Let convictions be convictions

   So there has been an ongoing dispute probably for years as to why Christians should NOT celebrate Halloween.  I recently got into a dispute about it on facebook, which I should not have.  We do carve pumpkins and go trick-or-treating.  I also know people who do not because of their convictions about it, and that's ok too.

  Today I was reading Romans 14, holy cow, there's a lot to unpack.  The gist of it is, let convictions be convictions.  Everyone has a conviction about something.  Everyone's convictions are usually different but they do agree amongst some people.  Anyway there was a lady commenting on how Halloween is satan's holiday and no Christian should celebrate satan.  I disagreed.  I think it is what you make it.  It's all about your heart.  When I take my kids out, I am not thinking about satan at all.  I'm thinking, "oh my gosh! Look at all the kids and how cute they are!!"  I asked my oldest what he thought Halloween was, he told me that it's when you get to dress up in fun costumes and get candy from nice people.  Period.  He has no idea that somewhere far back in history, someone with an evil heart decided to make it about satan and spirits.  You know what?  He never will unless he does his own research.

  Kids don't need to know about the evil that someone made Halloween about.  Did you know that Halloween was a Christian holiday first?  The day before was All Hallows Eve, and Halloween was called All Saints Day.  They celebrated the life of all the martyrs of FAITH.  Then when it started migrating to Europe, they had their own pagan holiday and it came back to America all messed up.  I will NOT give satan his own holiday, I'm sorry but I won't do it.  Jesus defeated him and he deserves nothing from us.  Halloween is something fun and random that we get to do once a year and also get to know your neighbors.  Don't make it more than what it is.

  I say all that to say this, do not judge others whether they celebrate something or not.  I was wrong in disputing with this woman on a post.  I have no conviction about going out this time of year, but others do.  We need to respect others decisions whether we agree or not.  Honestly, don't even say people are weird if they do or don't.  It's all about your heart and where it's at.  God looks at our hearts and because of that, we all have different convictions about different things.  So we go down to Romans 14:22 says, "So whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God."

  Why is it that we always feel we have to argue about everything?  It gets frustrating and boy am I totally guilty.  We are always wanting to be right about stuff, isn't that why married couples argue?  Romans 14:19 says, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."  Instead of arguing, how about we lift and encourage others up!  Be the solution to our worlds problems, don't contribute.  I am preaching to myself today lol.  I'm telling you, read Romans 14!

  So if someone is doing something you feel strongly against, don't say anything.  Don't give your opinion when it wasn't asked for.  If it is asked for, be kind and don't try to sway someone.  What we should be doing is giving people TRUTH instead of opinions.  God's Word is all truth and has every answer to every question we need to know in it.  If someone asks for an opinion, maybe pray on it and ask God to give you an answer that is truth, then reply to the person.  There are so many lies and opinions floating around instead of truth.  If we are to love everyone, wouldn't we want them to know the truth?  Be bold in Christ and speak it!

  I'm so thankful that we have His Word that we can go to when we aren't sure about things.  God is amazing and so wonderful!  I hope you all have a blessed day!