Above is a great article that I find myself reading and rereading (you may click on the picture to access the article). I have always felt uncomfortable hearing Christians use the OMG (Oh My God) phrase. As Christians, we of all people, ought to be mindful to revere God’s name and not use God’s name carelessly. I am not sure how to express this discomfort but this article does a great job at it. Here are some wisdom found in the article:
““You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” (Ex. 20:7)
There is a command and a consequence. The command is don’t take God’s name in vain and the consequence is judgment. This should get our attention.
But what does it mean? The word translated “vain” means worthless, empty, inconsequential or false. It means that the object is lacking in value. God says don’t take my name and empty it of value by making it another common, inconsequential word.””
“If you take God’s name in vain you are insulting God. You are taking that which is supposed to be hallowed (set-apart, dedicated, consecrated) and making it a throw-away word. This is the exact opposite of what we are supposed to do with God’s name! It is entirely an uncommon name and never should be common! Christians are called to be people who pray that God’s name is hallowed and live to reflect that it is true. If we continue to carelessly toss God’s name around like a frisbee in the park then we are dishonoring God. It’s that simple.”
“You may think this is a little overboard. But perhaps God thinks you are a little “under-whelmed” with him. If you are carelessly and thoughtlessly dropping OMG’s then there is a glory gap that needs to be closed.
Remember, it is the trademark for the unbeliever to take God’s name in vain:
…your enemies take your name in vain. (Ps. 139:20b)
And it is the trademark for the believer to regard God and his name as holy:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. (Mt. 6:9)”
“If you are carelessly using God’s name as a throw-away word when you get upset or stub your toe, then you need to stop. And not just stop, but start regarding it and him as holy and uncommon. This is the place and posture of a true “Oh, my God!” (Ps. 25:2; 40:17)”
So let’s be zealous for God’s glory (Num. 25:10-11). Let’s not be so “under-whelmed” by God’s name that we feel nothing when a Christian next to us start dropping OMGs. Hence, to all church leaders, CE teachers, Christian parents and mature Christians in general, let’s gently extend a loving rebuke the next time we hear another fellow believer break the 3rd commandment.