The Good News Was Never Meant to be Frightening
Halloween is more than a month away, but I am seeing an increasing number of outdoor displays throughout our community, and it’s still September. Makes me wonder where people get the time, not to mention the money, to purchase and put up these displays.
What fascinates me most is that these are adults engaging in this practice, not for their children, but for themselves. Do people really enjoy being frightened; do they really want to scare themselves and others?
I’m okay with Halloween, but I’m old enough to remember it as a one-night event, not a month-long celebration. What’s all the fuss? I guess I’ll never know, but when it comes to scaring others, I think the church has been guilty of that for many years. Charismatic preachers and televangelists rage about hell’s fiery flames with such messages as “the end is near,” or “repent or die.”
As I mentioned during our service at the lake a few weeks ago, I’ve never been a fan of that approach. Not only is it unappealing, it’s downright threatening. I believe that a softer, gentler tone is much more effective.
Jesus himself set the tone for a gentle approach when he said this in the Gospel of Matthew (11:28-30): “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
The Gospel of Jesus Christ should not be menacing, but rather warm and inviting. So let us all remember to spread the Good News with a compassionate spirit and a tender heart.