Halloween is soon upon us, but you’ve known that for weeks by the store displays, candy isles and decorations. In fact, more money is spent on decorations and related items for Halloween than any other holiday except Christmas. Christians have many different views about how they will spend this day.
Some see it necessary to have no ties with Halloween whatsoever. They see it as a day that is celebrating Satan and all he stands for; therefore, they can have nothing to do with it. These Christians would go on and live Oct. 31 as though it were any other day.
Other believers do not want to identify with the secular and possible evil aspects of Halloween, yet, to make the day still fun for their children, they provide alternative activities such as fall harvest parties or bible costume parties. Still other believers see Halloween as a cultural holiday viewed by most Americans as a day of fun and candy; therefore, they want to be a good neighbor and pass out candy. Some see opportunities to witness, passing out Gospel Tracks with the treats.
You probably fall into one of these categories or somewhere in between if you are a follower of Christ. Regardless of how you spend Halloween, I believe God wants all of us to be keenly aware of evil, Satan and Satan’s intentions for our lives.
The Devil is real and his influence in this world is felt in a significant way. So what does the bible say about Satan? The name Satan means accuser. He brings false accusations against God’s people (ie. Job). He is also referred to as murderer, tempter, and father of lies.
Jesus says in John 8:44: You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Also realize that Satan was once an angel that became prideful and fell from his heavenly state. Therefore when he presents himself, he is not always what he seems. He is deceptive. II Corinthians 11:13-14 states, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
In the book of Matthew, Jesus describes the Devil as our enemy (Matthew 13:37-39). If you have an enemy, you are going to want to know who your enemy is, his power, and most importantly, his intentions in regards to you.
First, you need to know Satan’s power. In Ephesians 2:2, Paul calls Satan a ruler of the kingdom of the air. Satan has been allowed to wander back and forth throughout this earth to tempt and deceive you and me. This is a real and serious threat to our Christian walk, not to our salvation. We need to have a healthy respect for his power. Don’t even think of going up against Satan without having a solid intimate walk with Jesus. You see, you really don’t want to mess with someone you know nothing about.
Second, you need to know Satan’s intentions. Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Peter wrote in his letter in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” He is looking to destroy our lives here on earth.
Third, you need to know how to fight Satan. These instructions were given to the first church in the scriptures. James 4:7 states, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Ephesians 6:11 instructs us to “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 4:26-27 warns us, “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
We need to be ready to stand against the Devil and his schemes. The Devil is real and alive, and intends on doing you and me harm.
Let me finish with this final instruction from God’s Word. I believe it to be a great instruction for everyday not just on Halloween. Romans 12:21 states, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
We can win against evil through the power of Jesus Christ. We do not have to feel defeated. I hope you understand who wins in the end. In fact, the real battle and victory over Satan and evil has already been won on a cross and through an empty tomb.