Halloween - Behavior and Customs of this World

Growing up, we trick or treated, put up scary decorations, and watched scary movies to celebrate Halloween. However, when I surrendered my life to Jesus I realized that glorifying fear was only a tool for the enemy and it never drew me closer to God. So where is the struggle? Is it all fun and costumes and candy - or is there something more sinister about?

Forget the historical context. Why do we celebrate it today?

As a Jesus follower, I try to imagine if Jesus would celebrate Halloween right beside me? I don't think so. You see, he knows the truth behind fear, demons, Satan, fire and death. Jesus knows the reality and He died to rescue me from it.

So, why celebrate Halloween?

Does it help me share my faith with those at work? Maybe it would, if I were super intentional with my costume and rhetoric, but I'm pretty sure Romans 12:2 fits into the equation. Does celebrating Halloween cause me to conform instead of be transformed?

Not even Christmas is immune from Romans 12:2, but that is another blog for another time.

Every day when I wake up, I want to reflect on Romans 12:2.

For me, Halloween is a holiday worth avoiding. It's not harmless and can lead down a slippery slope to old ways of thinking. Just give it some prayer this week.

Romans 12:2 New Living Translation (NLT)

2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!