As a Christian, I can’t tell you how many discussions I’ve had about whether Christians should dress up and go trick or treating on Halloween. One side will bring up the pagan roots, and all the evil that this day represents. Another side will say, “Dude! Free candy!”
A friend once asked me if I was concerned that I would somehow be honoring or worshiping Satan if I were to celebrate Halloween.
Knowing that I love and serve God, I had no concern. I replied, “The Bible tells me ‘this is the day the Lord has made‘ and I am to rejoice and be glad in it. I do not believe by getting (or giving) candy to my oddly dressed neighbors that I will accidentally worship Satan in the process.”
I appreciate that many Christians are not as lax about Halloween as I am. And I understand the concern. There are clearly historical, and modern celebrations on Halloween that have nothing to do with Christianity, and should not be done. But, that really isn’t what this blog post is about.
This Halloween dilemma is similar to what Paul was addressing when he gave us this meaningful description of the Kingdom of God:
“For the Kingdom of God is not eating or drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17
In the previous verses of Romans 14, Paul was talking about the disagreements people were having about whether certain foods or drinks were acceptable to be consumed by Christians.
You find this same discussion today when it comes to things like alcohol, smoking, music, politics, celebrating Halloween, cuss words (my dad got a whippin’ for saying ‘fart’ when he was a kid), etc. I don’t believe Paul was encouraging people to not care about what they eat or drink (listen to, vote for, celebrate, say, etc.). It seems Paul was directing these believers to a much higher truth.
The Kingdom of God is not a diet.
I think if Paul was having a conversation with them, it may have sounded like this:
Judah: “Paul, see Joseph over there eating shrimp again. He is such a disgusting Christian. We need to make him stop right now!”
Paul: “Hey Judah, if Joseph wants to eat shrimp as he serves Christ, then let him. If you don’t think eating shrimp is okay, then don’t eat shrimp. Joseph loves Jesus and is serving God with all his heart, soul and strength, just like you. His righteousness doesn’t come from what he eats, but from the same God who gave you your righteousness. This concern you have about what Joseph is eating is affecting you in a dangerous way. You are beginning to hate Joseph, and to judge him quite harshly. The Holy Spirit is not leading you that direction. Don’t lose your righteousness because of what Joseph is eating. Do you see how this has taken away your peace and your joy? The Kingdom of God is made up of righteousness, peace and joy! You can’t lose those things Judah!“
Turns to Joseph, “Oh…and Joseph. Please don’t eat shrimp around Judah. It bothers him. You’re a respectful man, and I’m sure you don’t want to intentionally offend him. You’re his brother! Be nice! Thanks man.”
Clearly, Paul is not saying that “everything a person does is okay.” The point, in my view, was more for the “offended” rather than the (supposed) “offender”.
I have said for years (and fully believe):
“There are three gifts God has given to help us on our journey: the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the People of God.”
There are things my Christian brothers and sisters do that I would not do myself. And, I am certain, there are things I do that they would not do. But, each of us, in our honest relationship with God, should listen to the counsel of these three gifts from God. We should do our best to live in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because THAT is the Kingdom of God.
Ideas for reflection or discussion as you “Seek the Kingdom”:
- List: Take a few minutes to list the things that cause you to judge others harshly.
- Consider: Consider how you can begin thinking differently about those activities, and people, so that those activities do not cause you to bring yourself down.
- Pray: Ask God to take these concerns from you, and commit to seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness.