“Oh, good Lord!”
Please don’t judge me for using the Lord’s name lightly—I’m not. I genuinely believe the Lord IS good and often tell Him how much I love and appreciate Him for His goodness. When you hear someone speak God’s name disrespectfully, does it make your skin “crawl” like mine? That feeling you get when someone drags their fingernails across a chalkboard? It should!
“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.” Exodus 20:7
Not all people (Christians included) have thoughts of adoration, blessing, or gratefulness when saying God, Jesus, Christ, or Lord. Instead, they use the Divine Being to express surprise, something difficult to believe, frustration, a vow, or profanity. Others speak His name, blaming Him when life throws an unwanted curve ball. When saying the common phrase, “Oh, my,” why do some people find it necessary to add one of God’s names to the expression? Do your thoughts stray from God’s holiness and goodness during prayer, meditation, and devotional times while speaking His name? We must stay alert; we are accountable!
Flippant references to God, irreverently and idly using or swearing by His name—taking His name in vain—is sinful. God is holy; we should address, approach, and converse with Him with awe, respect, praise, and a healthy dose of fear: He holds all lawbreakers guilty.
Oh, Good Lord, how good and praiseworthy You are! Thank You for mercy when we repent of disrespecting Your great name. Thank You for the blessings of Your abundant grace and forgiveness.
(My thanks to Mr. Gerald Houston for inspiring the significance of “Oh, good Lord.”)
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