Thursday's Devotion: Playing Dress-Up

Matthew 7:1-3 “Stop judging so that you will not be judged.  Otherwise, you will be judged by the same standard you use to judge others. The standards you use for others will be applied to you. So why do you see the piece of sawdust in another believer’s eye and not notice the wooden beam in your own eye?

I heard on TV yesterday morning that 50% of adults in this country now dress up for Halloween. 11% dress up their pets, also.  There’s just something about dressing up that’s fun.  It takes us out of the ordinariness of life.  I joked with a friend as we walked together the other day that one of the best part of horse ownership was the riding apparel – chaps, spurs, helmets, riding breeches. I almost forgot the lunge whips and riding crops used to guide the horse from the ground or under saddle.  Some conservative Christians question the appropriateness of participating in Halloween festivities.  I think for most people it is just good fun.  It gives people a reason to have a party and parents taking their children around the neighborhood to trick or treat get to meet their neighbors.  Sales of candy, costumes and decorations boost the economy.  It’s sad to see Christians focusing on activities that aren’t hurting anyone when they should be looking within their own churches to see if they are serving as the body of Christ by witnessing to the grace of God and working for justice and the welfare of the marginalized. Come to our second annual Holy Ghost Weiner Roast on the 30^th (7 p.m.) and then on Halloween go out and have a great time.  Pretend to be someone else for just a moment. Just never forget who you really are – a child of God!

Gracious God, bless us today in all our activities.  As Halloween approaches we pray that you will help us stay in touch with our inner child. We ask today that you would keep us healthy in mind, body and spirit and that you will help us resist temptation to sin.  We pray In Jesus name.  Amen.