The annual arrival of pumpkins, colorful mums, and corn shocks once again heralds the approach of another “non-holiday, holiday”. Over the years, Halloween has been a time that’s generally accompanied by a resurgence of morbid curiosity about metaphysical issues and all things dark, devilish, and demonic. Not all costumes and celebrations reflect that theme, of course, but many do. Demons and/or things related to them have been a consistent source of material for writers, storytellers, and religious advocates throughout history, all of which has fueled endless speculation regarding their existence and activities.

The truth, of course, is that neither Satan nor his demonic affiliates were created within the fertile imaginations of fiction writers and Hollywood filmmakers. Both pre-existed all of us, and their influence is real. Denying demonic interaction among human beings is tantamount to denying the veracity of the Biblical record and accusing Jesus of being little more than a clever con-man engaging in deceptive manipulation. The Gospel writers repeatedly reported exchanges between Jesus and demons directly and those indwelt by demons.

Idols Are a Favorite Tool ~
Evil spirits have been around since Satan’s rebellion, manifesting themselves in many forms in every culture and generation since the beginning. Idolatry, for instance, is a good example. The pervasive worship of false gods that constantly plagued God’s people and the world at large from the earliest days was demonically inspired and maintained. Moses left no doubt about that (Deuteronomy 32:16-17 NKJV), and David also addressed the awful consequences of demonically inspired idolatry:

But they mingled with the Gentiles And learned their works; They served their idols, Which became a snare to them. They even sacrificed their sons And their daughters to demons, And shed innocent blood, The blood of their sons and daughters, Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; And the land was polluted with blood. Psalm 106:35-38 (NKJV)

Deceived angels were expelled from Heaven along with Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12- 15; Ezekiel 28:11-17) and, together, became the arch-enemies of God. Obviously, then, when God became a man and dwelt among us, every dark force that exists in Satan’s realm was arrayed against Him. Much of Jesus’ ministry, then, included personal confrontation with demons.

…All those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ. Luke 4:40b-41 (NKJV)

Satan’s demonic emissaries continued their work unabated as the Church began its explosive growth following Pentecost. As the Church age began, the Apostle Paul was careful to warn about their reality.

What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. 1 Corinthians 10:19-21 (NKJV)

A Seasonal Perspective ~
Demonic activity is a serious subject, but because Halloween is a few days away, let’s approach it from a more “seasonal” perspective for a moment. What if some demons decided to join in some of our traditional Halloween activities, not to say that they don’t already? But suppose they wanted to dress up for a party or decided to go trick-or-treating? Disguises are important for those events. so I wonder what costumes they might choose. An array of grotesque monster outfits and devilish creature masks are only a click away. Or maybe they’d prefer to imitate one of the many heinous sociopathic killers reminiscent of gory Hollywood slasher movies. On the other hand, demons reportedly love all things related to death, and within that theme, the possibilities are endless. We have those brain-sucking zombies representing the “walking dead,” and next in line, there are the blood-guzzling vampires representing the “semi-dead.” And then, of course, there are always a few “ordinary” ghosts, the irritated spiritual leftovers of really mean folks wreaking malicious havoc on behalf of those who are just, well… plain ole’ dead. It can get confusing.

While demons do love disguises, they would much prefer to hide their identity behind costumes that represent familiar, non-threatening figures who are approachable and believable, but truly monstrous and evil underneath. The Apostle Paul offers a hint as to the kinds of costumes they love to wear (and not just on Halloween).

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines [teaching material] of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron… 1 Timothy 4:1-3 (NKJV)

They Do Love Brains ~
Demons are heavily into teaching and have a well-developed curriculum and methodology. They have an appetite for human brains, but it doesn’t involve ingesting them like zombies. Demons much prefer injecting healthy, unsuspecting brains with ideas, philosophies, and world views that make destructive concepts look beneficial, foolish things appear wisely clever, and perverted things look normal and fulfilling. Outfits representing college professors or any other kind of academic professional would be in great demand among demons.

Since human beings are naturally wired to worship something, religion is another passion shared by demons. Both Old and New Testament Scriptures make it clear that demons love to be involved in religious activities — at least those that lead away from the God who actually exists. They prefer, instead, those religious activities that totally obscure the truth about Him. Any costume associated with cults or deceptive, feel-good religious activity would be wildly popular. Paul also provides a sobering reminder about that, too.

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness… 2 Corinthians 11:13-15a (NKJV)

Most Popular Costume Choices ~
The truth is that for demons, every day is Halloween. They disguise themselves and hide among us in plain sight all the time. They show up as ungodly academics and atheistic scientists. Some pose as preachers who deny Biblical authority and many, of course, parade around as politicians openly advocating practices that God clearly condemns. Others dress as media personalities supporting those insane policies. Obviously, many dress as entertainers promoting lifestyles that make a mockery of everything wholesome, healthy, and relationally beneficial. But perhaps most dangerous and insidious of all are those who show up dressed as a trusted friend, or a seductively attractive heart-throb, capable of twisting your natural desires into a spider’s web that can ruin your life and cost you your soul.

The devilish little “monsters” who show up looking for treats on Halloween might attempt to look scary, but it’s the real monsters preying on us in broad daylight who are frightening beyond belief.

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• • • “Demons much prefer injecting healthy, unsuspecting brains with ideas, philosophies, and world views that make destructive concepts look beneficial, foolish things appear wisely clever, and perverted things look normal and fulfilling. @GallaghersPen (Click here to Tweet)  
    • “For demons, every day is Halloween. They disguise themselves and hide among us in plain sight all the time. They show up as ungodly academics and atheistic scientists. Some pose as preachers who deny Biblical authority and many, of course, parade around as politicians openly advocating practices God clearly condemns.”@GallaghersPen (Click here to Tweet)
    • “Perhaps most dangerous and insidious of all are those who show up dressed as a trusted friend, or a seductively attractive heart-throb, capable of twisting your natural desires into a spider’s web that can ruin your life and cost you your soul.” @GallaghersPen (Click here to Tweet) 
    • “The devilish little “monsters” who show up looking for treats on Halloween might attempt to look scary, but it’s the real monsters preying on us in broad daylight who are frightening beyond belief.” @GallaghersPen (Click here to Tweet) 

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