OMG – INNOCENT OR INSULTING?
I recently watched a sitcom in which the phrase, "Oh my God" was uttered over 20 times in a 30-minute episode. Not once was it spoken in prayer or to glorify our Father. It was used to exclaim surprise or unbelief. To make matters worse, it produced laughter from the studio audience.
Although I am no longer surprised to hear God's name repeatedly used vain in movies, TV and in the world, I am stunned that some Christians habitually take His name in vain.
"Why is it wrong to exclaim, ‘Oh my God’?” some ask. Because the Bible plainly denounces doing so.
Moreover, David declared, "Holy and awesome (reverend or revered) is His name." (Psa. 111:9b) Uttering God's name without appropriate respect is tantamount to insulting Him.
Tragically, it has become increasingly popular to abbreviate "Oh my God" by saying, writing or typing “OMG”. Some attempt to justify this practice by saying, "At least I'm not using God's name!" That is beside the point; virtually everyone knows what “OMG” represents.
Jesus warned, "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Mt. 12:37) Don't allow careless words to jeopardize your salvation. Strive to honor (not insult) God when you say or write His name. Remember and repeat the fervent prayer of David, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord…” (Psa. 19:14)
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
I recently watched a sitcom in which the phrase, "Oh my God" was uttered over 20 times in a 30-minute episode. Not once was it spoken in prayer or to glorify our Father. It was used to exclaim surprise or unbelief. To make matters worse, it produced laughter from the studio audience.
Although I am no longer surprised to hear God's name repeatedly used vain in movies, TV and in the world, I am stunned that some Christians habitually take His name in vain.
"Why is it wrong to exclaim, ‘Oh my God’?” some ask. Because the Bible plainly denounces doing so.
- “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain (worthless, meaningless), for
- “But I say to you that for every idle (empty, hollow, pointless) word men may
- “But fornication & all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among
- Let no one deceive you with empty [worthless, pointless, useless] words, for
Moreover, David declared, "Holy and awesome (reverend or revered) is His name." (Psa. 111:9b) Uttering God's name without appropriate respect is tantamount to insulting Him.
Tragically, it has become increasingly popular to abbreviate "Oh my God" by saying, writing or typing “OMG”. Some attempt to justify this practice by saying, "At least I'm not using God's name!" That is beside the point; virtually everyone knows what “OMG” represents.
Jesus warned, "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Mt. 12:37) Don't allow careless words to jeopardize your salvation. Strive to honor (not insult) God when you say or write His name. Remember and repeat the fervent prayer of David, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord…” (Psa. 19:14)
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
RSS Feed