Are you using God’s name in vain and don’t know it?

When you think if doing this the first thought that comes to mind is that un believers do it constantly when they cuss and swear. We hear it all the time. Some seem to have concluded that God’s last name was Dam. Where did they get such an idea?

It is sad to know that many Christians do this and don’t realize it is being done. Following is a famous and familiar phrase that can get you into error if it is not thought through before said. The phrase is; “Oh My God!” it is made as a result of Excitement or Fear?

Introduction:

The purpose of this writing is to challenge all professing Christians to the proper use of God’s name. I am reminded of the folk tale that is told of God coming down to Harlem and as He landed He saw a group of young men on their knees calling out to Him. God’s first thought was, “what a surprise.” As he approached the group He discovered that the group was rolling dice and each one was asking God’s help for his roll to be a good one. It is amazing to me as to how the world has acquired this distorted view of God and His name. Many think that if they use the name of God that will make something good happen to them. Others have drifted into the world of profanity and for some reason has concluded that God’s last name is “Dam”. You can’t help but wonder where or how they came to such conclusions. Over the years as I have observed the world of professing Christians I can’t help but wonder if we have not been a contributor to this. I wonder if the profession of many professing Christians have not been distorted by what the world really sees. They see a group of people that profess to be different yet still enjoy and participate in many of the pleasures of the world and proclaim that they get special favors or consideration from God. Genuine Christians suffer as a result of the lifestyle and actions of the weaker or phony brothers and sisters. When one of the world wants to label Christians they will find the weakest one or the phoniest one to do draw their conclusion and say that we are all alike. They never label us after the most genuine and strongest one. We as Christians are different but unfortunately many are drawn into the ways of the world and have no impact on their conversion. Back now to our question. Is it a statement of Excitement or Fear?. With all true and dedicated Christians it is a statement of Fact. He is your God and you have the right to address Him as so and not be guilty of taking His name in vain. The statement has meaning and Master If you can not make the statement as fact you should go to Him with a sincere prayer of confession asking for forgiveness and cleansing. We have been assured according to His word that we will be forgiven and cleansed upon confession(I Jn. 1:9).

We then can make the statement in times of fear and crisis and it will also be a statement of Fact. Once the world recognizes that we as Christians have a Reverence for that name they may begin to shudder at using it in vain. Jesus stated in (Matthew 5: 16) that we should let our light shine before men that they may see our good works and Glorify The Father in Heaven. We as Christians are His light and if our light is dim how can we show the world the way to Him? If you are indeed serious about your light pause right here and now and pray this prayer with me. Lord Jesus please keep my light of You strong that I may reflect Your image to the world at all times. Lord keep me full of the oil of gladness that The Father anointed You with in (Heb. 1:9) because You loved righteousness and hated iniquity. Let my life light reflect the true image of You?

Conclusion:

I urge You as a Christian to project the right image to the world at All times and with His help we can do it.(Phil. 4:13). If you don’t know Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of your life I urge you know Him by following the instructions of (Rom. 10:9-10)

Rev. George Pryor M.Th.

revgap@gmail.com