People using God's name in vain

[Leanie]

I want to know why do people use God’s name in when they do not talk about him. When something is wonderful etc. they would say ‘oh my …..” . I know that it’s wrong, but how should I go about it when people aroung me uses God name that way.

Some of my varsity friends say it…and I must say that I feel guilty for not doing anything about that…I just don’t know what or how to say to them that they should stop from saying that.

[Roxliverpoolfan]

My friends at college they say God`s name in vain amd swear

[Leanie]

I'm with you on this one, i also know people that abuses the name of God, and i know that it's wrong and that i must react to that statement by saying something to them or just walk away, but i don't. I wish that i had more guts to do something. What are you doing?

[jose]

i dont know if that question was for me, but if we stay and say something they will always blaspheme, or take GODs name in vain regardless. if we do this in this instant. we will be doing it all the time. i know its hard to walk away at times. but this is whats so unique about psalm 1. words like "dont sit in the seat of the scornful" or "be in the way of sinners" we need to remember that man is reprobate. he is blind because they cant see what there saying or doing is sinful. so we can stay there and say something, but this would be a time to ask them, "do they consider themselves to be a good person" this is called the good person test. make it known that your not there to argue, but to ask them questions, and how you can use this to witness

[jose]

hi rox, this is an opportunity to witness to her, remember satan has blinded the eyes of men. and what they say they wont think twice about saying. point out that there living in sin. and that there are breaking GODS commandments..... i know that you care about your friend, but becasue you care about them you need to take them through GODS law. and ask them have they hever lied............continue to do that and they will be the ones telling you what sin they have committed. dont give up....but be a witness

[Roxliverpoolfan]

but they just say God`s name in vain for fun and they laugh about it too

[jose]

check out what psalm 1 says about people that mock GOD. so what you should do is not to socialize with them. dont cast your pearls before swine. in other words you cant force someone to stop cussing, or swearing, and even taking the name of the LORD in vain.. i think that this first psalm tells you what their end will be. and for you to get out of their way

[Roxliverpoolfan]

Thanks for the idea Thanks a million

[Glinda Marksin]

Honestly, I'm not bothered by it when people say 'Oh my God'! They're happy, let them enjoy it. That's totally different than saying 'G** D**'.

[Carla]

Hi Glinda..

At the risk of going off on a rabbit trail, I'm going to respond ..

So where do you draw the line?
Exodus 20:7 You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. NLT

Why is it okay in one curcumstance but not another?
We should not take lighty the abuse or dishonor of his name.
When I hear God's name misused ..I take it personally....and it makes me feel very sad for that person.

Blessings and Love in Christ, Carla

[Charles Burwell]

Dear Leanie
Some little addition that the others haven't mentioned yet. Vain does not always mean to use God's name when you are swearing. A teacher once told me that vain means to be empty and without substance or purpose. He told me that we can use the term ' God bless you' when we couldn't care less wether He blessed or not and that would be taking His name in vain because we use His name without the proper reverence. Also like when people say ' God told me to do ...whatever' when God had no part in anything they were proclaiming. He told me that anytime we use His name in a frivelous or disresectful way that that constituted taking His name in vain. Also swearing by His name ( I swear to God).

I think we should always use His name only with the greatest reverence and respect. I'm only saying that there are other ways to take His name in vain than simply cursing some one or thing.

I've heard people ask someone who used God's name in swearing if they really believed that GOD would damn someone or something at THEIR request. Surprisingly it caused the people to really stop and think about what they said.
I'm not sure I'd recommend doing that but the effects were kind of surprising.

[Carla]

Hi Charles.. Very good points here. Thank you for sharing. :)

[Roxliverpoolfan]

Yeah I wish that they would not say God`s name in vain I get so angry when they say his name in vain