Taking His Name in Vain

I actually have two things on my mind tonight, so I’ll save one for tomorrow. One issue came up yesterday when I overheard someone scream “Oh, my God” in surprise over something rather trivial. It reminded me of how casual today’s world is over taking his name in vain.

I remember a priest explaining to me one time, in confession, that this is, after all, the 2nd Commandment, and God takes it very seriously. Whether or not you relate to priests, he made a valid point.

Today, the phrase is screamed in joyous sexual ecstasy, or in total anger or frustration, or for many other non-spiritual reasons. I am so guilty of this myself.
It’s so casual that I do not even think about it.

The F-word is less offensive to God than taking his name in vain. The F-word is crude, rude, and vulgar, used the way it is today. But it not a casual disregard of the importance I should place on God’s name. I’m guilty of the worst of these, but still I cringe when I hear the F-word.

"God d**n it" is another example. We are not supposed to curse anything or anyone into damnation, yet the phrase is so common today.

“Praise the Lord” is acceptable because someone is actively thinking of him when saying that.

I think I should try to find a word or phrase that I can swap easily when surprised. It has to be easy for me to remember. I had someone I worked with who used to say “Fruit Loops” instead of the F-word. Another friend used to say “Jumping gee-whiz” (honest!). Either way, the phrases were silly enough and unusual enough to remember.

Dear God, help me in this area of my life; I want to bring honor and glory to your name, not to disrespect it by casual, careless use.