Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Rethinking Halloween

 
 
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Colossians 2:8
 
Oh boy. This might be a controversial post if anyone actually read my blog but me...ha ha. 
 
I'm sure that we all know something that fits the description, maybe a certain movie or book that you could tell in an instant wasn't Godly but others around you were deceived. For me that would be something like horoscopes, which seems obvious but yet several of my christian friends get them daily on Facebook so maybe it's more deceptive for others. I think the real deception is that it becomes so commonplace that it's the norm. You don't question it because it doesn't occur to you do do so.
 
Several times we have rented movies and to me the messages are so blatantly ungodly that I can't watch it but when I say something it's met with eye rolls and "it's just a movie". I want to say, "No, that's what the devil wants you to think, guard your heart!". Other times I realized something that I'd never questioned before went against the Word of God when I watched it again at a later time.
 
This is why it is so important to know scripture by heart and to be in the Word daily. As I get deeper into God's word I see so much more clearly the things that aren't from Him. Things that not long ago were acceptable to me are now seen in a whole new "light", if you know what I mean.
 
Here's a recent example from an unlikely source: Pinterest. I've really enjoyed Pinterest and I've found some great ideas on there. In fact, most of the dinners I've made lately I found on Pinterest! Anyway, I follow a lot of craft, home decor and educational bloggers on Pinterest and about a month ago I joined a christian pinners group as well. As it turned to fall, I noticed something shocking that I'm not sure if I would have recognized if I hadn't seen it in this manner. Suddenly, next to all the pictures of Christ, scriptures and uplifting posts were witches, skeletons, and ghosts. Mind you that these weren't hard-core horror images, just cutesy craft projects for Halloween but even so the difference between the two was shocking and made an impact on me in a way that I'm not sure even words would have done. It really brought home the verses that question what darkness has in common with light and made me question some of the things that I accept just because they are tradition.

"See to it" implies action. We must actively examine what philosophies or world views that we listen to, read, see, etc and make sure that they line up with what is in the Bible, like the Bereans in Acts 17:11.
 
So here's my challenge:  This week I'm rethinking Halloween and what it means for our family. My GMG friends already know but I'll share later what we plan to do instead.
 
Think about the things that you've read and watched in the last few days. What philosophies are you being exposed to? Are there any traditions you go along with just because it's what you've always done?  For the next few days be intentional about questioning what you read, watch and hear. See if anything surprises you that you might not have noticed otherwise.  Most importantly - spend time reading the Bible & pray! Ask God for wisdom and to show you the things that don't line up with His word and trust that He will do it.
 
Linking to: Women in the Word Wednesdays at www.goodmorninggirls.org

4 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. (Sorry! I shouldn't have deleted my previous post!) Anyway....oh my goodness, you just gave voice to some of the things I have been thinking recently about Halloween. Thank you! I'm excited to see the plans you have for rethinking this holiday for your family.

    Blessings,
    Gina

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  3. Hello Laura...visiting from GMG, I'm your 'neighbour'. I enjoyed this post and don't think it controversial at all. I happen to agree with you, when you start walking with the Lord the Holy Spirit starts convicting you in a deeper way and you really do look at things differently. I actually wrote on this same topic. It was nice to visit and I have the honour of being your first follower on Google Friend Connect. Keep writing...people are reading :)

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  4. It is taking more and more effort these days to remain unstained by the world. Especially now that worldly things are creeping into the church. I don't find your post controversial, just plain full of truth. A lot of our brothers and sisters are deceived into accepting dark ideas through entertainment. I cringe at the danger our loved ones are in by making these subtle compromises with the world. I don't see the harm in reminding them (in love!) that we are not to,have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather, expose to them. (Ephesians 5:11) Be blessed!

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