(Disclaimer: We are all on a different spiritual growth pattern. The Bible teaches that some are drinking the “milk” of the Word while others may be eating “meat”. This topic is quite sensitive. Often it is a touchy subject but it needs to be addressed, so here goes. (If you’re a milk drinker and need to talk, PM me and we can have lunch. I’ll buy.)
Being October and with fall on the way, this is the time of year many people of faith err thinking things are all fun and games in regards to decorating and celebrating. Often, people of faith seem to think the seasonal time is light-hearted and they may choose to highlight the dark-side in fun. It seems innocent to some people of faith but I’m here to tell you, Satan and his ways are no joke and dancing with the devil even in a lighthearted way will not end well even if we’re a true person of God.
Every being has a spirit. Yes, we are spiritual beings. Our Creator has made us with a body, soul and spirit. In simple terms, our body is our flesh. Our soul is who we are; our personality. Our spirit is what communes with our god or God. There are only two possible spirits who could live within you; the spirit of darkness or the Spirit of Light. There are no other spirits except light and darkness.
Satan is the spirit of darkness. He is the “son of Perdition” and the “Mystery of Iniquity”. We want no part of him.The Bible says he is a liar from the beginning. We must not join in his antics, not if we are children of light.
The Father, Son(Jesus) and Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light. He does the Father’s will. He came to save that which was lost. He is the True Vine and is the “Mystery of Godliness”; our hope, our salvation.
When the devil lives in a person, there is little thinking about spiritual matters or if spiritual matters are considered, they lean dark and dank.
When God lives in a person, the life is more than words of belief and trust. There is a life that strives to live truly in Him. This life is also more than “trying to be good” or “trying to do better”. This life is imbedded in the Word of God and that Word is lived out on a daily basis in God, in Christ, through the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit lives inside that person, a struggle ensues to do God’s will. The flesh and the Spirit oppose one another but in Christ, the person of faith can have victory. Even the apostle Paul said what I wanted to do, I didn’t do and what I did not want to do, I did. Being a person of faith is often a struggle but that is why the Word of God, the Bible is so necessary to help us do God’s will. Doing God’s bidding would help us turn away from doing things of darkness or joining in on the devil’s work or play. If we’re truly of God, we must turn away from it even if it seems playful or innocent. Darkness is never playful or innocent and in the dark, we cannot see our way. We’re children of light. We want to see our paths clear.
During the fall, it has become fashionable to begin decorating for the holiday season. Here though is a word of caution… care about who you bring into your home, what you allow to rest on your mantle or who and what welcomes you home to your front yard.
God and god are watching. You have been encouraged. You have been warned.
Our Creator, the Spirit of Light wants our lives to be filled abundantly. He has a desire that we would be blameless unto His coming. He has set up our family, government, employment and church so that we can live peaceably among man. As He lives in us and we respond to His Holy Spirit, our lives are rich and we are happy.
On the other hand, the evil one wants to kill, steal and destroy your life. He would bring into your life seeds of darkness that could overtake your efforts of happiness and destroy the fruits of your labor. By decorating, or even dressing in darkness, one takes a great chance of being used like a pawn by the worker of iniquity.
We cannot let this happen. It is not worth it. Instead, we should do everything possible to ward off the things that even appear evil. If we are children of the light, no darkness should be exhibited in our homes, on our lawns or even carried about with our appearances. We should maintain a bright spot for all to see in every way possible. Even in jest or thinking it appropriate to “tease” and highlight darkness in any way would be contrary to God’s Word. Let it not be named among us.
There is an old brochure written by Robert Boyd Munger that tells of Christ going to every room of one’s home. Billy Graham’s store offers this tract with this description: It “emphasizes the need for Christians to be wholeheartedly devoted to Christ. Imagining what it would be like to have Jesus come to the home of our hearts, Munger moves room by room considering what Christ desires for us. This practical and profound message will inspire readers to commit every part of their lives to Christ.”
“ I pray God your whole Spirit, and Soul and Body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 These. 5:23.
There is a marked difference in the things of God and the things of god.
God god
Christ came from Heaven The Anti-Christ ascends from
the pit
Christ humbled Himself Satan exalts himself
Christ came to give life abundantly Satan wants to steal, kill and
destroy you
Christ is the True Vine Satan is the vine of the earth
overtaking it with evil
God, the Creator has made His Holy Spirit available to us. Man, needed his sins covered and so God sent Jesus Christ. When he died on the cross, the took on the sins of man. After Jesus went to heaven, he sent the “Holy Spirit” to live in the hearts of man. When we ask Christ into our hearts, we receive God’s Spirit. God living in us. Wow!
Thoughts To Consider As You Decorate For the Up and Coming Seasons
These thoughts matter and reflect who you are spiritually. The way in which you decorate your yard is important. Not only will you ride by and be impacted and influenced but so will neighbors, acquaintances and even strangers. The outfits you wear and those in which you dress your children are important to the spiritual welfare of your home and family. The books that you read during this season and those you share with groups for which you might read matter. It will make a huge difference how you decorate and by the things you allow in the deep recesses of your heart and home.
Our spiritual condition should match our actions day-in and day-out. How we present ourselves daily to and about our God matters. It matters not only to Him and to us but will affect everyone who comes in contact with what we’re offering. Let it be representative of our faith in God because it will certainly be a reflection of our spiritual condition.
Decorations will matter in the up-and-coming season. It would not be wise for a person of Truth to bring the darkness into the home or yard and to even dress with dark leanings. God is light and in Him is no darkness. As people of faith, we should exhibit only light.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
We have been warned by God to separate from the darkness. I pray that each of us take seriously our responsibility to move forward the everlasting light and not the one who will one day see the dark abyss.
Will you live for god or God as the seasons move closer?
1 Peter 5:8-9King James Version (KJV)
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Philippians 4:6-9King James Version (KJV)
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.(Biblegateway)
Our behavior matters to God. Live for Him today. He will give you abundant life and you will be happy and prosperous in Him.
~Josie~