(Marsha West – Christian Research Network) You can run, you can hide, but you can’t get away from it, “God knows I’ve tried.” It seems that wherever you go, whether it’s to the mall, a movie, the golf course, the hardware store, or even a buffet line, God’s name is being misused loudly and proudly. It’s so common that most people don’t even notice.
But some of us do.
It’s rare to watch a TV program without hearing G-d this, G-d that….”Oh my G-d!” Some people like to punctuate each word, “Oh – my – G-d.” Others say it as if it’s a single word, “OhmyG-d!” And there are those who shorten it to “Oh G-d” in a despairing tone. If he’s a guy of few words, just saying “G-d!” will make his point. For added punch, some people tack on damn, as in “G-D America!”
I don’t mind when someone says, “God bless you,” or “God be with you,” or my mom’s personal favorite, “God love ya.” I take offense when someone uses God’s name as a curse.
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It’s disheartening to hear the Lord’s holy name abused, especially by Christians who say they love Him. The way we use God’s name is an indication of how we feel about Him. According to Exodus 20:7, anyone who misuses His name is treading on thin ice. “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”
God holds us accountable for every word we utter. Sobering thought, isn’t it?
The Lord loves those who pursue righteousness (Proverbs 15:9). He wants His people who are called by His name to love one another; to be compassionate and sensitive so that we might win others to Christ. I admit that being sensitive isn’t one of my strong suits. In fact, I’m often viewed as insensitive because I say and write what’s on my mind. But it’s never my intention to hurt people’s feelings. If I engaged a Buddhist, or a Muslim, or someone who’s into Native American spirituality in conversation, I certainly wouldn’t be so crass as to say, “Swear to Buddha,” or “Oh Allah!” or “Great Spirit damn you!” Yet those who believe in the God of the Bible are rarely afforded the same respect.
The politically correct brigade would rather throw themselves in front of a train barreling down the tracks than offend anyone, but without the slightest hesitation abuse the Lord Jesus’s name. Christians are to stand there quietly and take the abuse!
