“Using God’s name aright”
And the Israelite woman’s son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. —Leviticus 24:11
Read Leviticus 24:10-23
When someone slanders your name, or drags your reputation through the mud, the resulting pain can be unbearable. Mockery and slander touch your whole being. If this is true of man, how much more does this apply to God? The Lord is jealous of His honour. How do we use His name? We defame the Lord’s name when using profane, vulgar or obscene expletives. We also slander His name by remaining silent when His name is blasphemed or used in vain.
It is true that the Scripture passage we are considering borders on sinning against the Holy Ghost. But does that mean that someone who misuses God’s name is less guilty? We must realize that even this sin may cause the Holy Spirit to withdraw from a per-son’s heart. The Lord has made His name known so that it may be repeatedly and often used with fear and reverence. Only in this way will He receive the honour in your life, in both thought and deed. He has every right to this!
What do you consider “swearing”?