Butter Slipped!

When I was in 2nd grade on the school playground, I heard a boy say very nonchalantly, "Jesus Christ!" I didn't think much of it until later that night. I remember being at the dinner table with my family and clumsily trying to butter my bread. Inadvertently I dropped some of the butter from my knife onto the table and without thinking said in a frustrating tone, "Jesus Christ!" My father quickly looked at me and said, "What did you say?" I immediately felt guilt and maybe some ensuing punishment! I just stared at my father with butter knife in hand, too nervous to speak. I'm glad to say that there was no corporeal punishment, but a good old "talkin' to" from both of my parents. I learned very quickly that there was something different about God's Name. As I have grown in maturity and have had children of my own, I, too, have taught them the idea that God's Name is holy and to be revered. However, I have learned that there is so much more to this 3rd command found in Exodus 20:7. I do not want to spoil the fun of learning by telling you my thoughts, or to be so conceited to think that I cannot learn something from you. What are your thoughts on the 3rd commandment? What else could it mean? I'd love to hear from you!

See you on Sunday, if not before!

Making disciples,

Pastor Noel

I have always believed this commandment referred to cursing -- attaching God's name (or His Son's) to angry outbursts. Societal outbursts are frequent in exclaiming "OH, GOD!!!" These make me cringe! I had a fender-bender one time. I immediately said, "Dear Jesus, don't let it be bad!" This was a sincere, prayerful plea. I believe when we attach His holy name to anything we say -- it should be with reverence -- never a hollow or demeaning oath of surprise or anger. And if 'damn' follows God's name -- what is the extent of that thought. His damnation is excruciatingly final -- not something to be frivolous about in conversation!

VAIN used descriptively means a conceited fool! Take that for some discussion.

I totally agree with you concerning the holiness of God's Name and extreme reverence touching His Name. However, I am wondering if a Christian never says, "Oh my G..," with his mouth, can he "take the Name of the Lord in vain" with his actions or the lack thereof?

Yes, due to the discussions I have already had, I will not elaborate on how... as I feel that would be cheating...

though, here is a hint if you have not already seen it...

Click here for teaser.

I totally agree with the comments already made. I believe that the words we say are the most recognizable in taking the Lord's name in vain..I believe actions can also be taking the Lord's name in vain. I have seen so many of those T-shirts that say "Jesus is my homeboy". I am pretty sure those people wearing the shirts are not wearing them to honor God, but rather look cool or get a laugh.

Will we see the board be broken on Sunday Pastory Noel? lol

You will have to wait and see if I chop that board on Sunday! I would suggest wearing safety goggles, though, if you are going to sit in the first three rows of the sanctuary!

What else do you think it means to take the Name of the Lord your God in vain?

Exodus 20 verse 7 says, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain..." I've really always just assumed don't say God's name in an upsetting way. But it doesn't necessarily say that. it says do not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. Do not TAKE the name. to take is an action. So I started thinking about what it means in action. We seem to get upset when someone verbally says God's name in vain, but what if they are living in a way that destroy's God's character, who he is. We say, hey I'm a Christian, God has my heart...etc...etc...and then we may lie to our spouse, or disobey our parents, or whatever. I think right there, we are taking God's name in vain. We put God at the top of our world, then we live in a world of sin.

It's like an officer. An officer protects citizens. If an officer used their power to break a law, or get away with something (like turning lights on in traffic...) they have used the name of police officer in vain. Because not anyone can just say, Hey Im a police officer. There are some things that are done and some that aren't.

As a christian, we should have a relationship with Jesus and fall so much in love with him that we respond to him out of love. And if we don't we use His name in vain.

Another though, When we say God Bless you, or I will pray for you, do we follow our word? Do we really say a prayer for them, or do we say it out of habit, because its the "Christian thing to do" Are we using his name in vain that way?

Those are some of my thoughts on Exodus 20 verse 7

Our actions show the world the God we serve. Dont' take our God's name in vain.

One more thing I thought of,
When we see someone who needs help, maybe they dropped their papers, or maybe they are hungry and we see it, feel bad, but don't stop to help...I think we take God's name in vain.

-Amanda!

sorry I had implemented an over-zealous word filter and it caught the first few letters of the word...

should be fixed now...

I would say that you hit the issue dead on. If we take the name of our Lord, and do not act the way He would have us to act, it defames his character... If we take the name of Christ in calling ourselves Christians, we need to make absolutely sure that our thoughts and actions are aligned with God. Easier said than done right?

Does anyone else have any thoughts on this topic?