By Marsha West
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.
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? Continue reading →