Pursue Good, Not Evil
Pursue Good, Not Evil | October 31, 2025
Regardless of whether it's Halloween or any other day on the calendar, Scripture clearly advises us to pursue what is good and to turn away from what is evil. Through the prophet Amos, God instructed the people of Israel to abandon their evil pursuits and to focus on seeking good.
Amos 5:14 tells us, "Pursue good and not evil so that you may live, and the Lord, the God of Armies, will be with you as you have claimed."
God's reason for drawing a clear line in the sand regarding evil is twofold:
(1) God is holy and has absolutely no room in His character to condone anything evil, which includes pursuits, perspectives, and practices.
(2) God knows that even the slightest compromise for a person can lead one astray, vulnerable, and potentially to forsake His covering.
Therefore, as with the people of Israel in Amos' time, we need to assess what might be considered an evil focus or the allowance of dishonoring behaviors in our lives. Clearly, any actions related to unethical practices, immorality, or criminality must cease immediately, accompanied by genuine repentance and a commitment to renewal.
Next, we need to take inventory of any associations or practices we may have that could be considered evil. It's important to remember that we may not intend to represent evil, but through our associations and traditions, we might unknowingly do so. An example of this is Halloween.
While the origins of Halloween are not documented in the Bible, there have been many reports linking it to evil. Either way, a good strategy is to avoid anything that depicts demonic figures, represents death, or promotes horror. These types of themes should not be practiced or modeled by believers at any time.
At the same time, overreacting about Halloween or judging others (who do not glorify evil) is not advisable, as each person is entitled to their own convictions.
Ultimately, in everything we do, regardless of the date, we should prioritize and strive for what is good.
By trusting God and seeking goodness, we will gain the discernment needed to make wise decisions and receive God's favor.
Amos 5:14 tells us, "Pursue good and not evil so that you may live, and the Lord, the God of Armies, will be with you as you have claimed."
God's reason for drawing a clear line in the sand regarding evil is twofold:
(1) God is holy and has absolutely no room in His character to condone anything evil, which includes pursuits, perspectives, and practices.
(2) God knows that even the slightest compromise for a person can lead one astray, vulnerable, and potentially to forsake His covering.
Therefore, as with the people of Israel in Amos' time, we need to assess what might be considered an evil focus or the allowance of dishonoring behaviors in our lives. Clearly, any actions related to unethical practices, immorality, or criminality must cease immediately, accompanied by genuine repentance and a commitment to renewal.
Next, we need to take inventory of any associations or practices we may have that could be considered evil. It's important to remember that we may not intend to represent evil, but through our associations and traditions, we might unknowingly do so. An example of this is Halloween.
While the origins of Halloween are not documented in the Bible, there have been many reports linking it to evil. Either way, a good strategy is to avoid anything that depicts demonic figures, represents death, or promotes horror. These types of themes should not be practiced or modeled by believers at any time.
At the same time, overreacting about Halloween or judging others (who do not glorify evil) is not advisable, as each person is entitled to their own convictions.
Ultimately, in everything we do, regardless of the date, we should prioritize and strive for what is good.
By trusting God and seeking goodness, we will gain the discernment needed to make wise decisions and receive God's favor.
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