14
Using God’s name in Vain?
Rod ShimabukuroWhoever blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death. Leviticus 24:16
Thank God we are not held to our bound by Old Testament law. There are life altering implications when the name of the Lord is blasphemed! Holman Dictionary defines blasphemy as: “In the biblical context blasphemy is an attitude of disrespect that finds expression in an act directed against the character of God.” While blaspheming the name of God may not just refer to making fun of or calling God names - it does imply that a disrespect or dishonor directed against His nature will reap severe consequences.
How does this play out in our day and culture? How does this relate to me?
People misuse and take the name of God so lightly in todays world. We seem so calloused, using the Lord’s name in vain. Maybe I’m oversensitive, but whenever God’s name is used, I think it should be used to describe Him, our relationship with Him, bring attention to His name and Person. Even Christians seem to use His name as “Just another word” in a sentence. “Oh My God...!” or “God, did you see that? or ”God damn it“ Are these phrases definitive of using the Lord’s name in vain? People say that these are "just expressions."
I do think that there is a more specific way of using the Lord’s name in vain - where you are literally referring to and speaking of God. Using His name in Blasphemy according to the Scriptures refers ( I believe) to a direct, intentional intent to disrespect the Person of God.
So for me, while the expressions above ( Oh my God, etc) may seem to be ”just expressions“, I don’t want to be desensitized to the Holy Spirit and the Person of God.
Lord God almighty,
Help me to use your name with honor, reverence and love. May I use Your name to worship, thank and love You! Help me not to be so swift to judge the people who use Your name as expressions. But also help me to share Your love with them, without condemning them. Your name is Holy - You are a Holy God!
