Halloween

I'm writing this on Halloween - October 31 - while I am sitting comfortably in my recliner. Thoughts are swirling through my head like the leaves in the breeze, so I am not so sure where this path will take me. But every once in a while an idea pops up that bears consideration, so perhaps these are the ones that will make their way onto the page.

They call it "Halloween," but there is nothing hallowed or sacred other than the fact that this day happened to land on a Sabbath (for those of you who believe in Genesis 2:3). I have watched the children and adults walk down the road in their costumes, and have yet to see one that might even hint of the "sacred." Ghosts and goblins and creatures that are gruesome, but nothing that remotely reminds me of God.

Some will quickly point out the history of the day, referring to its pagan background and even the adoption into the church by making it a celebration for the dead - a remembrance for those who are no longer walking with us. I've no desire to go there - it would only be rehashing what many already know, and by doing that I would be supporting the argument that always - and I mean always - ensues. That is not the intention of this blog....

I would rather just look at what it is today. It's a costume party where people dress up and collect (or give out, depending on which side of the door you reside) candy and treats. It's a chance to say the magic words - "Trick or Treat" - and be rewarded with sweetness. Oh, there might be some teenagers tossing rotten eggs and carrying out whatever mischief is in their hearts, but in most cases it is a fun time to dress up and visit friends.

It was actually those magic words that started me thinking. It started me thinking about life choices. As difficult as life might be, our choices are really quite simple. Satan offers us all sorts of treats - a chance for wealth and popularity and ease in a world that is focused on "things." He says he can make everything sweet for us, as long as we are willing to give our lives over to him. It is only after we have been sucked into his web that we realize we have been tricked. We have become slaves to him, and our lives - even if we do have the wealth and popularity he promised - are limited to earthly joys.

On the other side we have a bleeding Man hanging on the cross. When it comes to earthly things, He can't promise us much. He actually says, "In this world you will have tribulations." Things are going to get tough for us. It is not a life for sissies.

But He offers us so much more than anything this world could give us. Yes, it will be hard, but we will be standing for the right, we will have a cause to defend, and we will have an eternity to enjoy that will go far beyond anything we could imagine. It will be such a treat to spend forever with this Man.

So you have the choice. You can get your goodies now or enjoy eternal salvation with a God who loves you so much He died for you. It really is up to you.

Trick or treat...

God bless you abundantly!