Do you like being respected? Do you appreciate being admired for your talents and achievements? I know I do, and so does God. His blessings to us are far beyond our imagination:

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

So why do so many of us find it necessary to trash God’s name?

The choice to honor God is personal. He gives us the option, He does not force His way upon us. Though God provides for us a clear way to eternal life through the sacrifice of Jesus, respect for God and Jesus is a personal decision.

It’s Holy Spirt’s job to give us a nudge, constantly helping us along the way. But the actual decision to stay on the path to glorify God’s name is always a personal choice.

Too often we choose a selfish way of life, overriding God’s perfect plan. This happens each time we speak His name in vain. Using the title God frivolously, demonstrates a lack of respect. Would you like to hear your name disrespected?

It is not uncommon for God to hear His named used in place of swear words. Though some folks adopt this bad habit, others view it as definitely wrong. However, what is much more prevalent is the misuse of God, and Jesus in everyday conversations. Conversations about sports, food, or relationships.

When  God and Jesus are brought down to our human level and referenced in common ways, we ignore the totality of their holy being. Our references negate the fact that they created our souls an will save our souls.

Some do not agree that simply writing or speaking OMG and Oh my G**! is breaking the third commandment. But the truth is, spewing these phrases as exasperations or exhilarations to everyday situations does not offer them glory.  And if anyone deserves praise and honor, it belongs to the Creator of the universe and the Sacrifice for sin.

Ephesians 3:21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Just as you and I do not want to be disrespected, the action of trampling down the title of our Lord does not please Him. Regardless we find the words shouting at us in print, or expelled on daily TV shows, this repetitive ignorance to honor is wrong. Just because something is popular, it does not mean it is right.

We are individuals who in the end, will be judged separately for our word choices. So it is important to remember what God’s third commandment states.

Exodus 20:7 “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 

God has told us we will not be found guiltless for misusing His name.  So understand that each time you take His name in vain, you are sinning against Him. But the good news is, God forgives sin when we come to Him, confess, and repent. Our trampling on His title is cleaned up and we are made new.

When you commit to God, He will change any undesirable behavior. He will work out bad habits and make us humble to His greatness, so that we faithfully accept and follow His will.

With this respectful attitude we lift Him up. Our understanding of who God is, will begin a life of decision making based in God’s law, not our own. God loves you, and wants to have an eternal relationship with you.

Make the personal choice today, and honor His holy name.

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