Written by Evi Idoghor, Creator of Letstalknationblog.com
In a conversation with a friend the other day, we decided to revisit the topic of Halloween, as my timeline was laced with people dressed up in varied costumes from different backgrounds, races, and religions, also we had just released an article about the subject matter. This particular celebration had a way of uniting a plethora of people who have come to embrace this as a cultural norm. Nonetheless, everyone has the right to pick and choose what they want to be a part of.
As the conversation carried on, I expressed that this certain culture wasn’t going to be a part of my household when I get married and start having children, because as a Christian, I don’t believe in celebrating Halloween in any way, shape, or form. Then my friend who understood my plight, went ahead to say that such a stance might be traumatizing for my child, in the event that their school decides to play dress-up that particular day and only my child will be left out of the mix.
First off, I am a Nigerian, our parents said NO to a lot of things we requested, without necessarily explaining the why behind their reasoning, even when we demanded it, haha. And I believe that parents have that right, as long as their child is still a minor and is living with them. Would I explain certain things to my children? Absolutely! But if for some reason I decide that no means no, and that’s that about that issue, as we popularly say in Nigeria, them go dey alright. (The kids will be okay.)
As I further explained the reasoning behind my decision, my friend ended the conversation with—the world is changing. After I hung up the phone, I was quite taken aback by the statement; what did it mean? What was the intention behind it? Was I to adjust my belief system to fit the world's narrative?
Dear Christian, do not be conformed to this world
The truth is the world isn’t changing, but rather history is repeating itself. Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 (NKJV) says: “That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which it may be said, “see, this is new”? It has already been in ancient times before us.”
As the world is doing what it knows best to do, it is imperative that as Christians, we stand firm, rooted, and grounded in God’s word. It is no wonder that in Romans 12:2 (NKJV), the Bible says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
If our minds are not renewed daily, that is by spending time with God, through His word, then it will be easy for Christians to fall off the wagon. The world is so loud, it comes at you with its motives, stance, and declarations every day, there is no escaping it. The only way we can remain unshakeable as believers is by renewing our minds daily—it is a daily practice. That way, we are able to rid ourselves of the toxins, which slowly seep into our systems.
Give no place to the enemy
The enemy is very crafty; he doesn’t come at you headstrong. He slowly sows seeds of doubt, unbelief, and questioning, that you begin to say to yourself; if I dress up my kid this year, it isn’t a big deal; after all, we are not hurting anybody. It doesn’t mean I don’t believe in Christ and all He did for me.... God said we should not eat this fruit, lest we die, but would we really? Adam, here, eat. And that is how we all got here.
This is not me trying to be extremist, or holier than thou, but rather this is me being cautious and calling other believers to be cautious as well. There is a popular saying we have in Nigeria—na from play, e dey turn to dance. Ephesians 4:27 says that we shouldn’t give place to the devil. Referencing an article I wrote on astrology, I mentioned that we can liken the enemy to that annoying friend who comes for a sleepover for what is supposed to be one night, and ends up becoming your roommate. Annoying right?
If you had mentioned to them that after night one, they needed to leave, and stood your ground, they would have. But they saw that you let your defenses down after night 1, 2, 3,15….then they figured they had you roped in forever. It’s the same thing! Will dressing up in a costume, take you to hell? Probably not, but if you give place to the devil as Ephesians 4:27, advises against, little by little, you begin to make compromises about different practices and belief systems, conforming to this world without realizing it, and eventually straying from the faith. If you ask me, it isn’t worth it.
It is my desire that Christians keep taking their stance on what they believe, even if others disagree, speaking the truth in love, not cowering down in the face of challenges, and being different from the world.
Lately, people have questioned the pieces I have written on this platform. It actually gladdens my heart; that means I am doing something well if push back is beginning to arise. My prayer in such circumstances is that found in Acts 4:31(NKJV) which says—“And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”
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About The Author: Evi Idoghor is a Christian, writer, content creator, and a graduate of chemical engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Consumed by her love for writing and desire to effect change, she launched her online platform in 2018 to tap into her creativity and start meaningful conversations with one goal in mind—to redefine status quo.
Having spent a great part of her formative years in the US where she lived for about 11 years and got to explore what the beautiful country offers by traveling around its coasts, most of her writings have been influenced by her time spent in America. In addition to that, she has worked and partnered with writing agencies and individuals to bring their stories to life.
I understand the inspiration behind this article, it's very good and one that needed to be written. Because the points raised are ALWAYS relevant - when do we as Christians take a stance, regardless of what the world might be saying. Also, how do we stand firm, especially when we get challenged. I think this conversation is well timed and extremely necessary.