HALLOWEEN: What's a Christian Supposed to Do?

The Bible is God's Handbook for living and as such it contains truth that needs to be examined in the light of topics like Halloween. That's why it is important to get a "view from the Book." There are no chapters and verses that you can turn to that specifically mention trick-or-treating, costume parties, or pumpkin carving. Yet there are solid principles, which, if applied properly, can enable us to respond to the Halloween issue in a way that pleases God and is positive for our families.

Principles for discerning from the Bible.

1. Not everything is constructive. God has given each one of us a free will and the freedom to choose. Knowing how far to exercise this liberty can sometimes be difficult to discern, especially in things that the Bible is silent upon as to being right or wrong. the apostle Paul addressed this issue with the Corinthian church: "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial" (1 Corinthians 10:23).

As Christians we have liberty in all things not specifically mentioned in the Bible as sinful. However, this freedom must be exercised in such a way as to build up our spiritual life and encourage others.

2. Guard against unholy practices. How can we be sure of what practices and activities should be avoided? Moses, writing in the Old Testament, provides a list for us.

Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his

son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or

sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft,

or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or

who consults the dead. Anyone who does these

things is detestable to the Lord, and because of these

detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out

those nations before you. You must be blameless

before the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 18: 10-13).

Satan is behind the Occult, and God warns us to stay away from such practices.

3. Stay focused on what is good and pure. There is a battle raging today for the minds and emotions of our children. But that battle is just as real for you and me.

What we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions.

Paul's advice to the Christians at Philippi is just as relevant to us as we consider Halloween.

"Finally, Parents, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things" (Philippians 4: 8).

4. Sidestep all evil. Evil is everywhere today. And it appears to be more noticeable during Halloween than at other times of the year. Some take it to the extremes, while others just see how "close they can get to the fire" without getting burned. But God is very clear in His word what His attitude is toward evil: "Avoid every kind of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5: 22).

5. Be aware of the battle. One of Satan's most effective strategies-and therefore a great danger to believers-is the deception that there exists no serious threatening conflict between good and evil in the supernatural realm. But the Bible is clear that the war between God and Satan has not diminished but intensified, including its front on this earth.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6: 12).

Do what you know is right.

Quester Adams, author of "A Meaningful Gift: Passing on the Richness of God's Love.

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