X@#%&!!!!!

Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19:12

Four young girls stood in front of me in line for an event one evening. They were lovely girls who had obviously spent a lot of time and money on their appearance. They had pretty fashionable clothes, gleaming gorgeous hair, impeccable make-up, and well-chosen accessories. An aura of beauty surrounded then until they opened their mouths. Words that profane God and people rolled off their tongues with the greatest of ease. The “OMG”s and “Oh my God”s filled the air amidst other unseemly words. They probably did not even realize how offensive their language was. In my eyes that visual loveliness fell off them like autumn leaves fall off the trees.

Profanity is in everything from casual conversation to TV commercials. Profanity is now considered and expected to be part of entertainment. Have we grown so calloused that we are no longer offended?

Fellow believers often express concern that our society is removing God from so much of our culture. But, it seems to me His Name is being used all the time! I hear “O my God” and “Jesus” everywhere (even on TV by children). God’s name is thrown around as casually as paper tissues. God’s Word says this is very offensive to Him. In Exodus God spoke, You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name (Exodus 20:7).

As believers, our Holy God holds us to a higher standard. Colossians 3:8 reminds us, “But now, you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

My prayer is:  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

Claudia Jackson