There are some parts of the world where children play with garbage because that is all they have to play with. In fact, in Manila, the Philippines, Mexico and other places in the world, large communities actually live on the garbage dump. I am told the stench is awful and clings to the clothing of those who live there, even when they leave.

That is not the sort of environment that any of us would want for our children. In fact, the very thought of children playing with garbage causes feelings of revulsion. Yet there have been so many of our children over the past week who have been doing just that! And they have had their parents blessing and encouragement to do so!

I am referring, as you may guess, to the activities associated with Halloween, that, with the active encouragement of commercial interests, are sucking in most of our children. I am told by parents of young children that the peer-pressure to participate is almost irresistible. Not only do children enjoy dressing up as witches, wizards  and other ghastly creatures, they delight in the prospect of material rewards through playing 'Trick or Treat'.

While some parents are concerned about the potential danger of young children running around the streets at night, and knocking on the doors of strangers, most see it as just a bit of harmless fun. Very few have any awareness that dabbling with the dark side of spirituality, which is what the origins of Halloween are all about, might have harmful spiritual consequences for their children.

In fact, when this issue was raised with one young mother, her comment was: "That's all a lot of garbage!". Why then, do we let our children play with it?

Is there any validity in the idea of real forces of evil that can oppress and harm us? Jesus and his apostles certainly thought so. A considerable portion of Jesus' teaching had to do with the devil and his demonic helpers. A lot of Jesus' ministry involved the casting out of demons and setting people free.

The New Testament warns us in a number of places to be wary of the devil, and to resist him. The good news is that Jesus has defeated the devil, and we no longer have to give in to him. But that does not mean that we can ignore him. To play with the devil, or the things associated with the devil, is like playing with garbage, it is likely to contaminate us or make us sick.

I have seen too many people, adults and children, suffering under the oppression of evil spirits to ever feel comfortable when I see children playing with the dark side. Last week I was called to the home of an old lady who was terrified by the strange things that were happening in her home. She had not been able to sleep in her bed for months because of her fear of what was happening. Thank God, after we prayed through her unit, and claimed it for Jesus, the problems have all gone and she has had 'the best sleep in months'.

If we are to take the Bible seriously, we must take seriously the reality of the spiritual "dark side". That does not mean that we go around in fear. Rather it means that we recognize those areas that we should avoid. As the Apostle Paul said: "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." (Eph. 5:11).

It may be fashionable, and even fun, for our children to play with spiritual garbage. But it is not really in their best interests, or ours.

John Davies

3 November 2002