The title of this small article could well be “Horrors” relating to the way we should feel about God’s name used loosely.
God’s name is used in vain in the Church (PRC, also). It is not the boldest form but it is somewhat smoother whether in disappointment or surprise to exclaim Go-, Guy. or Gol. Even at a missed basket in a basketball contest or some news or slight disappointment. One could almost say at the drop of a hat.
The boldest of all sins has crept into the church. Why? I can almost see many hands go up and shrug as if we’re not the guilty party. Is this how cool our love for God is? Are we just going to pass by this sin? It is easy to do but Scripture says in Lev. 5:1 that if we fail to rebuke we are guilty also.
Do not let these mild forms such as Gol or Go- get by us. We must kill this sin or be killed don’t you see. Listen to God’s Word “Whosoever is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing and berayeth it not. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whosoever putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”
In our fluent society these exclamations are pretty well accepted, but in times of old men would be stoned.
Do you think those who would stop short of accentuating the d in God’s name were spared from being stoned in Old Testament times? I would hate to debate against the assumption they too would be stoned.
I know how difficult it is to refrain but God is jealous of the name and are we for the sake of a little delight or disappointment going to throw God’s terrible and awesome name around as our sinful nature pleases or let those about us even hint or use His name in part before our very faces. Let us be ashamed and vexed in our soul for days and even weeks until God’s name is only used with fear and trembling before our very eyes.