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With the upcoming celebrations... how willing are you to take a stand for what you believe?  How easily are you made to compromise?  What will cause you to compromise?  Everywhere we look decorations, parties, costumes and even clothing announce and encourage the celebration of a questionable 'holiday'. 

What do you believe?  If asked what this day is all about what would your answer be?  If asked about your stand concerning it -- what would you say?

Are you moved by the "world" view that it is just a 'fun time'?  Do you believe it is a harmless time of dressing up and game playing?  What is the basis for the celebration?  Do you want to be a part of it?  Do you allow the 'fear' of missing out on the fun to sway your thinking?  What do we teach our children when we show them that the 'fun' is more important than what we believe?  The underlying message is one that causes a certain amount of confusion.  We say we believe one way - but are convinced to compromise when we think we may look too 'different' or we may miss out on something -- or worse that our children will have to explain their beliefs or miss a party.  How can we expect them to have strong convictions as they grow up if we are willing to compromise so easily --  if we are willing to compromise for a 'time of fun'.  How then can we expect them as they become teens to say no to the 'fun' of the world when we are clearly showing them that the 'fun' and joining in with the group is so very important? 

We as parents have the ability to teach our children to be strong and to and to demonstrate what conviction is all about.  If we don't teach them - who will?   We have the opportunity to develop understanding and wisdom and impart knowledge to them.  Will we teach compromise instead? 

How strong are your convictions?  

John 15:19
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

John 17:16
They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.

Psalm 141:1-4
A psalm of David.
O Lord, I call to you; come quickly to me.
Hear my voice when I call to you.
May my prayer be set before you like incense;
may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord;
keep watch over the door of my lips.
Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil,
to take part in wicked deeds
with men who are evildoers;
let me not eat of their delicacies.