It frustrates me when i hear conservative Christians telling children and teenagers that they better not say "Oh my God" or exclaim "Jesus!" because when they do that they are taking Gods name in vain and breaking the third commandment.
I think this is a ridiculous way of thinking. How is saying OMG taking Gods name in vain? What does that mean anyway? God is more than a word, and the word is not what makes him holy or godly.
My view on the issue is different, a little more abstract. For those of us who call ourselves Christians - we carry Christs' name as a part of our identity. Gods identity is not to be taken lightly, and we can read what his character is throughout the bible.
When a person decides to call themselves a Christian, they have decided to take on the identity of Christ - God. Now, when this same "Christian" involves him/herself in "unchristian" activities, thoughts, and actions then they are taking the Lords name in vain. Or in other words, they're being a hypocrite... because they are participating in things which are not a part of Christ's character, and are in fact completely opposite his character.
I am not even going to begin to define what "christian" and "unchristian" activities and thoughts are. Thats up to each person to figure out and struggle with.
I'm not gonna lie... I know I've taken Christs name in vain many times... and I'm ashamed about it. But none of those times involve my saying "Oh my God!"
1 comment:
yea man, I didn't even know that until I went to a christian school. I just don't say it so as not to offend. abuela says it all the time-- usually if she thinks i'm doing something sinful
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