For years, I was addicted to anything spooky.
Horror novels. Scary movies. Creepy television programs. You name it. If there was a fear factor involved I was drawn to watch, listen, read, or some how experience it.
To this day, when a movie trailer begins touting the latest and greatest scare-fest, my interest is tweaked–for a moment.
But now, as I stop to consider what I’m inviting into my life by opening my mind and spirit to these spooky themes, the desire to indulge in fear (because that’s what all this taps into for most people) drains away.
There are simply better things with which to occupy my mind.
As Halloween approaches, we are treated to even more paranormal fare (as if there’s not enough already). Horror movies are available every day. Guest appearances by ghost hunters, psychics, and mediums on local television stations and radio programs increase.
People begin to seek out ghost stories or tell their own. A popular program called Celebrity Ghost Stories features Mykelti Williamson (famous for his portrayal of Bubba in the film Forest Gump) recounting a harrowing “phone call from hell”. I saw the episode. The story is indeed spine tingling, but there is something far more important which I gleaned from listening to Mr. Williamson share his frightening tale.
People need to hear the truth and good news of the gospel.
As Christians, we must share the greater hope we have through salvation in Christ Jesus. Because all people such as Mykelti Williamson have to count on is the shaky foundation of karma, “living in the light”, or striving to be a good person. All of this misses the saving grace of God who has reached out to us with the answer.
It’s all too easy to get caught up in the heart pounding, goose bump raising scenarios ghost stories invoke all the while missing the bigger picture. We should be responding to what these frightening tales of the beyond have to say about life, death, and God with the truth.
You may ask why? What’s the big deal about listening to a ghost story or watching a scary movie? It’s all in fun, right? Here’s the thing. We live in a society which tends to learn by what the media puts in front of us through our entertainment sources. There is not a lot of spiritual discernment going on (especially within the church) these days. Far too many are gambling their spiritual future based upon popular cultural beliefs about ghosts, spirits, and the after life.
In the past, October has been a difficult time for me.
Because of Halloween, all manner of occult activities are being promoted which I used to participate in on a daily basis. Seeking out spooky stuff is one aspect of a larger, darker pursuit which held me captive for years but I was too blinded by my own interest to see it. There are many people out there in the same predicament.
Truly, I had to start asking myself is what I’m reading, watching, or doing throughout October (or any time of year) honoring to God? And if it is not, is a moment of emotional gratification worth the spiritual risk of setting myself up (ultimately) for temptation or sin?
The answer is no.
In the last few months, the Lord has been stressing holiness to me through what I’m reading in scripture and hearing through pastors or teachers. God is drawing His people to renew their faith and walk with Him. We are meant to reflect His holiness in our daily lives.
The question is — are we willing to respond?
***CONGRATULATIONS MICHELLE. YOU ARE THE WINNER OF THE GIVEAWAY. YOU WILL BE RECEIVING A CONFIRMATION EMAIL.+++
FOR OCTOBER:
I’m give away one free autographed copy of my book, Escaping the Cauldron plus 3 free downloads, each Friday of this month!
A random drawing of entries will be held each week and the winner announced each Saturday.
For a chance to receive one free autographed copy of Escaping the Cauldron plus 3 free downloads THIS WEEK, please leave a comment on this post. How do you feel about all the spooky or scary things being promoted throughout October? Does participation affect our witness as a Christian?
Additional Entries (leave a comment on this blog post letting us know your extra entry activity:
Tweet this blog post
Share this blog post on Face Book
Share this blog post on Google +
Share this blog post on Pinterest
Sign up for the Kristine Remixed Newsletter (found under the Contact tab)
“Like” the Escaping the Cauldron Face Book Page
Remember: If you are not chosen to receive a book and 3 downloads this week, you have three more chances by entering the giveaway each Monday by leaving a comment on that week’s Giveaway blog post.
Learn more about cultural influences such as ghost stories, scary movies, Halloween, and more in Escaping the Cauldron, and how we as Christians should respond to the occult influences in our culture affecting our families. Now available on Amazon,Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million, Family Christian, and in stores everywhere.
About Kristine McGuire