Think On These

October is the time of year when thoughts, conversations, theater, TV movies and even commercials revolve around the macabre. Lately, I’ve actually turned my television off because the commercials are so disturbing. Occult themes seem to be increasing in popularity, spilling over into other months and sadly even dominating television networks geared to the Tween and Teen genre.

Where and when did all this originate and why oh why is it so enticing?

As Christians, we find our answers in the source of all truth – our Bible. Evil was a possibility when God began His creation. Before creating the earth and all that is in it, He first created angels. Three of the seemingly top ranking, God names in scripture:  Michael, Gabriel, and Lucifer.

Michael and Gabriel chose to obey the Lord, the King of the Universe. But Lucifer, the anointed cherub, rebelled. Ezekiel 28 tells us, although Lucifer was perfect from the day he was created, iniquity or sin wormed its way into his heart. Isaiah 14:12-14 assures us the corrupting sin was pride. Lucifer desired in his heart to be like the Most High God – El Elyon – the Possessor of heaven and earth. Because of this, our Triune God cast him out of heaven and Jesus, God the Son, speaks of seeing him fall like lightening.

Since then, Lucifer aka Satan, has been escorting people down the road of evil. He plants thoughts and encourages activities to lead us away from the worship of Almighty God. Some are outright evil, but some are so subtle we don’t even realize our folly.

Now fast forward to our century. We have this supposedly innocent holiday called Halloween. Some say it has pagan roots and others counter that it is Christian in origin. Regardless of its beginning, the question is how we view it today. Is it harmless fun?

Routine observation confirms a holiday steeped in the occult, focused upon celebrating evil. As Christians, we know Satan manipulates Halloween. But, how do we combat his barrage of occult on this day and in our everyday life? How do we stop Satan’s influence on our children and grandchildren?

We teach them scripture and help them to understand what it means to meditate or think on God’s word. In Philippians 4:8, God through Paul admonishes the brethren saying, “…whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—think on these things.”

Then, turn this “holiday” against Satan and toward God by using it as a ministry. Decorate for fall, leaving out jack-o-lanterns and wicked references to ghosts, goblins, witches and black cats. Make your house the brightest on the block, because Jesus is the light of the world. Then remember, God’s word never returns to Him void. So, give a comic-book style gospel tract with a piece of good candy to each child who comes begging. You never know which child will read it and possibly, a parent or two.