It isn’t unusual for some people to swear about doing this or that, stating their resolute convictions. I’m not talking about name-calling, profanity, or the many expletives yelled in frustration or anger. Yes, cursing is a relevant topic, but not for this blog post. And yes, chances are most of us have made one or more cursing faux pas at some time or another.
The swearing I’m talking about is the frivolous and foolhardy mentions of God’s name that disrespect Him and His Son.
I’ve heard people swear on God’s name, on their mother’s grave, on their lives, on the Bible, on death, and make other obscene oaths. They often swear for the most ridiculous and trivial reasons: to repay money, for a second chance, or regarding some other pledge or promise.
And let’s not forget about other vain mentions of God’s name.
For example, “Jesus Christ! will you stop talking?” “For Christ’s sake! stop talking.”
People swear and use God’s name in emotional instances and situations to make an impact or point. What’s acceptable or unacceptable in society regarding swearing and the vain use of God’s name continues to change.
Why do people swear?
They try to convince others to believe them, they may have a credibility problem. Maybe they’ve broken a promise or been caught in a lie before.
They’re desperate to receive something.
People also swear to end quarrels or strife.
What about to convince others of their honesty at a specific moment or time?
Many swear to keep a secret and convey loyalty, love, or hatred.
Is swearing or using God’s name in vain model behavior for Christians?
Let’s not forget the Third Commandment, “Thou shalt not use the name of the Lord thou God in vain.” Exodus 20:7 (KJV)
Jesus further explains this Old Testament commandment in the New Testament to give us examples of the vain use of his name and possessions.
“But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is God’s throne, or by the earth, for it is his footstool: or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is ‘” Yes or No,’” anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:33 NIV)
When people swear, they swear by someone or something greater than themselves. Swearing by anything and anyone, including ourselves, is vanity because everything and everyone belongs to God, and we are not our own.
The verses in Matthew advise us not to swear for any reason. There isn’t an acceptable reason to swear, whether regarding life or death.
Whether for duty, charity, or some other noble cause, ‘Yes ‘or ‘No,’ ‘Yea ‘or ‘Nay’ should suffice for Christians.
There is no reason honest and truthful Christians should need to swear. We don’t have to swear but care enough to do what we say.
The Third Commandment and Matthew 5:33 remind us that God’s name always commands reverence.
What about the use of OMG (oh my goodness)?
Be happy and well.