Recently, someone left a comment on our Facebook page criticizing Christians for “using Halloween to push a false religion.” I want to take a moment to respond, not in anger, but with honesty, because the question behind that statement is actually very important: Why should anyone follow Jesus?
Religion vs. Relationship
First, let’s clear up something. Christianity at its heart isn’t about rules, traditions, or trying to be “better” than anyone else. It’s not about religion in the negative sense, it’s about a relationship with Jesus Christ. Many people have tasted a form of Christianity that feels hollow, judgmental, or hypocritical. I get it. But that’s not the real thing. The real thing is knowing Jesus personally, walking with Him, and letting Him transform your life from the inside out.
The Benefits in This Life
Following Jesus doesn’t mean life suddenly becomes easy. In fact, He told us we would still face struggles. But it does mean:
Forgiveness and Freedom – You don’t have to carry guilt and shame. Jesus offers real forgiveness.
Purpose and Direction – In a world full of confusion, He gives meaning and a path worth walking.
Peace and Hope – Even in suffering, you know you’re not alone. His presence brings peace that circumstances can’t take away.
Community and Love – You gain a family of believers who walk alongside you in life’s ups and downs.
The Costs in This Life
Jesus never sugar-coated the cost. He said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) That means:
You may have to let go of old habits, pride, or destructive choices.
People may mock you, reject you, or misunderstand your faith.
You will be called to put Jesus first, not yourself.
It’s not always easy. But anything worth living for rarely is.
What About the Next Life?
Here’s the question that many avoid: What happens when we die? If this life is all there is, then faith in Jesus might look foolish. But if there is life after death, and Jesus claimed there is, then the stakes couldn’t be higher. He said plainly, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
If He’s telling the truth, then ignoring Him isn’t just risky, it’s eternally costly. Eternal life with God is promised to those who believe. Eternal separation is the alternative.
Why I Follow Jesus
I don’t follow Jesus because it makes me look good, or because it’s easy, or because I want to control others. I follow Him because He is real, because He forgave me when I didn’t deserve it, because He gives me peace and hope I can’t find anywhere else, and because He promises eternal life.
Halloween, Christmas, Easter; those are just moments when we share what we believe. Not to trick anyone, not to force anyone, but to offer an invitation. What you do with that invitation is your choice.
But my prayer is that you’ll take a closer look. Not at “religion,” not at hypocritical Christians, but at Jesus Himself. Because once you do, you’ll find He’s far more than you ever expected. Jesus can transform your life just as he did Jelly Roll's and mine.
