What are your thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (Full Version)

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merelynapping -> What are your thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/1/2008 8:40:29 PM)

I have been thinking about this commandment for the past few weeks and it truly has been driving me crazy.
The reason it has been driving me nuts is because I have a few Christians friends who do this.
Is my definition too broad? To me saying, "Oh my God" is taking the Lord's name in vain and saying, "Good Lord!" is pushing it.
Second question. What about that part in the verse where it says,
for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.?

What are your thoughts?



JordanW -> RE: Thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/1/2008 9:15:04 PM)

I didn't know "Oh my God" was taking his name in vain, now I feel horrible! Well I don't like hearing people taking his name in vain at all actually.



merelynapping -> RE: Thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/1/2008 9:22:24 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: JordanW

I didn't know "Oh my God" was taking his name in vain, now I feel horrible!


What are you thoughts about that? What qualifies as taking his name in vain and what makes you say that? And again, what about the second part of the verse?



Cc20 -> RE: Thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/1/2008 9:22:47 PM)

ahhh me too! I say that (omg) way too .. much..[:(]



colliefan -> RE: Thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/1/2008 9:54:05 PM)

I go much deeper. To make a confession of faith - to take on the name of the Lord -when it is only done out of emotion or to please some one else; that is taking the name of the Lord in vain. Remember the Jews couldn't say His name in worship.



atruefaith -> RE: Thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/1/2008 10:01:01 PM)

Any time we are flippant or casual when talking about God, we take his name in vain. This could even include casual converstations or those that end with a, "See you tomorrow, Lord willing" and saying it as a superstious after thought and not really meaning it.

Thankfully we have an advocate with the Father in our defense, Jesus Christ the Righteous One (1 John 2:1) and your concern over this command and any other command is encouraging and spiritually healthy.

"Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.

This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones." - Proverbs 3:7-8



merelynapping -> RE: Thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/1/2008 10:14:18 PM)

My problem with this is there are so many ways to interpret it.

1. Uttering the Lord's hebrew name.
2. Swearing by God when making an oath and then breaking the oath.
3."God" and "Lord" are not taking his name in vain since they are not his actual name.
4. Making reference to God outside of prayer, praise, etc.

Now not all of those contridict.
Another thing the word does not seem to talk a lot about it.

Edit: colliefan I started thinking about your post and while I have heard that perspective before(and do not disagree), I think it is very interesting. Is is like in Matthew when Jesus says, "not everyone who says to me, 'Lord! Lord!' shall enter the kingdom of heaven." Is that where you are coming from?



bford64 -> RE: Thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/2/2008 4:04:40 AM)

Interesting topic. I think many christians take the Lords name in vain and don't even realize it. Chip Ingram has a couple of very insightful messages on this topic that I think you will find helpful. It opened mine and my wifes eyes.

http://lote.org/listen/listenDaily.php
03/07/2008 God's Boundaries - Never Abuse My Name, Part 1
03/10/2008 God's Boundaries - Never Abuse My Name, Part 2



rcjames -> RE: Thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/2/2008 9:18:31 AM)

I do not think cursing is taking the Lord's name in vain (though there is plenty of scripture against coarse speech)

I think "Taking the Lord's Name in vain" is claiming to be Christian when one is not.

Thanks
RC



TJStarfire -> RE: What are your thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/2/2008 10:56:08 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: merelynapping

I have been thinking about this commandment for the past few weeks and it truly has been driving me crazy.
Is my definition too broad?

What are your thoughts?


In the aspect you refer to i see it the same way as crying wolf after a while GOD tunes that person out and doesn't hear when they actually need Him.

As to your definition being too broad, talking the talk without walking the walk or calling Christ your Lord without doing his sayings is also taking His name in vain.



merelynapping -> RE: Thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/2/2008 11:52:48 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames

I do not think cursing is taking the Lord's name in vain (though there is plenty of scripture against coarse speech)

Don't worry, I was not under that impression. I was quick to notice that distinction during my rebellious stage. [;)]

quote:


I think "Taking the Lord's Name in vain" is claiming to be Christian when one is not.

But if it were only that, then how did it apply to the ancient isrealites?

Thanks for the replies!



SinnerSaved -> RE: Thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/3/2008 3:53:24 AM)

^
^
^
RC nailed it, as he so often does!



BibleL7 -> RE: Thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/4/2008 10:13:37 AM)

I would say this for consideration. God is not His name but a title, if you look up the word in Strong's you will find that the original Hebrew word translated a God is also translated gods and judges. I realize this is technicality and some would say legalistic, however when considering it you might give it thought. Yes I realize that His name is more than just the actual name. And yes it is wrong to make light of Him. But do remember that we are but sinners saved by grace and as such we tend to do things wrong at times. This does not excuse it just a perspective to consider. Many times we speak without thinking and that also should not be. Just some thoughts to consider I certainly don't condone the actions of taking His name in vain.



Little_1 -> RE: What are your thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/4/2008 10:42:26 AM)

I absolutely hate to hear God's name or the name of Christ 'taken in vain' by dragging it into a negative conversation. I am saddened and upset by this in every instance but especially so if confessing Christians use God's/Christ's name in this manner - it is the just the pits! [sm=eek.gif][sm=crystreams.gif][sm=eek.gif]

Also - RC has a very relevant point also! [8|]



colliefan -> RE: What are your thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/4/2008 1:46:17 PM)

quote:

Edit: colliefan I started thinking about your post and while I have heard that perspective before(and do not disagree), I think it is very interesting. Is is like in Matthew when Jesus says, "not everyone who says to me, 'Lord! Lord!' shall enter the kingdom of heaven." Is that where you are coming from?


Yes. One problem in our culture is the church has made "making a personal decision for Christ" too much like picking out what we want to eat in going through the line at a cafeteria. Other than having to dish out some bills and change when we are at the cashier, there is no cost involved.

The Lord's name is more than just a moniker, it is his character. And from His character come His ways. When we take on the Lord's name, we take on everything. It's more than just responding to an altar call. Too many have been emotionally manipulated to such a thing, and since it involves emotion rather than an act of the will, there is no lasting change.



LivingParadox -> RE: What are your thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/4/2008 4:12:23 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: merelynapping

I have been thinking about this commandment for the past few weeks and it truly has been driving me crazy.
The reason it has been driving me nuts is because I have a few Christians friends who do this.
Is my definition too broad? To me saying, "Oh my God" is taking the Lord's name in vain and saying, "Good Lord!" is pushing it.
Second question. What about that part in the verse where it says,
for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.?
What are your thoughts?


uh, my thoughts?

DON'T DO IT.
In really severe usage of the Lord's name in vain i've actually mentioned that it was a offesive to me to the person and asked them not to use that phase in front of me.



SavedByGraceMD -> RE: What are your thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/4/2008 9:57:09 PM)

This is interesting because I have been faced with this at work. I try to not say any of the sayings that take the Lords name in vain, even though 1 may slip from my lips once in a while. Knowing this, I have been hearing a lot of this at work, and the 1 that really gets me is when they say JC in an angry response, like he did something to them. I have been wanting to say something to the ones who say this the most, but do not know how to approach the subject. I have only been born again for 7 months, and have had this job for 6 1/2. I am afraid I have not been the best example of what a Christian should be, but this bothers me. Any advice on what to do.

My opinion on what stipulates taking the Lords name in vain-

Any time we use his name without bringing Glory to his name



merelynapping -> RE: Thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/4/2008 10:44:20 PM)

Let me explain my perspective a little more on the issue.
When I look at the ten commandments I see a certain heart conditions. When someone murders, they usually have a heart problem with hatred or anger, etc. When someone commits immorality, they often have a heart problem with lust. Using that line of reasoning, it would seem to me that the way someone uses the Lord's name will reflect what they truly think of him. When someone just throws his name around like it is nothing special, that is what they think of the Lord. As if he was nothing special.
Does anybody know what I am saying?

quote:

ORIGINAL: BibleL7

But do remember that we are but sinners saved by grace and as such we tend to do things wrong at times.


I think I know what you mean. It is really hard to avoid being judgemental. [:(] And it is something that I think I need to be praying about.



SavedByGraceMD -> RE: Thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/4/2008 10:50:52 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: merelynapping

Let me explain my perspective a little more on the issue.
When I look at the ten commandments I see a certain heart conditions. When someone murders, they usually have a heart problem with hatred or anger, etc. When someone commits immorality, they often have a heart problem with lust. Using that line of reasoning, it would seem to me that the way someone uses the Lord's name will reflect what they truly think of him. When someone just throws his name around like it is nothing special, that is what they think of the Lord. As if he was nothing special.
Does anybody know what I am saying?



I get what you are saying, and I agree with you. The one person at work who does it most, says he doesn't believe in God. So I get your point.



merelynapping -> RE: Thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/4/2008 11:08:26 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SavedByGraceMD

quote:

ORIGINAL: merelynapping

Let me explain my perspective a little more on the issue.
When I look at the ten commandments I see a certain heart conditions. When someone murders, they usually have a heart problem with hatred or anger, etc. When someone commits immorality, they often have a heart problem with lust. Using that line of reasoning, it would seem to me that the way someone uses the Lord's name will reflect what they truly think of him. When someone just throws his name around like it is nothing special, that is what they think of the Lord. As if he was nothing special.
Does anybody know what I am saying?



I get what you are saying, and I agree with you. The one person at work who does it most, says he doesn't believe in God. So I get your point.


The rub comes in when a christian is the one doing it.



McGuinessMagee -> RE: Thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/4/2008 11:14:52 PM)

RC, I take it a step further than even what you've described.

I believe taking the Lord's name in vain also includes those times when Christians say 'God said...' and God didn't actually tell them that at all (and sometimes only the person saying it and God would know).

Kylie[sm=silly.gif]



BibleL7 -> RE: What are your thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/5/2008 3:43:04 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SavedByGraceMD

This is interesting because I have been faced with this at work. I try to not say any of the sayings that take the Lords name in vain, even though 1 may slip from my lips once in a while. Knowing this, I have been hearing a lot of this at work, and the 1 that really gets me is when they say JC in an angry response, like he did something to them. I have been wanting to say something to the ones who say this the most, but do not know how to approach the subject. I have only been born again for 7 months, and have had this job for 6 1/2. I am afraid I have not been the best example of what a Christian should be, but this bothers me. Any advice on what to do.

My opinion on what stipulates taking the Lords name in vain-

Any time we use his name without bringing Glory to his name


I know what you mean it this I had a problem of a co-worker screaming JC in a cussing manner also and I simply politely asked her if she would please not take my Lords name in vain, in my presence, as it is offensive to me. She said why should she and I just said it was just a request that she be considerate of others beliefs. And yes she professed to be Christian yet she knew nothing of Bible or belief or Holy Spirit said she was baptized as a baby so she was Christian. I will say not fruit of Spirit in her at all lots of flesh and worldlyness



McFatty -> RE: What are your thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/5/2008 6:16:39 PM)

This, I assume, is the verse to which everyone is referring:

"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." - Exodus 20:7

I believe this verse means, for us today, not to profess Christianity but act unbecomingly. Everything we do we are to do for the Lord. If we do something in vain for the Lord, we are taking His name in vain.

Many people believe this refers to simple speech. Let me articulate my thoughts about that. In Hebrew, this verse plainly says what the name of God is. The word "Lord" is not in this verse at all in the Hebrew. YHWH is. That is the Lord's name. Do not take THAT name in vain. Neither "God" nor "Lord" is the name of our Lord, nor should we lower His holy name by making it seem as though either is.



GenXer -> RE: What are your thoughts on taking the Lord's name in Vain? (5/5/2008 6:35:24 PM)

A lot of it comes down to habit. This especially happens when you spend a lot of time around someone who regularly does it, then you find yourself starting to do it as well.

They say it takes 21 days to break a habit. Get started! LOL...



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