All Saints' Day is coming up. Many people have different traditions in observing this day. Some people go trick or treating while others choose to abstain. The Bible does not necessarily tell us exactly what to do but it does give us principles that we can follow.
Romans 14:5-9
5 One person regards one day holier than other days, and another regards them all alike. Each must be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day does it for the Lord. The one who eats, eats for the Lord because he gives thanks to God, and the one who abstains from eating abstains for the Lord, and he gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for himself and none dies for himself. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For this reason Christ died and returned to life, so that he may be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
1. A Hill to Die For: We must differentiate primary vs secondary issues. The primary core doctrines are the (1) The Trinity (One God but 3 Persons) (2) Full divinity and humanity of Christ (3) Salvation by faith alone. The primary core doctrines are hills to die for. They are non-negotiable. However, everything else falls under secondary issues. Participating in trick or treating is a secondary issue that some Christians have chosen to observe while other have not. Whatever someone chooses to do, we must not use their decision as a basis of causing division to the church but we must choose to be compassionate and loving towards one another.
2. Do Everything for God’s Glory: Some people choose to abstain from trick or treating while others choose to participate in them. Yet, both of them do so with God in mind. For those who participate, they are doing it as a way to interact with non-believers and pointing them to Jesus. Some have given Bible tracts alongside candies, etc. For those who abstain, they use it as a witness and testimony to teach others about God’s holiness. Either decision they make will honor God, if they choose to do it intentionally for God’s glory.
3. Evangelism: Whatever you choose to do during All Saint’s Day, remember to always bring the conversation back to Jesus Christ. If you choose to participate in trick or treating, give away Bible tracts alongside candies, etc. If you are choosing to abstain, use it as a means of conversation to tell others about Jesus in a gracious and loving manner, not condemning others but pointing them to the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
～Min. David Or 柯啟洋傳道～