Using the Lord's name in vain...

[BillionthVector]

“You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain,
for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. " -- Exodus 20:7 WEB

I suppose that would mean every use of the Lords name almost as an exclamatory remark or something, it seems to me it's a severe insult to use anyone's name as an exclamatory remark, let alone our Savior's, but why does everyone do it? Seemingly Christians everywhere, using the Lords name to show surprise, almost as one would use a foul word... why?

[nChrist]

I see this is your first post, so WELCOME!

We're happy to have you with us.

In answer to your question, I think it has a lot to do with our declining morals in our country. I'm old enough to remember different times when you got in trouble for taking the Lord's Name in vain. It was also against the law to use profanity in public. As a society I think that we've been slowly desensitized to language, nudity, and all kinds of things that would not have been allowed 40 to 50 years ago. We've been bombarded by just about every kind of media with non-stop filth, including language. Personally, I try to watch my language and be a good example to my kids and grandkids.

[BillionthVector]

Thanks, seems like an awesome forum! Thanks for the cool greeting!
Yeah, the world's morals have been getting worse, but I'm mainly talking about the Christians here, guess it kind of get's in your mind after listening to it everywhere, and where the mind goes...

[nChrist]

If Christians allow filth into their homes, ears, and eyes - they slowly can be conformed to the world. That's what I meant by desensitized. Further, the Christians know it's not right to listen and see the world's garbage (i.e. music, magazines, television, movies, you name it). The excuse can be made, "well, it's everywhere, and I can't avoid it." We can avoid a lot of it if we want to. I'm certainly not hinting that I do everything right, but I at least try.

[Soldier4Christ]

Hello and again welcome to the forum.

I agree with what nChrist said. He mentioned the term 'conformed to the world'. We, even as Christians, can become just that if we immerse ourselves in the things of this world and ignore our spiritual health with that which helps us become stronger in and through Christ.

[grandma dolittle]

yep, it's all around us.  However, I refuse to allow filth be brought into my house, whether by tv, movies, books,etc.  I have Biblical based movies, books, and I watch the news and a lot of PBS programs. I will not support the filth on tv.  Satan is having a ball. He is getting to the next generation with things on tv and movies that should not be acceptable.  When I was young, a girl having a baby out of wedlock was a shame to her and her family.  Now, she lives with her boyfriend, unmarried, and has his children. No shame there.  If a person was thought to be gay, they were ostracised in the community; not now;  My brothers would have lost their teeth if they had cursed in front of Mom or I, not now... now they curse the mothers and sisters.   I would have been humiliated if my brothers saw me in my panties and bra, now girls go on dates with tops that don't cover as much as my bra did and short skirts or shorts that show everything.
When I was young, our parents took us to church and the country churches were full, now if 15 show up we are lucky.  Parents used to talk to the children about God, now they rarely even talk to their children.   Our country not only took God out of the schools, but allowed God to be taken from the families as well.  Using the Lord's name in vain?  We do it every day in expressions of speech, our moral values, our daily walk without God.


Sorry for the soapbox and ranting.
Grandma

[Soldier4Christ]

Don't be sorry for speaking a truth that needs to be said again and again. It is these truths that have put this world in such a sad state and heading for destruction.

[nChrist]

Hello Grandma Doolittle,

We think a lot alike and I think that all of your points were good. My dad spent his life in the ministry and I was raised in the Lord - the old fashioned way. I give thanks for my parents and grandparents every day. I was surrounded by strong Christians all of my life. I tried to do a good job with raising my own children, but I know that I didn't do as well as my parents did.

I think immediately about this portion of Scripture:

Romans 12:1-2 KJV  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

[grandma dolittle]

Guys,
When is the last time you heard a preacher preach about sin and hell??? Most preach about love.  I agree God's love should be preached, but our loving , merciful God is also a God of wrath and he will allow no sin to enter into heaven.  The only alternative to being a Christian is going to hell.  There will be punishment as there will be rewards and Christ will be the judge and he will accept no excuses.

grandma

[Soldier4Christ]

Exactly. I have never understood how someone can preach about Salvation without preaching about the very reason why we need a very loving and merciful Savior. The very thing that we are being saved from.

[nChrist]

I give thanks every day that my sins are forgiven and Jesus Christ is the Lord over my life. Sadly, many in the world laugh and make fun of Christians who try to tell them about Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

[grandma dolittle]

or worse yet.... try to tell you how the Bible contradicts itself and how it is so symbolic that we aren't to take it literally. If they get under conviction from your words, then they start throwing in language they know will offend you. They sure can use the Lord's name in vain!