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Only simpletons believe everything they're told! The prudent carefully consider their steps. Proverbs 14:15 NLT
In late September 1982, seven people in the Chicago area were poisoned with cyanide-laced Tylenol. The murders led to a nationwide recall of Tylenol—an estimated 31 million bottles, with a retail value of over $100 Million. The incident led to industry-wide changes in food and drug packaging, but it also had unintended consequences for Halloween celebrations.
With the increased anxiety raised by the poisonings, rumors ran amok in the 1980s regarding poisoned candy and apples with hidden razor blades being given to trick-or-treaters. Almost all of these rumors proved to be hoaxes, but fear still lingers in some communities about the dangers of Halloween.
The trick to trick-or-treating safely is the same as with the rest of life’s potential dangers: prudence. Test everything against what you know to be true.
First Thessalonians 5:20-21 says, “Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.”
Fear is a terrible guide. Whether you’re afraid of bad things happening—like razor blades hiding in apples—or of something being too good to be true—like God blessing some new endeavor—fear will kill more opportunities than it saves.
Give your fears to God. He will help you test them one by one. Trust Him to give you wisdom. “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety” (Proverbs 29:25).
Prayer: Lord, replace my fears with prudent wisdom.
In late September 1982, seven people in the Chicago area were poisoned with cyanide-laced Tylenol. The murders led to a nationwide recall of Tylenol—an estimated 31 million bottles, with a retail value of over $100 Million. The incident led to industry-wide changes in food and drug packaging, but it also had unintended consequences for Halloween celebrations.
With the increased anxiety raised by the poisonings, rumors ran amok in the 1980s regarding poisoned candy and apples with hidden razor blades being given to trick-or-treaters. Almost all of these rumors proved to be hoaxes, but fear still lingers in some communities about the dangers of Halloween.
The trick to trick-or-treating safely is the same as with the rest of life’s potential dangers: prudence. Test everything against what you know to be true.
First Thessalonians 5:20-21 says, “Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.”
Fear is a terrible guide. Whether you’re afraid of bad things happening—like razor blades hiding in apples—or of something being too good to be true—like God blessing some new endeavor—fear will kill more opportunities than it saves.
Give your fears to God. He will help you test them one by one. Trust Him to give you wisdom. “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety” (Proverbs 29:25).
Prayer: Lord, replace my fears with prudent wisdom.
