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'Tis the Season…of Sin!
This time of year is a time that many look forward to all year long. The next few days are marked by things that we all enjoy: family, friends, fine food, and freedom from the daily routine. While the coming days are enjoyable, we must be cautious. Satan never takes a vacation and is sure to be hunting for your soul (I Peter 5:8). Let’s look at a few of the sins that Satan may try to tempt you with in the next few days.
Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (Matthew 15:9): As we all know, many in the denominational world around us place a special religious significance on December 25th as the birthday of Christ. Christians must be careful to remember Paul's instruction in Colossians 3:17, where we read, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” We must have Bible authority for all that we do, and when it comes to the observance of Christmas as the birthday of Christ we can find no authority for such an activity. We have been given no commands to celebrate the holiday. Nothing is written in the Bible about first century Christians celebrating the holiday. Furthermore, there is no reason to infer from the scriptures that such a holiday was or should be observed. There is no authority for us to celebrate Christmas in this way, and as a result it should not be celebrated. The Christmas holiday was created by man without instruction from God. Teaching that the day has any religious significance is an offence worthy of the condemnation that Jesus gave in Matthew 15:9.
Lying (Ephesians 4:25): It is a common practice for many parents to lie to their children at this time of year about the existence of Santa Claus. Statements like “Santa Claus is watching you!” or “Santa’s going to bring you some presents tonight.” are simply lies that many have no problem telling to their children. Teaching our children that there is a Santa Claus is untruthful and a violation of God’s instruction. “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor:…” – and his children.
Materialism (Luke 12:15): With the aid of retail establishments everywhere, this time of year is marked by an endless procession of advertisements tempting us with materialism. Businesses everywhere are showcasing their “latest-and-greatest, must-have items.” The lives of many from age 1 to 99 revolve around what gifts they will receive in the coming days. Christians must be diligent to remember the words of our Lord when he instructed us to “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
Forsaking the Assembling (Hebrews 10:25): The next few days will be some of the busiest of the year for many of us. Whether you travel to be with family and friends, or if your family and friends come to you, your schedule is likely overflowing with things to do. With schedules so busy, sadly God is demoted to second place in the lives of many Christians. The most obvious manifestations of this fact is that many will forsake the assemblies of the saints in the coming days because other activities are deemed more important. We must be on guard. Satan will use whatever he can in the next few days to get God out of first place in your life. Whether it’s family, friends, travel, or recreation, Satan is pleased when you place something other than God at the top of your list. Who will have the top spot on your list when it is time to assemble with the saints to worship our Almighty Creator this week?
While busy and sometimes stressful, the upcoming days can be some of the most enjoyable. We must, however, remain diligent in our fight against Satan and his temptations. Remember God! Keep him first! Live by his word!
