Taking God Seriously

Profanity has found its way into every nook and cranny of modern day conversation. At one time it was not tolerated in public life, but now it is written into television and movie scripts as much as punctuation itself. Taking God’s name in vain is even practiced by Christians who, of all people, should know better. I have even heard preachers bring God’s name into their own dramatic oratorical flourishes by way of exclamation, not worship. How is this being done? God’s name is profaned every time it is out of keeping with who He is and what He does. When a person says “my God” in a flippant way they are showing contempt for God’s greatness and goodness. The way we talk about God reveals what is in our heart, and how seriously we take God.

If we love God, then our adoration of Him will flow within the banks of worship and obedience. A growing, loving relationship with God demands right thoughts about God. These thoughts will be defined and shaped by what God says about Himself, not by what we might imagine Him to be. Our adoration of God will express itself in the way we think and speak about God. But, in the words of Fred Catherwood, “It is odd in this so-called secular age, when so few people believe in God, that the name of God is always on their lips. If there is no God, what is the point of cursing God?” These comments are made in reference to the third commandment which says, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain” (Ex. 20:7). The concern is the protection of the Name of God and issues a warning to those who would attempt to use God, all that He is, and all that He stands for in a belittling way. All who desecrate God’s name and reputation will have to answer to Him.

Those who love God will take Him seriously. They will not treat His name irreverently or attempt to use God to further their own agenda. “There is none like Thee, O Lord; Thou art great, and great is Thy name in might” (Jer. 10:6). Taking God seriously is the evidence that one knows God. To know God is to take His name as one’s redeemer. This is more than just a means of identification. When a woman takes her husband’s name in marriage a new relationship is forged. To take God’s name is to become His child by faith in Jesus Christ. God’s name reveals who He is. He is a person. He is self-existent. He is self-sufficient. He is eternal. He is holy. He is a Savior to all who put their trust in His Son. People who know and love God will reverence His awesome and wonderful name. The beauty of His perfections will captivate their thoughts. Their thoughts about Him will give them great joy and the utmost respect for Him.

When we take God seriously we refuse to misuse His name. This includes perjury (Lev. 19:12; Matt. 5:33-37). To swear that something is true which one knows to be false and to use God’s name to “co-sign” is to take God’s name in vain. We can commit perjury by making vows, oaths, and promises and then breaking them. “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but let your yes be yes and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment” (Jas. 5:12). To use God’s name as a cover for a lie makes God out to be what He is not, namely, either nonexistent or indifferent to the truth. Trustworthiness is part of God’s image, which He wants to see in us. God’s name is dishonored when promises are made and broken, when vows are made to God and not kept (e.g., marriage vows are not to be taken lightly. To break a marriage vow is to treat God with contempt.), and when claims are made that God will do something that actually the Bible teaches otherwise. There are those who stoop so low as to involve the name of God to disguise a personal project with the intent to defraud.

God’s name must not misused by playing with the things of God. A flippant and frivolous attitude toward God and things sacred is to trifle with God. This can be done when we pray piously and don’t mean it or when we sing Christian songs while our minds chase things other than the truth we are singing. Some people will attempt to use God’s name to achieve power and control. This is reprehensible. Beware of those who approach you saying, “The Lord told me to tell you that you are to….”

We must come back full circle to that culturally acceptable desecration of God’s name, profanity. To treat something as profane is to regard it as unholy. To profane God’s name is to treat it with contempt and show disregard for God’s infinite worth. For example, when God is asked to damn some person or thing, one is actually uttering a prayer. It puts God in the damning business and intentionally deflects attention away from His offer of forgiveness and eternal life. The use of “O my God”, “my God,” “Jesus Christ” and other such irreverent exclamations are an attack upon the person of God. His name is not a name to damn anyone. Watch out also for “polite” swearing by using “golly,” “gosh,” “gee,” and other minced oaths which could be misunderstood. It is the only name that can save sinful human beings. His name is not to be used to exalt one’s own exalted opinions or an attempt to be a drama queen. If you are inclined to use God the Father’s and God the Son’s name to heighten the impact of your communication, why not work on improving an impoverished vocabulary? May all our words declare that we are awed by a holy, righteous, loving, and sovereign God.

Our culture is sick and dying. Sinful human beings oblivious to the fact that they need God’s salvation are busy coronating themselves the kings and queens of the universe. God is reduced to a subject for a panel discussion, on which men and women sit in judgment. If you are in any doubt about the slide in our nation in its diminishing view of the majesty and glory of God start counting the times you hear His name treated with contempt. Christian reader, let us watch ourselves. In the words of the late A. W. Tozer, “Are we losing our ‘Oh!’?” We can begin checking our thoughts about God by memorizing and repeating daily the words of Scripture, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?’ ‘Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?’ For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:33-36). Marinate you minds in these delectable truths and rejoice that this is “my God.”

Dr. Howard E. Dial
Berachah Bible Church