The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21 NIV)
While driving around last week, I was struck by how many houses and businesses were decorated for Halloween. On my first visit to a new doctor’s office, I was greeted by several witches and a skeleton hugging the iPad where I was supposed to sign in. I’ve also seen homes with huge rope-based spider webs draped from the roof and others glowing with purple and orange lights.
I’ve tried several times to write a post about what I call “Hollow-ween” — particularly the potential spiritual implications of celebrating a day with ties to the occult and themes of darkness — but each attempt came across as too harsh. Over the years, I’ve read testimonies from former Satanists, witches, and warlocks who have come to Christ and now warn believers about the danger of trivializing or playing with spiritual darkness.
I believe that as Christians, we need to be mindful of where we invest our energy and attention, so that we don’t unintentionally compromise our faith or the values we hold dear. Yet, I do understand that most people see Halloween as a harmless, secular celebration — just a time for candy, costumes, and fun. How do you balance the need to give appropriate warnings, but not seem scolding or judgmental?
And then, as I was writing this, my 19 year old came in to ask for help with his costume for Halloween – some K-Pop movie character.
Sigh.
I wish the enemy of our souls didn’t take so many innocent, fun things and twist them for his dark purposes.
Dressing up in costumes and pretending to be someone else can be fun. Having parties with friends and neighbors can be fun. Sharing silly songs and food treats with others can be fun.
But it’s not fun to become entangled with the forces of darkness – witchcraft, the occult, or outright satanism. And during a holiday that mixes innocent things with not-so-innocent, we must be especially diligent to guard ourselves.
So, today, let us pray that those who participate in Halloween in some way will do so with innocent hearts, focused on the fun of the day, but protected from the powers of darkness around us.
God,
You are pure and holy, light, life, and hope to all those who seek you. Thank you for your good warnings to not let ourselves be entangled with the darkness, sin, and outright evil in this world. As we approach Halloween tomorrow, help us to do so with the discernment of the Holy Spirit rather than simply by following the patterns, pressures, or expectations of our friends and culture. As we choose costumes, activities, and companions, may every decision come under the lordship of Jesus Christ. Create in us clean hearts and right spirits so that we may enjoy the fun things of life, but not get pulled into places that are not good for Jesus-followers. Keep us from neither intentionally or inadvertently partner with forces of darkness, we ask in Jesus’s name, AMEN.
Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 19:31 NIV)
I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people. (Leviticus 20:6 NIV)