Day 22 - Issue 23
1 Timothy 4:7 NLT
Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.
Halloween has become an international festival linked with all sorts of pagan rituals and stories of evil spirits. The word was introduced in 1745 by the Church and actually means ‘holy evening’. While it may have been an attempt by the Church to counter a host of non-Christian practices surrounding death and the dead, it invites the Church to remember the departed and the influence they had when alive in our own life experience.
Today the event is a commercialised opportunity to sell costumes, arrange parties and secure bags of sweets by knocking on neighbours’ doors. However, behind the innocent fun of a well-intentioned party, individuals may have their appetite whetted to explore the darker arts of magic and witchcraft. There are long traditions of malevolent forces demanding our loyalty in return for material reward within this life.
Paul writes to Timothy and reminds him not to get distracted by myths that offer hope of health, help and life. He recognises how appealing and alluring such legends can prove, yet in their pursuit we are hindered in our faith and mission. So Paul offers the antidote, “train yourself to be godly”. We will each have a view on Halloween, but the fact that many Christian denominations appoint exorcists is a healthy reminder that evil exists in this world. Christ is victorious through the cross and resurrection, yet we currently still live in a war zone until the fulfilment of all things. We need to remain vigilant. Hence, we pray today expressing confidence in the victory of God, while carrying the needs of others to the throne of grace. This is no cause for fear, it is a call to arms, to suit up in the armour of God, and pray.
QUESTION: How can you engage with the spiritual needs of your community?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray the Spirit of God might capture the attention of those intrigued by the occult that they might find faith in you, and discover the true Lord of the supernatural.
