The Man Under the Costume

For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord’s. -Romans 14:8 

Via TJC

I remember Halloween as a kid, and I remember “Mischief Night” too. I was more than a spectator. That is enough autobiography for one morning.

I can smile at the memory and still admit that calling something mischief does not make it right. The boy that I was had some growing up to do. As a man, I’ve realized that I will never stop needing to grow in Christ.

Tomorrow is Halloween. Its roots include the Celtic festival of Samhain. Its name comes from All Hallows’ Eve, the evening before All Saints’ Day. There is more history here than a plastic pumpkin can hold, and it’s not a Christian Holiday. 

So, give Halloween its due as a holiday for kids. A superhero cape and a bag of candy can make a fine evening for a child. Be kind to the little people at the door. They may learn something about your faith from the way you welcome them.

However: a costume belongs to an evening. We belong to Jesus Christ.

Christians don't wear costumes in life.

It is possible to “wear” the clothes of a faithful man yet keep the habits of someone else. Perhaps we are gentle with the men at church and harsh with the people at home. Perhaps we have learned to talk about honesty while leaving out the part of the story that would cost us something.

I need to look at the man under my own costume before I start inspecting yours.

Jesus knows that man. He knows what we hide and what we excuse. He died for our sins and rose again. His mercy gives us the courage to tell the truth and the grace to change. We can come to Him as we are and let Him teach us how to live as His own.

Our faith should still be recognizable when nobody from church is watching. The people closest to you should meet the same man who says he belongs to Christ on Sunday. Ain’t no tricks or treats in our walk. Our bag is already filled with salvation.

DAILY BATTLE ORDER

Choose one place where your conduct needs to match the faith you profess. Before today ends, make it right with the person affected. Give the honest answer or the apology you have been putting off. Let that person see the man under the costume.

Lord Jesus, we belong to You. Forgive what we have hidden behind a good appearance. Help us live truthfully with the people You have given us to love. In Jesus' name. Amen.