Trick? Treat? Neither? Costumes? Ahhhh, what to do with Halloween? Christians have various opinions on how they should handle this day… Some see it as nothing more than something lighthearted and simple where kids wear fun costumes and get enough candy to make Willy Wonka jealous. Others, however, may see the signs of death, evil, darkness, and horror and decide to remain at home in the dark so their doorbell isn’t being rung over and over and over. Perhaps you adopt one of these positions or maybe you fall somewhere in between, but regardless of where you stand on this day, here are a few thoughts you should consider…
Friend of sinners
That’s what many people called Jesus (See HERE). The reason He was called this came from the fact He spent time around people who were, well… sinners. You know, people like you and me who aren’t perfect. People who didn’t make every right decision and needed to make some changes in their lives. All of that to say, Jesus did not adhere to the idea that He was “guilty by association.”
If you choose to take your kids out for candy, allow them to wear a costume, and maybe even dress up yourself, then you are not becoming “evil” or “sinful” simply because others may take their actions to the extreme on this unique day we call Halloween. Check your heart and don’t participate in sinful actions yourself, but don’t let anyone make you feel guilty if you leave the house and have some responsible fun as a family or with friends.
Just because you can doesn’t mean you should
The Bible gives us many freedoms in Christ despite the legalistic rules some may try to impose on us through religion. Consider what Paul says to the church in 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1. We don’t earn our relationship with Him by our actions nor do we lose relationship with Him because of our actions. However, we should not abuse this freedom.
If something in you simply does not like Halloween or any of the connotations surrounding this day, then that’s perfectly OK… Avoid it, stay at home, go out to eat, or go watch our #6 ranked Vols Basketball team play their first exhibition game next Wednesday, October 31st. You have alternatives, so don’t feel pressure to be involved on this day. At the same time, if you don’t like this day, don’t criticize others who participate in it responsibly… It only makes you look holier than thou and gives off a very judgmental persona which is not something the church needs more of!
Redeem it
God can work through anything, so what if you used this day when people will just randomly show up at your house as an opportunity to be a blessing to others? (Galatians 6:9-10) Put a fire pit in your driveway, invite the neighbors over for S’mores, and get to their story. Maybe even give out the best candy on your street!
Below I’ve provided a link with various posts on this topic including great ideas on how you can “redeem” this unique day as a disciple-making/missional opportunity, but whatever you do, don’t use it as a day to “preach” at people for how they are participating in the “work of the devil.” Most people are just out having fun, and honestly, if you’ll loosen up a bit yourself, you might even find a way to be a blessing toward someone.
More Posts on Halloween That Will Stretch Your Thinking As A Christian
