The Lords Name In Vain
Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2008
by Michael Kocis
http://www.prescottlmt.com
I believe something may have been revealed to me over this past year, not something really troubling, but a fact I've wondered about through the years.
The idea of " Do not take the Lords name in vain." What does that really mean ? Now everyone I've asked, to the person, has given the exact same answer. Probably the same one your thinking right now.
But I ask you, do you really, way down deep inside in the farthest reaches of your personal bucket of knowledge believe that God The Creator of All Things really gets mad over a word ?
I know, some say it shows disrespect or it somehow demeans his glory or whatever ...but again do you honestly think God gets angry over a word? I could never wrap around that thought. Maybe I just picture Him more than that.
Let me tell you about two things that happened to me. I have a neighbor with whom I share an entrance driveway with, now this fellow spouts off how religious he is to the point of nauseam. It's really so much that it is a huge turn-off rather than an inspiration.
The city is redoing the road out front and when we suggested a change in driveways he freaked out. I've had the City, Police, FBI, Postmaster, Fire Dept, you name it, he's called them trying to start trouble, to no avail, but he's tried...all over dirt. Wow, is he going to feel weird when he gets to the part in his bible about love thy neighbor.
Next, I worked for a guy who again, all he talked about was God this and Jesus that and how he was a believer. While working for him I was exposed to toxic poisoning and when presented with my medical bills, which would be covered by his insurance, low and behold, it never happened, he couldn't have been responsible for it and he has no idea what I'm talking about.
So I've come to realize the "Don't take the Lords name in vain " may really mean, don't go around telling people you believe in God and Jesus and all that is Holy only to put all that aside when it comes down to really having to interact with people.
I can't imagine saying damn it with His name in front of it, having the same weight as using His name to describe how or what you believe in, then turn around and live like you never even heard of Him.
As for those two "religious guys" I look at it as they are simply a test of MY faith. Oh, and what a test it's been. I am honored to have the opportunity to show my character though, to greet them both with a handshake and no ill-will, because honestly,,,I feel something is coming my way, something so magnificent, He wants to see if I'm even worthy.
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More commentsWhat I don't like Mike is to hear actors on television such as comedians using the phrase "Oh my God" to make them look cute, or to make an actor look good in a drama. Using the word God damn by hard working laborers brings out the old soulInteresting thought David, you know as I am looking at those two words in your last sentence, I'm thinking, how funny, if you emphasize the first word it sounds like you'd be mad, emphasize the last word and it could mean a pretty girl just walked by. Thanks for your comments
Michael, having been raised Catholic, I suppose my feelings about using the Lord's name in vain is traditional yet it amazes me how many Christian car washes I see... does that mean non-Christians can not go? I believe that the biggest question of importance we will all receive when we die is "how we've treated our fellow brothers and sisters and if we've loved" and I would venture to guess that many followers will stumble with their answers. Good thought provoking article.Hello Judi, Christian car washes...I don't know if I've ever seen one of those? Funny label to put on a car wash, obviously it means "sponsored " by a church. But in my "unusual" way of looking at things, perhaps it means only Christian cars are invited ? I need to have a talk with my Toyota. But seriously, you brought up one of my favorite things, individual views on the entrance to Heaven. Most picture "Gates" and someone in charge of a " Riddle of Truth" you know, looking back at your life why YOU should be allowed in. I can only imagine my answer would go like..." First, I don't remember asking to leave and I really did the best with what I understood I had to work with." I want to Thank You Judi for the Greatest compliment I could receive here, "thought provoking" that my Dear is why I write. Well that and it's turning out to be excellent therapy.
Ya know, Michael, I like your writings. You think outside the box and challenge us to do the same.Thank You LM, again that is one of the Greatest compliments. It seems the entire world is set up to put us in "the box" I enjoy being outside of it looking in. Kind of like that forest for the trees thing. My favorite is when someone will point out when they have a "Spiritual Experience" I always feel like I'm a Spiritual being and every now and then have a "Human Experience."
Mike, I am sharing your experience - how I believe you felt when the revelation from the Holy Spirit came to you about what it means to take the Lord's name in vain. I have been wowed by this many times over the past few weeks. It reduced me to tears as I gave thanks. I give thanks to Him for you for your obedience. Though concerned about this article's reception, you pressed through and have blessed many. Serving the Lord is liberating, it's not imprisonment. That "IS" [imprisonment] the religious way! Thank you and Happy Valentine's Day!Wow, Thank You. You've said so many beautiful things. For one person to even think I've served the Lord for a brief second.....that goes beyond anything I could ever hope for. Thank You Avis
Michael, It would truly change the world if all those who call ourselves Christians took your words to heart and got busy concerning ourselves with LIVING like Christians instead of just talking...Jean, Your words made me think of my Son, when he called me from Phoenix as he was filling out paperwork going into the Army. He said they wanted to know what to put under "Religion." Having never really thought much about what we call ourselves ...Children of God , Believers, ???I told him to put Christian since we never actually joined any specific group. I always thought it was more important, rather than what someone said or what group they were with, but what they were Being. Hence the name ...Human Beings P.S. I do not believe in coincidence, I think it's a man made term that means " I don't know why it happened" but while I was writing this to you ...my Son called me. Happy Valentine's Day to everyone.
Michael in my opinion you have heard from the very best on this site. Now I myself have experienced the Holy Types who profess and even act pius and quote the bible and sit in high places but are far from it. I have also experienced the brash and rough. I kind of think God is judge of our works and deeds and the heart. best wishes RTMRobert I agree that I've received comments from some truly amazing people. Those "Holy Types" you've mentioned puzzle me...exactly as I wonder how ....how was it possible to be one so fortunate to have lived at the time and place when Jesus was first here and still not know who He was? I understand it was maybe all meant to be, but how could a human, stand in His presence and not know? Now,, I know of evil, I understand it has many degrees but His power is much stronger, somethings are just not meant for me to understand.
Makes you wonder if other religions curse using their deities' names. For myself, I have never once heard anyone say "Buddha dammit" or "Mohammed dammit" (although comedian Jeff Dunham did use the phrase "Allah dammit" to make a very strong point about religion).Interesting point you make. There's another article in my head I've been thinking about writing that deals with "dirty words",,, (if I even write it here, not sure exactly how it will be accepted) but I will tell you that the word Budda could never be used forcefully because ....well that's another article.
It offends me to hear anyone use the name of our Lord in vain, but I think most people don't even realize they are saying it when they do. Usually it is more of a reflex than a concious act of disrespect. I try very hard to control what I say when in a moment of frustration--substituting 'shoot' for sh*t, etc.,etc. I once read a license plate that said, "I had rather live my life as though there is a God and find out there isn't, than to live my life as though there is no God and find out there is." Amen. Very good article at any rate.Hi Sandra, Thank You for mentioning the substitutes. I know a sweet little ol' lady down the road that does that very same thing. shoot, fudge,and I few I haven't figured out yet what they mean. I agree with you that most of the time it's a reflex and people don't even realize it.
Michael, Great article and it makes me shudder about people who are quote christians. You know who quote christians are? Talk is cheap and I look for the fruit - as it says in the word. I used to cuss like a sailor and it was really bad for me as a female and what kind of impression coming out of my mouth. Now years later - I walk what I talk and you are one of the fine few that will turn the other cheek even if the other guy calls himself a quote christian. Play on words - there. And I am really tired of those quote christians who make the genuine christians who will do anything for anyone...give us a bad rep. God is always watching! Thanks for sharing.Hello Barbara, Thanks for your compliments and as for " turning the other cheek" it's actually a bit selfish on my part, you see.....it makes me feel good. And sense the only thing we really control is how we react to any given situation, it just makes it a lot less stressful.
I have always thought that using the lord's name is when one speaks as if "they are God." God will punish you because you are gay. God will do this or that to you.... One of the worst thing I ever heard was after the Columbine (sp?) school shootings. When so called Christians came out and said thank God our children were blessed by God because they were not killed. So does that mean the children that were killed were not blessed by God.
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