ZEALOUS FOR HIS NAME
I believe this needs to be addressed again...
Christians - I implore you - DO NOT use GOD'S name as an EXCLAMATION!!!
Whenever Christians say things like - "Oh my God!" or "My God!" or "God Almighty!" or "Good God!" - my stomach turns and I want to say, "You should know better than taking God's name loosely, haphazardly, or in vain."
In the Narnia collection of stories by C.S. Lewis, just the mention of the name of ASLAN (the lion) elicits a positive response physically (i.e. one's whole countenance is uplifted) from the other characters. That is how I feel when the name of Jesus is mentioned in respect or any other name that my Lord or God goes by in Holy Scripture. The opposite can be said too. Whenever someone, especially a supposed believer, straight out takes the Lord's Name in vain or misuses it in any other way (just being careless and flippant with His name like mentioned above), I feel violated, dirty, sad, and angry - all in one emotion.
I am zealous for my God's name. Someone said recently that we don't have to defend God, He can defend Himself. I disagree to a point. While Christ's physical body is at the Right Hand of Father God, Christians are supposedly the representation of Christ's body on this earth, filled with His Holy Spirit to perform His will throughout the nations and ages. This means Christians are to think the Word of God, speak the Word of God, act out/live the Word of God by the power of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis. In any given circumstance, after you represent Christ, then is when the situation is in God's hands for operation and defense.
If you are a Christian walking through life and taking God's name in vain - using His name improperly as an Exclamation in your speech - then your witness for the Kingdom is suffering. It is not a good example of how Christians should speak in the presence of other believers but especially non-believers. Hearing Christians exclaiming - "Jesus Christ!" or any of the above selections is simply unacceptable.
I don't buy into the fact that it could be a cultural thing. What I do buy into is that it was a learned behavior that needs to be adjusted quickly. Christians are supposedly a new creature in Christ. As such, God's name needs to be respected to the umph degree (infinite degree). So, for future reference God's MAIN names are....wait for it....God and Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit.
What does a Holy God mean to you? Do you consider God Holy? Do you include God's name or the many names He goes by as Holy? This is a key factor in how you treat His name in your daily walk with Him and around others.
My definition of a Holy God is - a God who is perfect and unapproachable except for by the grace and love He has shown us through Christ Jesus the LORD. I consider God's name and the many other titles He goes by as Holy. Take heed and revere His name. Honor His presence in your lives by speaking His name in the awesome respect He deserves.
Do you do all things - words/deeds - in the name of the LORD Jesus, being sure to give thanks to the Father through Him? Guess what? That is a charge to Christians from the Lord through Paul in Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
It's high time we strive to be a Whole Christian and not just in part. In thoughts, in actions, in words - let us always bring honor and praise to His Name. What is in a name? Everything is in His name and He deserves every bit of this discipline.
Christians - I implore you - DO NOT use GOD'S name as an EXCLAMATION!!!
Whenever Christians say things like - "Oh my God!" or "My God!" or "God Almighty!" or "Good God!" - my stomach turns and I want to say, "You should know better than taking God's name loosely, haphazardly, or in vain."
In the Narnia collection of stories by C.S. Lewis, just the mention of the name of ASLAN (the lion) elicits a positive response physically (i.e. one's whole countenance is uplifted) from the other characters. That is how I feel when the name of Jesus is mentioned in respect or any other name that my Lord or God goes by in Holy Scripture. The opposite can be said too. Whenever someone, especially a supposed believer, straight out takes the Lord's Name in vain or misuses it in any other way (just being careless and flippant with His name like mentioned above), I feel violated, dirty, sad, and angry - all in one emotion.
I am zealous for my God's name. Someone said recently that we don't have to defend God, He can defend Himself. I disagree to a point. While Christ's physical body is at the Right Hand of Father God, Christians are supposedly the representation of Christ's body on this earth, filled with His Holy Spirit to perform His will throughout the nations and ages. This means Christians are to think the Word of God, speak the Word of God, act out/live the Word of God by the power of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis. In any given circumstance, after you represent Christ, then is when the situation is in God's hands for operation and defense.
If you are a Christian walking through life and taking God's name in vain - using His name improperly as an Exclamation in your speech - then your witness for the Kingdom is suffering. It is not a good example of how Christians should speak in the presence of other believers but especially non-believers. Hearing Christians exclaiming - "Jesus Christ!" or any of the above selections is simply unacceptable.
I don't buy into the fact that it could be a cultural thing. What I do buy into is that it was a learned behavior that needs to be adjusted quickly. Christians are supposedly a new creature in Christ. As such, God's name needs to be respected to the umph degree (infinite degree). So, for future reference God's MAIN names are....wait for it....God and Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit.
What does a Holy God mean to you? Do you consider God Holy? Do you include God's name or the many names He goes by as Holy? This is a key factor in how you treat His name in your daily walk with Him and around others.
My definition of a Holy God is - a God who is perfect and unapproachable except for by the grace and love He has shown us through Christ Jesus the LORD. I consider God's name and the many other titles He goes by as Holy. Take heed and revere His name. Honor His presence in your lives by speaking His name in the awesome respect He deserves.
- "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." Exodus 20:7
- " 'Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:12
- “They must be holy to their God and must not profane the name of their God. Because they present the offerings made to the LORD…” Leviticus 21:6
- “…anyone who blasphemes the name of the LORD must be put to death. The entire assembly must stone him. Whether an alien or native-born, when he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death.” Leviticus 24:16
- "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” Deuteronomy 5:11
- "If you do not carefully follow all the words of this law, which are written in this book, and do not revere this glorious and awesome name--the LORD your God-- the LORD will send fearful plagues on you and your descendants, harsh and prolonged disasters, and severe and lingering illnesses.” Deuteronomy 28:58-59
Do you do all things - words/deeds - in the name of the LORD Jesus, being sure to give thanks to the Father through Him? Guess what? That is a charge to Christians from the Lord through Paul in Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
It's high time we strive to be a Whole Christian and not just in part. In thoughts, in actions, in words - let us always bring honor and praise to His Name. What is in a name? Everything is in His name and He deserves every bit of this discipline.
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