What’s that You Said? Stop!

Updated title: What’s that You Said? Stop!

I wrote this blog entry on New Year’s Eve, 2013. I’ve decided to update and revise it. I’ll tell you why at the end. Don’t look yet!

We often hear God’s name used with swear words. Words can so easily roll off the tongue if we are not careful. Some people have no regard for their words.

Before I was saved, I have to admit that sometimes I used these words, too. I’m ashamed to admit this. Thankfully, I’ve repented and received God’s forgiveness. Every once in awhile words creep back up, and we have to stop it!

Now when I hear others use God’s name in vain, I find myself literally cringing. What’s that you said? It’s awful! I can’t seem to get away from it either. Unfortunately, these words are spoken in public all the time (by the waiter, by the store clerk, by actors in the movies, by people on TV, and by many others in public).

Personally, I believe that even saying “jeez” is wrong! Look up that word yourself and think about it. Then you’ll verify the origin of that word, too. I had to stop and think that it’s really not that much different. Is it? It’s still using God’s name in vain. Let’s just stop it!

When someone is speaking directly to me that I know and they use God’s name with a swear word, I’m quick to stop them and ask them to please stop doing that in front of me. If you’re going to insist on talking that way in front of me, I’ll kindly ask you to stop doing so in my presence, but you can’t escape God’s presence! He will still hear you!

I’ve had enough of this! I’m don’t want to hear this everywhere I go. If I feel this way, how do you think God feels? These words should not come out of my mouth or yours anymore.

“… Let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. (1 Peter 3:10)

Let me ask you a question. Would you like your name to be used as a curse word? What if everyone in the whole world, in the movies, at the store, and everywhere you went were to use your name as a curse word? You would hear it everywhere you go! Someone damning you or blaming whatever they felt like on you! Would you like that? Would you like it if they used your name every time they got angry? Of course not!

Will we continue to hear God’s name taken in vain over and over again day after day, even more this year than last year and the year before that? It is possible. It has gotten worse since I first wrote this post.

God’s name has been used in vain repeatedly by His own creation (that’s us, humans) on a daily basis. It’s absolutely horrifying how many times God’s name is spoken as profanity. It is blasphemous! It is disgustingly abusive! Where is the respect for the One who created you?

The Bible (God’s Word) tells us: “And you shall not swear by my name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:12, my emphasis in bold)

We have no excuse for speaking His name in any derogatory way! Stop! The great name of God (the Father) and the name of Jesus Christ (the Son) should both be treated with honor, respect, and holiness. Furthermore, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is unforgivable (see as follows).

The third commandment (of the 10 Commandments) sets forth God’s law on this subject:

“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, my emphasis in bold)

If those who speak these phrases, using God’s name in vain, do not seek to be forgiven, their offense will be held against them. If one does repent (ask for forgiveness and stop the offense), then one can be forgiven.

However, if one speaks this offense against the Holy Spirit, the Bible says that one may never receive His forgiveness.

“Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation — because they said, ‘He has an unclean spirit.’ ” (Mark 3:28-30)

Jesus Christ humbled Himself in such a way that He was no longer (or barely) recognizable after all the horrible and excruciating agony He endured for each and every one of us to be freely given eternal salvation.

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in Heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)

The name of Jesus Christ is so great that it is “the name above every name.” The name of the Lord is to be exalted! Did you read that? Exalted means being raised to a higher level, praised highly, presented or lifted up in a very favorable way.

His name is not meant for graphic disrespect in swearing and demeaning ways! God warns us that we will reap the consequences of our speech and what we sow. For we all sow, whether good or bad.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galations 6:7)

“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. (Matthew 12:36 — my addition in bold)

What’s that you said? What do you think will come out of your mouth now? Will you tell others to stop who speak this way in front of you?

God’s name is great, holy, righteous, and good. He is our mighty strong tower. His name is beautiful, mighty, and wonderful. His names are forevermore eternal.

There is love, healing, joy, and great gain in the name of the Lord. There is eternal life of peace and everlasting joy in speaking His name. There is power in His name. Eternity is bright and wonderful in His great name.

“Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed…” (Acts 3:16)

“… Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” (John 16:24)

Why would you want to display your unrighteousness when using God’s name in such a way that is disgraceful? We need to think before we speak. We will be held to a higher standard than we may have ever thought possible.

“God is love.” (1 John 4:8 and 1 John 4:16) — Why would you speak against pure love? Don’t! Speak in love for love and respect of His Holy name!

“I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.” (Psalm 7:17)

Now, do you know why I updated this blog post and am resetting it again here today? Because this is the one and only post that no one ever read before. That’s why I rewrote it and decided to repost it with an update and most of all, a new title. I hope it was worth reading.

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: God says, “So I will make My holy name known in the midst of My people Israel, and I will not let them profane My holy name anymore. Then the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel.” (Ezekiel 39:7)

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29)

Copyright © 2013 by Patricia Shehan — Updated and revised © 2015