October 31
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Colossians 3:17 (NIrV)
Ruby had always loved Halloween. It was a fun tradition in her family—her children would dress up as witches, zombies, and other spooky characters, and they would roam the neighborhood, collecting candy from the homes of their neighbors. It was a time for laughter, fun costumes, and a little bit of mischief. She had always thought of it as harmless, just a part of the year where they could enjoy themselves.
But this year, something had changed. Ruby had been spending more time reading her Bible, learning more about how to live her life in a way that honors God. And as she reflected on Halloween, she started feeling uneasy. She began to wonder if dressing up as creatures of the night and going door to door demanding treats—under the threat of a "trick"—was really the best way to glorify God. Was it the message she wanted to send to her children? Was it in line with the values she was trying to instill in them?
As the days leading up to Halloween drew closer, Ruby felt conflicted. Her children, Sarah and Max, were excited as usual, picking out their costumes, eagerly discussing which houses they would visit for the best candy. Ruby knew they would be disappointed if she told them they couldn’t participate in the holiday as they had every year. But she also felt that God was calling her to make a change, to stand firm in her faith, and to set an example that honored Him.
The day before Halloween, Ruby sat down with Sarah and Max. She explained that this year, they wouldn’t be celebrating Halloween like they usually did. “I know it’s fun,” Ruby said gently, “but I’ve been thinking about how this holiday doesn’t really honor God.” Sarah and Max looked confused, their faces falling with disappointment. “But Mom,” Max said, “it’s just a bit of fun! Everyone does it. Why can’t we?”
Ruby hesitated. She knew this wouldn’t be easy. Her children’s friends were already planning their costumes, and Ruby didn’t want her kids to feel left out or different. “I understand it’s fun,” Ruby replied, “but think about it. Halloween is about dressing up as things that are scary and dark. We want to focus on things that are good and light, things that bring us closer to God.”
Her children were upset. “But all our friends will be dressing up! Why can’t we just go for one night?” Sarah said, her voice tinged with frustration. Ruby’s heart broke a little. She didn’t want to take away something that brought her children joy, but she felt deeply convicted that this was a step she had to take.
“I know it’s hard,” Ruby said softly. “But this year, instead of trick-or-treating, we’re going to do something different. We’re going to spend time together, enjoy a nice meal, and just be with each other.” She suggested taking them out for burgers at their favorite restaurant.
The next night, while the neighborhood was alive with children in costumes running from door to door, Ruby sat with Sarah and Max in a cozy booth at the local diner. They laughed together, enjoyed their burgers, and spent the evening talking about their day. There was no candy, no costumes, but there was something even sweeter—a moment of peace and connection that Ruby hadn’t anticipated.
As Ruby looked at her children’s smiling faces, she felt a deep sense of peace. She had made a choice that wasn’t popular, that wasn’t easy, but she had chosen to honor God in the way she raised her children. And that was worth more than any amount of candy or Halloween fun.
Later that night, as Ruby sat alone in her quiet home, she reflected on Colossians 3:17. "Whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus." She realized that it wasn’t just the big moments in life that mattered to God. It was in every small decision, in every act of obedience, that she could bring glory to His name. And she was thankful that He had given her the strength to follow His lead, even when it wasn’t easy.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the wisdom and guidance You give us every day.
Sometimes, the right choice isn’t the easiest or the most popular, but we want to honor You in everything we do.
Please help us to follow Your will in all things—whether it’s a big decision or a small one.
Thank You for being with us in the moments of challenge and joy, and for giving us the strength to live in a way that reflects Your love and light.
Help us to teach our children, our friends, and ourselves, how to walk in Your ways and honor You with every part of our lives.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
