October and Halloween bring a flood of conversation and focus to horror, haunted attractions, disturbing images and practices, and entertainment that glorifies darkness. As a Christian man, you must ask yourself what you are allowing into your own mind and to those that God has entrusted you with, not just this time of year, but every waking hour that we are blessed with. Scripture calls us to fill our minds with what is good, while remaining alert and on guard against the tricks of the enemy. As a man, you are both a giver and a guardian of your own mind, your family’s (if you are a husband and father), and your employees’ (if you are a business executive or manager).
Let’s walk through how you can carry out this responsibility daily:
1. Treat Your Mind to What Is Good
As a Christian man, you must be intentional about what you treat your mind to; the movies, shows, books, and entertainment you consume all matter. It’s not enough simply to avoid harmful influences and things that dishonor God. You should actively fill your mind and the minds of those around you with ideas, media, and information that are edifying and point people toward Christ. Cultivate a Philippians 4:8 environment where Scripture is read, encouragement is common, songs of praise are sung, and prayer is ceaseless.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” –Philippians 4:8
2. Discern and Recognize the Tricks of the Enemy
Although obvious horror is a reality, Satan rarely presents evil in a way that looks obviously dangerous. This deception can even come through platforms and voices that claim to represent Christ, but pervert and twist His Word to serve their own desires and devices. It is imperative to practice biblical discernment rather than blindly accept what culture celebrates. Invest in the people around you, pray for them, and spend time with them. This helps you recognize where they may be vulnerable and point them toward the truth when temptation persists.
“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”-2 Corinthians 11:14
“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” -1 Thessalonians 5:21
3. Guard the Gates of Your Home and Mind
As a man, you must take responsibility for what enters your mind and home. In the technologically driven age we live in, you especially have to be mindful of what is on your screens, the games being played, and the amount of time you devote to them. As you step into marriage and fatherhood, you must also take on the responsibility of protecting your family’s hearts, so deception does not quietly take root through whatever channels of media may be prevalent in your environment. You can establish wise boundaries for yourself and your family without being driven by fear or legalism. Be honest with yourself, have difficult conversations about why certain content is unwise, and help those around you develop discernment of their own.
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” –Proverbs 4:23
4. Walk in the Light, Not in Fear
Christians are not called to live in fear of darkness, but to expose it and walk confidently in the light of Christ that shines through us. While the reality of evil is real, you should not let that evil paralyze you or allow it to neglect the goodness, beauty, and truth God has given us to enjoy. Lead your family toward wholesome entertainment, meaningful traditions, and activities that celebrate God’s goodness, rather than glorify darkness.
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” -Ephesians 5:11
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
-2 Timothy 1:7
You cannot shield yourself or those around you from every evil influence, but you can teach them to recognize the enemy’s tricks, to guard your hearts against it, and to embrace what is good to combat temptation when it arises. This Halloween and beyond, don’t merely consider what you should sweep out of your home and mind; consider what good things you can bring into them. Don’t just guard against the darkness; fill your home and surroundings with the hope and light of our Lord Jesus Christ, who disinfects the darkness!
