What is the correct approach?
Satan has been working overtime to minimize God in the lives of people today. People take the Lord’s name in vain regularly seeing it as normal. All around me at work people say “O my God!” as a regular exclamation of surprise or upset. They have even shortened it to “OMG!” thinking nothing of it. They curse and lie as if it were completely acceptable behavior. These things in and of themselves don’t make them bad people, just ignorant and ill informed.
I’ve heard some believers say to those taking the Lord’s name in vain “please don’t take the name of my Lord and Savior in vain.” While I don’t object to that response, I wonder what they think they are accomplishing? Those words more than likely will never bring about a conversion. Those guilty parties bristle at the rebuke and think various negative thoughts about the offended party.
One thing I have come to understand and accept is that those in the world say and do what comes natural to them. They do not have a regenerated spirit and soul, so their first inclination is to say what they’ve always said. They don’t know any better. Did we prior to our conversion? Not really, but it should be different once we’re redeemed. We should feel the sting of guilt and shame if we ever take the Lord’s name in vain or act inappropriately.
There is something very poignant in Jesus words on the cross when he says “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” We must love those who don’t know what they are saying or doing and pray for them to see the light of salvation in their lifetime. Don’t come off as prideful or arrogant in your belief of Christ. Show mercy and grace, just as Christ has shown it to you. rlkeller
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