First of all, I want to state that this is an opinion. This is my view and how I see things. You may agree with this view or you may see things differently, either of these is okay. We aren’t always going to see eye to eye on everything and that is fine. Our background, our make-up, and our current situation all play a large role in how we view things. And mine may be different than yours.
The first thing I want to note is a change I’ve seen over the years. The change is in the commercialism of the day. I remember distinctly, when we moved back from Canada in the late 90’s how the number of outside Halloween decorations had exploded! From some cardboard pumpkins and skeletons attached with tape to the inside of a window, to massive blow up yard objects and strings of light and cobwebs. A second thing I observed was that it seemed Halloween had turned into another drinking holiday for adults as opposed to just kids eating too much candy. I understand that when you live in a capitalistic society these changes are going to occur.
Those seem to all be worldly aspects of this day, but what about the spiritual? I don’t believe Romans 14:5-6 fits here, because it is not a day of celebration to God. Christmas or Easter would seem to fall more under this umbrella as days that have become days to celebrate Jesus. Some would argue that Ephesians 4:26-27 would fit here as a reason to avoid recognizing this day. Though the context of this passage extends far beyond the focus of this one day. We are told that there is a spiritual battle going on (Ephesians 6:27), but focusing it solely on a single day seems like a similar view of highlighting Christmas and Easter. So, focusing on the spiritual battle is an important aspect of our walk through the physical of this world.
So, what are we to do? What do I do? Two passages come to mind. First is Romans 14:7-9 as we continue reading from the above passage--I live my life for Christ. When you combine that with what Paul says in 1Corinthians 9:19, about wanting to win as many as possible, it seems pretty clear. Paul seems wishy washy. To those embracing Halloween, he seems to be for embracing it. For those opposed to it, he seems to be opposing it. All of this with a purpose greater than the celebrating or the shunning of a single day: Live for Christ
I started by saying that this was my opinion, yet I have not said how I treat the day. Well, I treat it much the same way that I treat politics as some argue that both are “of the devil.” I fly under the radar, keeping my opinion to myself because I don’t want to lose the opportunity to help someone get closer to Jesus. I encourage and reach out to someone who has an opinion on either side of the issue. Some could call it wimping out, I like to call it being able to reach the most people without slamming any doors closed. So, wherever you come down on this issue, never lose sight of those around you and your obligation to share God’s love, His word, and most importantly His grace expressed through the life given on the cross.
Below the Radar,
Randy
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