Exodus 20:7
You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
“Are you praying?” That was the question I asked a man who had repeatedly used the phrase, “Oh my God!”
He looked shocked and replied, “What do you mean?” I said “Well, you keep saying ‘My God’ and I wanted to know if you are calling on His name in prayer or taking His name in vain?”
As we continued the conversation, the man admitted that he was not even aware that he had used that statement. We had an extended conversation about how easy it is to establish a habit without even being aware of it.
Calling upon the name of the Lord is a sacred thing. It must never be taken lightly or as an expletive or flippant expression. Before we feel too spiritual, I want to drop another bomb. There are many Christians who would never use the expression, “My God!” but easily use a similar expression, “My Lord!”
Do you see the difference between the two? I don’t and I am sure that the Lord does not either. Using the Lord’s name in any manner that is not consistent with speaking to Him or calling out to Him is wrong. Stop it!
If we have a habit of using the Lord’s name in vain, we need to humbly bow before the Lord, confess it as a sin and ask Him for forgiveness. I pray that the Lord will convict us any time we misuse His name.
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
P.S. – Be sure to check out PastorCecil.com