I was the party pooping parent who never took their children trick or treat-ing. I was the teacher who didn’t do orange and black displays of pumpkins and cats or read witchy stories at this time of the year. I’ve always hated Halloween. Even now I think it is the worst week of ‘Strictly’ with more attention on costumes and make up than dance techniques. When I worked on a helpline, there always seemed to be more calls over this weekend. The timing reminds me of the start of the Steve Wright murders all those years ago. We even lose an hours’ sleep!
I applaud those who put on Light parties to replace Halloween celebrations, but sometimes those just emphasise and bring attention to what they are trying to outdo.
It’s not because I don’t believe in the force of evil, it’s because I do. I worry that our society makes little of it so I want to steer well clear. Those forces are much stronger than I am.
The Bible makes it clear that evil forces are a reality. Jesus believed in evil spirits and they certainly believed in and feared Him! Jesus didn’t see them as ‘just a bit of fun’ but took them very seriously.
So, this Halloween, let’s remember Philippians 4: 8 “Whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
What we put into our minds determines what comes out. Replace harmful input, maybe through television, books, conversations, films and magazines, with wholesome material, especially at this time of year. Above all, read God’s Word and pray. Ask God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure. He is all powerful and He has defeated the power of evil through His Son, Praise Him!