The mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters fight in an octagon ring enclosed by fencing. It is a violent sport, if you want to call it that. It is more like what the Romans did while killing the Christians. The point that I am trying to make is that we are in a similar battle now and have been for some time. This is a spiritual battle with more permanent consequences than what the fighters deal with in the MMA.
This time of year we seem to emphasize this more because of one day, that being Halloween. I will not go into a history lesson of Halloween. I will, rather, share why the day is one that should not be recognized by Christians.
I will begin with Ephesians 4:27. Paul tells us in the letter he wrote to the believers in Ephesus that they “don’t give the Devil an opportunity.” This is easily done not just on this one day during the year but every other day as well. It is done in ways that we do not realize. It is done by the music that we listen to or the movies that we go and see. It is also done by the way we act.
Jesus tells us what can happen in Matthew 12:43-45. “When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it roams through waterless places looking for rest but doesn’t find any. Then it says, ‘I’ll go back to my house that I came from.’ And returning, it finds the house vacant, swept and put in order. Then off it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and settle down there. As a result, that man’s last condition is worse than the first. That’s how it will also be with this evil generation.” As Christians, whether old or new, we must be careful about what we allow in our hearts and minds or what we follow or participate in. We must keep our souls clean. That is where Jesus dwells through the Holy Spirit. If we don’t allow Jesus to control every part of our life then Satan will try to occupy and turn us from Jesus.
To help us do this Paul tells us to put on the armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18. In verse 11 of Ephesians 6 we are told to “put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil.” Each part of the armor will help us, and we must put it on every day. It will help us in our fight.
I say all this to help you understand that we must be careful what we do. What “holidays” we celebrate. But we are also called to go and share the love of Jesus to everyone. I can talk and preach about the importance of not celebrating Halloween and some have done just that, but if I don’t show or give a better and holy alternative then I am not doing my job. There will be an opportunity for churches to reach out to people this Sunday. Some may not agree with churches doing this. I believe that it is needed for kids and their parents to have a safe place to go. The churches are able to minister and fellowship with them, giving people an alternative to the celebration of Halloween.
If you are going to dress up, then put on the armor of God.
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