Serving the High Plains

Satan’s tricks might seem like treats; Christians beware

Religion Columnist

Our interim preacher presented a sermon recently entitled, “Everyday is Halloween for Satan.” It was very good and since I needed an article for this week’s Quay County Sun, I asked his permission to use the information. So here it is paraphrased and adapted.

Halloween is a time for children to dress up in an attempt to disguise themselves just to have fun harmlessly extorting goodies from others who see no problem with the activity. Although Halloween’s beginning may have had some spiritual significance, that’s no longer the case and we shouldn’t make any more out of it than its current purpose (Titus 1:15-16; Romans 14:17; Colossians 2:16-17). Actually, in being overly concerned about holidays, we give them a power they don’t deserve.

We should view Halloween and many other holidays much like the Old Testament purpose and method for circumcision versus its spiritual purpose and method under the New Testament or its medical purpose nowadays (Acts 15:1-31; Galatians 6:12-16; 5:1-4; Colossians 2:9-12). The basis of the sermon was that Satan uses schemes tricks (like the division in the New Testament over circumcision) and treats to interfere with people’s salvation.

As the ultimate deceiver, Satan disguises himself to hide his true nature (John 8:43-47; 2 Corinthians 11:11-15). He’s the real villain having once been a beautiful angel in magnificent light who tried to take God’s place and was cast from the light into utter darkness (Isaiah 14:12-15; Revelation 12:7-9). Although he’s the Prince of Darkness, he presents himself as an angel of light tricking people into not following God because he hates God and still wants to usurp Jesus’ place.

Another trick Satan uses is disguising the gospel (God’s truth about salvation) (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). He gets a lot of help with that trick from people who don’t love the truth enough to really find out what it says (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, 9-12). They become duped by the trick and perpetuate the deceit (2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:13; 4:3-4; Acts 20:26-30). Anyone who doesn’t present the whole counsel of God and only that whole counsel becomes Satan’s minion in perpetuating the trick. Nonetheless, God’s word will accomplish his purpose (Revelation 22:18-19; Isaiah 55:10-11; John 12:48-50).

Satan also uses treats to lead people away from God (like the boogey man offering candy to a kid). He knows sin can bring pleasure, but he doesn’t let anyone know how short-lived the pleasure is or the consequences of any and all sin (Hebrews 11:24-27; Romans 6:23).

Beware, Satan is lurking for an opportunity to trick or treat. We can know his trick and treat schemes and prepare ourselves to overcome them just by Jesus’ example (Corinthians 2:11; Matthew 4:1-10; Luke 4:13; James 4:7-8; 1 Peter 5:6-11).

Be prepared (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 John 4:1-6). Even the Halloween holiday can be used by Satan to lead us away from God if we make more out of it than it actually is. Let’s not let any day be Halloween for Satan.

Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan. Contact him at [email protected]