When I was young, trick or treaters came to our door in my small town. I had a big orange pumpkin I took around the neighborhood getting candy. I don’t have any recollection of costumes I wore other than the punk outfit I wore as an 8th grader on my last Halloween excursion.

Halloween was a time for kids, candy, and was just a fun day.

As a mom, the first Halloweens came and went. We lived in the country so no one knocked on our door. I simply told my little ones that we don’t celebrate Halloween because it celebrates witches and ghosts, and those are not of God. As they were older, we had a few dress up parties in our house where the kids dressed up and I hid candy in their rooms. They visited their grandparents to show off how cute they were.

In recent years, I’ve noticed Halloween lights on houses, yard decorations of ghosts, goblins, zombies and blood. I’ve heard store clerks greet me with “Happy Halloween.” Sculls and crossbones are everywhere and zombies and vampires are cool.

I’ve also heard elementary-aged kids say their favorite character is Freddy Kruger and they play hours of video games about death, zombies and the spirit world. This summer, I picked up a package of vampire blood I could have purchased at a computer store.  This week, 72% of people responding to The Today’s Show Facebook poll reported they believe in ghosts.

I have. I’m not scared by it, but I take it seriously. 

But I’ve noticed change just isn’t in the general culture. There’s a gradual, slow decline in the Christian culture that’s mirroring the world. As the world becomes more pagan, so is the church. The Vatican opens the door to life in outer space, pastors believe if God is good, there can’t be hell. Other church leaders believe worship and obedience is about us being happy, not about God.

Vampires, zombies, demons and deception. The lines between them are getting blurred. I want to be sure I know what’s true. I want my kids to know what’s true.

It only takes a generation to turn a Christian culture into a pagan society. It’s happened in Europe and it’s happening here. Putting prayer back in public schools won’t change things. It begins and ends in our home, what we’re teaching our kids about a holy and righteous God who loves them. It’s about a personal relationship with the God of the universe through His Son Jesus Christ.

It’s about setting standards that are of God or not of God, of not letting the enemy get a foothold in you, your child or your family. 

He reeks havoc when he does. 

There is an enemy of God who seeks to destroy. I’ve battled him in my own life overcoming addiction and I’ve seen him have strongholds. I’ve also seen him banished and removed through the power of Jesus’ name. 

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:12-15 NIV

Sodom and Gomorrah didn’t just show up one day. 

It’s time to take note and to get serious about faith. 

Though I love a great costume party, the celebration of death, blood, and ungodly spirits isn’t something to take lightly. 

Halloween in 2014 isn’t the same as it was 1974. 

If you celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection at Easter, then take the spirit behind Halloween seriously. It’s not just fun and games anymore.

I’ve seen and heard enough evil in today’s families both in and outside the Church that shakes me to the core. It’s not just something “out there.” The enemy of God is busy.

Be vigilant, not complacent.

Where is Satan trying to get a foothold in your family? What is your game plan?

What you believe and teach your kids about these things is important.

Really.

Father, thank you for sending your Son Jesus to give His life so we don’t have to be bound by sin or destruction the enemy tries to bring in our path. Thank you that your Word is true and right and good. Thank you for being a holy God who wants relationship with us. Thank you for victory over death. Help each of us to determine for ourselves where the enemy is trying to get a foothold in our lives or the lives of our family. Give us courage to make changes where you are calling us. Thank you.