OPINIONS

WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 7 Supernatural world not as Halloween presents it

BY SARA PATTERSON

Editor-In-Chief

Many Christians in western culture today pay little attention to the spiritual world of angels and demons. I believe that this avoidance is an over-correction in an effort to steer clear of secular media’s poor representation of the supernatural.

From horror movies to comedy series, American media has no shortage of content that dramatizes or satirizes spiritual beings, especially demons. Christians are wise to avoid these abuses of the supernatural but would do well to learn the truth about the supernatural as it serves an important role in our faith.

God created and uses angels and demons to tell his story throughout scripture. Their presence in scripture suggests that we can learn something from them.

Having an overview of God’s intended purposes for supernatural beings will help debunk common misunderstandings about them.

The word for Angels in the Bible also means “messenger.” God created them to speak on his behalf. As angels do so, they impact humans.

In his book “Systematic Theology,” Wayne Grudem outlines ways that angel activity affects humans.

Grudem argues that angels are an example for humans in their complete devotion to serving God in every part of their lives. God also uses angels to carry out some of his plans. For example, the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would be Jesus’ mother in Luke 1 and an angel tells Phillip where to go share the gospel in Acts 8:26.

Angels also serve God by representing him on earth and opposing evil forces. In all of their deeds, they seek to glorify God.

What about guardian angels? Over the past few decades, many Christians have accepted that every human is given their own guardian angel. However, this one-to-one guardian angel idea is not supported in scripture. Rather, various places in scripture communicate a general protection of all of God’s people by angels. For example, Hebrews 1:14 says “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who inherit salvation?” All of the angels minister to all of God’s people.

It is more likely to conclude that God sends angels to people when they are in a specific time of need than to assume that every person has their own angel for the entirety of their life.

What about demons? Demons are agents of Satan who do his bidding, much like angels do God’s bidding. The hit series Lucifer, Lil Nas X’s demonic music video and shoe line from last year and even seemingly harmless cartoon representations of Satan or demons make light of demonic influence.

This kind of entertainment leaves people with two ways to respond to the demonic: avoidance or obsession.

In his book “The Screwtape Letters,” C. S. Lewis puts in this way: “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.”

It’s comforting to remember that Satan is God’s opponent, but he is not God’s opposite. Satan is against God, but he does not have the power, omnipotence or omniscience that God has.

We should not take Satan and evil lightly, but we do not have to live in fear as if God is struggling against evil and could lose. God won the spiritual war for eternity when he died on the cross pay the punishment for sinners and rose to life again three days later. Christians have a great enemy, but because of Jesus, an even greater hope.

What about demon possession? While Christians can be met with opposition from a demon, such as temptation, doubt or guilt, they cannot be overcome by one because the Holy Spirit has complete reign over that person’s soul.

People often try to find tangible or visible evidence to explain supernatural things, but the whole point of how God works is that we cannot understand him in full. I don’t know how powerful God could be if I understood everything about his character and his ways.

When something like supernatural beings puzzles us, we can go to the truth that God has revealed to us in scripture. While we will not fully understand all that happens on the supernatural level, we can recognize that God has designed incredible plans that involve angels to keep us safe against evil.

We can replace our desire to have all of the answers about the supernatural world with gratitude for the intricate strategies God has employed to bless and provide for the sinners whom he loves.

Activities for enjoying your own company

BY VALERIA GOMEZ

Staff Writer

Your friends are busy or gone for the weekend. You see people posting on social media about their fun adventures with lots of people. The fear of missing out kicks in and now you feel like you should be with people too. You start feeling lonely.

Solitude is not easy for everyone, but alone time is necessary to recharge. Understanding that being alone does not have to mean being lonely and learning to enjoy your own company can help you to stop relying on others to make the most of your free time. Here are a few solo activities for well-spent solitude.

1. Coffee and Bible time

There is something therapeutic about getting your favorite drink and sitting down to do your quiet time. There is no better way to find peace in your busyness than spending time with God, the only source of true rest.

2. Exercise

Exercise releases endorphins, your “feel-good neurotransmitters.” Engaging in movement can tremendously improve your mental, emotional and physical health. Go for a bike ride and enjoy the fall weather or find a nice trail and take a walk while listening to your favorite music.

3. Halloween movie night

Go to the nearest grocery store and buy a pumpkin. Play your favorite Halloween movie and create a fun night of pumpkin carving and snacks.

4. Tourist activities made local

Have you been wanting to go to the new art gallery? Maybe a museum, store or farmers market? Don’t wait any longer.

Treat yourself and make the trip. It will be a worthwhile adventure that will take you outside of your comfort zone.

5. Cooking a new recipe

Find a recipe, gather the ingredients, play music or a podcast and cook. Use this time to forget about the outside world and focus on making a delicious meal.

5. Sunrise or sunset chasing

To wake up early or wind down after a busy day, go somewhere with a nice view and enjoy the sunrise or sunset. Resist the urge to check your phone, go on social media or text. Soak in God’s amazing creation.

7. Tech-free time

Media can become distracting or even harmful when we do not have boundaries. Challenge yourself to spend time doing things that do not require any technology. This will develop your self-control and help to put your creativity into practice. Spending time apart from technology will leave your mind and soul refreshed, rather than drained by the constant use of screens.

Alone time is good and necessary to reflect on life and de-stress from its problems. Solitude can also help you build a better relationship with yourself.

Use one or a few of these solo date ideas to branch out of your comfort zone and spend your alone time well.