of what will happen. Because I did this, God will be angry. Because I did that, I’m not a good Christian. Because I lack, how could God use me? What will others think of me if I do this or that? These and many more are all weapons the enemy uses to keep us from getting closer to God and seeing His will for our lives. When Adam and Eve went against God and tried to hide from Him in their fear, what did He do? Did He ignore them or destroy them? No. He came to them. Adam confessed his sin and God responded. Even after their sin, He provided for them and made Himself known to them. Sin did not change God; it changed us. Our Father is still as loving and compassionate as He was in the beginning. So, why let fear dictate our destiny in Him? Why succumb to the wounds that the enemy wants to put on us? What if we mess up and things don’t turn out as we planned? God can fix it if we are trying to be in His will. If we don’t step out in faith because of fear, how will we ever get to know Him and His will for our lives. If we dwell in Him, fear cannot have control. Psalm 91 states this best.
Try not to get caught up in the debate over whether it is okay to participate in Halloween activities or not. He uses all kinds of people and situations for His will. Arguing the points or condemning someone for theirs just gives the enemy the opportunity to promote fear and to get a foot in the door. When you seek His will in your life you can make your decisions based on Him and not based on the fear. Seek Him in everything you do and the enemy cannot steal your security.
1 John 4:15-18– Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
If you are looking for what others are teaching about the whole Halloween thing, here are some websites to check out.
New Horizon-A Turning Point Ministry
I really appreciate your sharing your thoughts on Halloween.
Heidi
Very insightful. Love, Mom
Interesting common element!
Blessings,
Laurie