"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”
— Exodus 20:7
Every now and then we hear people
saying, "O My God" or "OMG!" Is it okay for a Christian to
say those? The 3rd Commandment forbids us to take the name of our God Yahweh in
vain. Even if this weren't found in the 10 Commandments, doesn't our common
sense tell us not to use the name of whom we love, respect, fear in vain?
Non-Christians may say whatever they like, because their 'God' is not our Yahweh,
they never know Him. But for a Christian when he says 'God' that's none other
than the biblical God, Yahweh!
Abusing God's name is abusing God's
character. Claiming to speak for God, but speaking one's agenda is abusing the
name of God. Professing to be a Christian (a child of God) and living a sinful
life blasphemes the name of God. Swearing by the name of God is invoking the
character of God, who is the supreme being of the Universe. Even in real life, the High Court or the Supreme Court of the earth is the last place we want to settle our
dispute, why, O why invoke the name of the Supreme Judge for petty issues?
However, there are perfect occasions
where we may even say "Oh! My God" with reverence in prayer. Blurting
out in funny instances or even in a surprising situation is a misuse. We do not
shout out our name or the names of those we respect and love in such instances
saying, “O My ___,” it doesn’t sound good or right. May we revere our God! If
it is not a reaction to invoke the mercy or any help of God, it is to use the
name of God in vain.
God demands that we honor Him, worship
Him, serve Him, and live for His glory. A life that doesn't honor God and that
does not give Him the glory is a sinful life; it invites the wrath of God. None
can deliver us from the wrath of God. Let us fear and tremble before Him. Have
you ever misused the name of God, misrepresented God, invoked the name of God
in vain? Ask for forgiveness and commit yourself to not do them anymore!