“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. – 1 Corinthians 10:23–24 (ESV)
Every October, Christians face the same question: What do we do with Halloween? Some believers close the blinds, turn off the porch light, and avoid it entirely. Others see it as a harmless cultural event – a time to dress up, hand out candy, or spend time with friends. Still others see it as a mission field – a night when the world literally comes knocking at your door.
The Bible doesn’t name Halloween directly, but it gives us timeless principles for spiritual discernment. As followers of Christ living in the last days, we’re called to walk wisely in a world that often celebrates darkness while we carry the light.
Freedom and Discernment
Paul reminds believers that while Christian freedom is real, it isn’t the highest goal. Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should. The mature believer learns that freedom without spiritual discernment can harm our Christian witness.
For example, eating food offered to idols wasn’t inherently sinful for the early church, but Paul urged caution because of how it affected others’ consciences. Likewise, modern believers must consider how participation in certain activities might look to those who don’t yet know Christ.
Halloween presents this same kind of test. Dressing up in a costume, attending a fall festival, or giving out candy might not violate Scripture, but if the activity blurs the line between light and darkness – or makes our faith appear compromised – then discernment tells us to step back.
Freedom is a gift, but it must be guided by love, not preference. We don’t live for what we can get away with; we live for what builds up others and honors God.
Witness and Wisdom
Our Christian witness doesn’t end at our intentions – it extends to how others perceive us. What we do publicly speaks as loudly as what we say privately.
Think of it this way: a believer might go into a bar with friends and only drink soda or a non-alcoholic beverage. There’s no sin in that action. But to an onlooker who doesn’t know the full story, the appearance might suggest otherwise. Even if the person’s conscience is clear, the perception can create confusion and weaken their Christian witness.
Jesus called us to be salt and light. Salt loses its power when it’s diluted; light loses its effect when it’s hidden under compromise. Living set apart doesn’t mean isolation – it means intentional living that reflects God’s character in every context.
Paul wrote in Romans 14 that believers should avoid anything that makes a brother stumble. So even if your conscience allows certain Halloween activities, it’s worth asking: Does this help or hurt my witness? Does this reflect Christ or blend in with the culture around me?
When our choices blur the line between holiness and worldliness, even slightly, the enemy finds room to sow confusion. Wisdom says to choose what brings clarity – to live in such a way that no one has to guess whom we serve.
Light in the Darkness
But living set apart doesn’t mean we shut ourselves away from people who need Jesus. The world grows darker every year, but that only makes the light of Christ more visible. Halloween, for all its troubling origins and modern distortions, can still be a night of opportunity for those with eyes to see.
Instead of joining in the darkness, believers can shine the light:
- Hand out candy with Scripture cards or Gospel tracts. A short message of hope can reach hearts you may never meet otherwise.
- Host a family-friendly gathering or “harvest night.” Create a space where kids and parents can enjoy fellowship in a safe, Christ-centered way.
- Pray for your neighborhood. As people walk by, intercede for them. Ask God to open their eyes to His truth and draw them to salvation.
When we approach Halloween with spiritual discernment, we see it not as a compromise but as a calling – to bring light where others only expect fear, death, or superstition.
Living for the Kingdom
At the end of the day, the question isn’t “What’s wrong with Halloween?” but “What’s right for my walk with Christ?” As we wait for Jesus’ return, every decision – even about a holiday – can become a moment of Christian witness.
The enemy would love for us to get caught up in debates over details, but God calls us to a higher focus: living set apart for His Kingdom, and using every season to show the world who He is.
So whether you pass out candy, attend a church outreach, or spend the evening in quiet reflection, let your actions flow from love and truth. Our goal is not to blend in but to stand out – not in judgment, but in grace and clarity.
When Jesus returns, may He find us faithful – not fearful. May He find us using even the world’s darkest nights as moments to let His light shine.
Spread the Gospel; lives depend on it!
I pray, MARANATHA! (Come Quickly, Lord Jesus!)
Your brother in Christ,
Duane
Read all of our Principles for Christian Living in the Last Days
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The ESV (English Standard Version) for reading
The NASB (New American Standard Bible) for in-depth study
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