HONOR AND RESPECT
Today's reading: Exodus 21-24

"Do not blaspheme God or curse anyone who rules over you." Exodus 22:28 NLT

Pardon me as I gracefully climb onto and position myself solidly on my soapbox this morning.

Using God's name in vain is probably one of the things I hate hearing more than anything vile someone could spew from their mouths.

The four-letter words are vile and using them shows a lack of respect for one's self and the listener, but using God's name as an expletive? That pushes my buttons and ruffles my feathers.

It also does it when another word is used in place of His name...as in 'gosh'.

What is that? Christian curse words? A cleaned up version of what the world's saying? A church-ified way of sounding worldly but not really using His name? Help in getting a great point across?

I don't think so!

It tells us plainly in His Word that His name is to be revered, to be honored, to be called on for miracles and help, to be respected, to be, well,...it's not to be used to show disgust, anger or excitement.

...hallowed be Thy name.