How to Live in Peace and Harmony

Thankfully, we’ve been given the intelligence to know and decide how to act in any situation. In other words, we inherently know right from wrong. But is it easy to make good decisions? Absolutely not! We know this by how long it took us to change our own lives for the better. But we finally did it when we had the best information to move forward.

One of the uncontrolled parts of our previously married life is that some of us, or we could say most of us, were “commanded” daily by our significant other to do some things we knew were not right at the time. But because we were pushed emotionally and, sometimes, physically until we complied, we resisted and didn’t act on our own decision. An extremely uncomfortable position, indeed.   

Making Informed Decisions

Now that we are on our own, we can strive to live in peace and harmony with others without giving up our common sense and moral values. Sometimes it's exceedingly difficult to lean in that direction, especially when certain questionable activities make us cringe and even doubt our beliefs because of the popularity of it all. This week on Saturday, October 31st is one of those misunderstood occasions that can tend to rub us the wrong way. Not everyone believes or celebrates Halloween. We want to do what we know is right for us, but how do we do that?

First, let’s remember we are each free to determine how we should act and why. There is absolutely no judgment here, only some truths we may have never considered. Celebrating Halloween or not is our decision alone, but to do that, we need knowledge of the subject--some pertinent information and historical facts to consider that will help us make an informed decision along the way. Amazingly, God has a lot to say about this subject. So, it is important for us to settle now how we want to reflect our Christian lives to others.

Second, we would be correct in saying the Bible does not mention the actual word Halloween. And perhaps for some people, there is nothing wrong or evil about dressing children in “happy and cute” costumes in general. But we should at least ask ourselves, what does God think about Halloween? Is it an anti-Christian event? When talking about the “darker” aspects of this October day, absolutely! So, we must figure out exactly how we feel about this “celebration” and how we want to handle it.   

Stay Safe and Do No Harm

God, however, didn’t leave us to figure it all out by ourselves. He’s good that way. He has our backs! God has definite instructions for us about certain questionable practices, no matter what day it is! Here are some eye-opening facts we previously may not have even thought much about.

Considered innocent by some people, the following activities are extremely harmful to us according to God’s Word (look up the corresponding verses to discover why):

• Witchcraft and fortune-telling (Lev 19:26)
• Occult (Acts 8:9-24)
• Sorcery (Acts 13:6-11)
• Magic (Acts 19:19)
• Mediums and necromancers (Lev 19:31, 20:6)
• Divination, casting spells, seances, channeling (Deut 18:9-12)

As if those customs were not enough, the Bible speaks in general about unexplored subjects such as:

• No such thing as ghosts (of deceased persons) (2 Cor 11:14-15)
• There are, however, good angels (Isa 6:2-6)
• There are also evil demons (Lk 8:2)

In addition to the above, Satan is not some fantasy in movies and comic books. He is our enemy, and he is real. His many demons are also real! They can and will deceive and convince us it’s okay to participate in activities such as psychics, seances, tarot cards, Ouija boards, crystal balls, and horoscopes to mislead, corrupt, and destroy us! This shows the importance of reading the Bible daily, otherwise, how will we ever know the truth?  

Amazing Truth

“Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them” (Ephesians 5:11 NLT).

“Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don’t impose it on others. You’re fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you’re not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe--some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them--then you know that you’re out of line. If the way you live isn’t consistent with what you believe, then it’s wrong” (Romans: 14:22-23 MSG).

 

 

How Do You Handle Fear?

Just last month, we once again heard of another devastation at a high school in our nation. It’s not that no one doesn’t prepare for disasters such as these. Teachers and students have regular drills to plan for emergencies. But when it comes time to use the training, there is still a moment of shattered nerves and expected panic before the brain adjusts to what needs to be done.

One student said that his teacher had the entire class leave their belongings, get up from the floor, and follow her out the exit leading outside. This teacher ignored her own feelings of fear and found the courage to protect her students. This is bravery in action!

Waiting parents also tend to be stricken with terror not knowing the final outcome in an emergency involving their children. No one says we should never fear anything, because of course, that is a natural human condition that touches us all. It would be worrisome if it didn’t.

Handling Our Fears

In our single-again situations, we can easily reach a level of panic when dealing with all the changes necessary to move on with our lives. Where will we live? Who will get custody of the kids? Will there be enough money to survive on one income? How do I explain this to friends and family? And on and on.

What we want to strive for, rather than fear, is to have courage in the face of all the turmoil. That is the key to surviving danger and difficulties with confidence. We already know deep down inside what we need to do. We put one foot in front of the other and don’t look back. Easy? Who said it was easy?

Easy is when someone else does it for us. Easy is depending on others’ generosity without lifting a hand to help them or ourselves. Easy is to acquire without extending gratitude. God never meant for us to take without giving.

Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well. (Theodore Roosevelt)

There is one more important aspect about courage. It is not simply a manly trait as some tend to think. That is an ancient notion and is shattered by the likes of Amelia Mary Earhart (first female to fly solo across the Atlantic) and Mae Jemison (first African-American woman in space). As well as all those unnamed brave teachers who protect their students in the face of danger.

Brave Hearts and Minds

God empowered many women of the Bible to live with confidence and courage--Esther and Deborah for instance. They came to know His truth, sufficiency, and strength by being brave enough to place one foot in front of the other the same way we all can.   

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline" 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT.