“THE PROCESS IS THE END. FOR IT IS THE PROCESS THAT IS GLORIFYING TO GOD.” --Oswald Chambers

"This life therefore, is not godliness but the process of becoming godly, not health but getting well, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not now what we shall be, but we are on the way. The process is not yet finished, but it is actively going on. This is not the goal, but it is the right road. At present, everything does not gleam and sparkle, but everything is being cleansed." --Martin Luther

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Oh my G...

So what does it mean to take the Lord’s name in vain? Is it all in the heart? Is it just saying the words? We hear many of the pastors and their wives saying it. Are we to correct them? With all the circles of missionaries and other ministries, I would think someone would have said something by now if it is a big deal? When you tell someone something a little scary or exciting, they say it. When they are a little afraid (of our dogs J) they may say it. What is the thing to do? Is it culture? Africans are very spiritual people, is it something to ignore? Is that statement and all it’s “taboo-ness” just our Western culture? Have we just been told not to say it as a fence set up to keep us from not stepping out too far?

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Is it the native Africans who are saying it or is the guest missionaries?

The reason I ask is I wonder if it's some cultural thing that I don't understand.

However, I would probably inquire as to why the person talks like he does, and then point him to the relevant Scripture passages on the topic.

A proper fear or respect of God is an important foundation to better understansding Him.

You may have to provide background advice as some may not understand what "taking the Lord's name in vain" means.

My word verification for this comment is "later"!