By: Karla Veal
This week we learned about the 3rd and 4th commandments and how they are applicable in our lives today.
Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Wow-how many times a day do you hear God’s name used as an expression of surprise, hurt or disgust? You can’t watch a TV show without hearing it every other minute. It is SO important that our words don’t dishonor God, whether it’s using His name in vain, gossiping, lying, or speaking unkindly to someone. What we say matters. Our words reveal our character. What comes out of our mouth comes from our heart. If we listen to trash, then that is exactly what will come out of our mouths. We live in a dark and troubled world but as Chrisitians we are called to be different and to stand out. Our witness could be badly damaged if others hear trash coming out of our mouths, while we profess to be Christians.
But back to using God’s name in vain. The phrase ‘Oh God’ is so commonplace today. There was a song that spoke to me as a teenager and I only remember a few of the words. It says, “God forbid that I find you so familiar that I think if you as Jess than who you are. God forbid that I should think of you at all, without a humble reverence in my heart.” THAT is how God’s name should be used: to adore with humble reverence. God has become so familiar to us that His name is used flippantly. But we are talking about Almighty God! Creator of the Universe. Think on Him! Worship Him! Adore Him and treasure His holy name!
Wow-how many times a day do you hear God’s name used as an expression of surprise, hurt or disgust? You can’t watch a TV show without hearing it every other minute. It is SO important that our words don’t dishonor God, whether it’s using His name in vain, gossiping, lying, or speaking unkindly to someone. What we say matters. Our words reveal our character. What comes out of our mouth comes from our heart. If we listen to trash, then that is exactly what will come out of our mouths. We live in a dark and troubled world but as Chrisitians we are called to be different and to stand out. Our witness could be badly damaged if others hear trash coming out of our mouths, while we profess to be Christians.
But back to using God’s name in vain. The phrase ‘Oh God’ is so commonplace today. There was a song that spoke to me as a teenager and I only remember a few of the words. It says, “God forbid that I find you so familiar that I think if you as Jess than who you are. God forbid that I should think of you at all, without a humble reverence in my heart.” THAT is how God’s name should be used: to adore with humble reverence. God has become so familiar to us that His name is used flippantly. But we are talking about Almighty God! Creator of the Universe. Think on Him! Worship Him! Adore Him and treasure His holy name!
Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
Our lives are so busy and it’s hard to find time to slow down and be by ourselves and have some peace and quiet. From school to jobs to friends to Instagram, something is always screaming for our attention. Exhausted and stretched to the limit, we find ourselves at the end of our rope and lashing out at people who care about us. And time with God? Oh we might mutter a prayer before a test or see a scripture verse on someone’s Facebook page.
Did you know that the Almighty God rested after he created the world? (See Genesis 2:2). He didn’t need it but it was that important to Him that He gave us an example. He also doesn’t need you or I. But he WANTS to know you and have a personal relationship with you. But how can you hear from him if things around you never slow down and you never stop to listen.
We need sleep but we also need times of rest. God doesn’t want you to be lazy but he also doesn’t expect you to go nonstop. Find time to be away from the hustle and bustle. Spend time reading God’s word and allow Him to speak to you. That time of rest will revive and rejuvenate you. You can’t be all God has made you to be if you are worn out all the time.
Our lives are so busy and it’s hard to find time to slow down and be by ourselves and have some peace and quiet. From school to jobs to friends to Instagram, something is always screaming for our attention. Exhausted and stretched to the limit, we find ourselves at the end of our rope and lashing out at people who care about us. And time with God? Oh we might mutter a prayer before a test or see a scripture verse on someone’s Facebook page.
Did you know that the Almighty God rested after he created the world? (See Genesis 2:2). He didn’t need it but it was that important to Him that He gave us an example. He also doesn’t need you or I. But he WANTS to know you and have a personal relationship with you. But how can you hear from him if things around you never slow down and you never stop to listen.
We need sleep but we also need times of rest. God doesn’t want you to be lazy but he also doesn’t expect you to go nonstop. Find time to be away from the hustle and bustle. Spend time reading God’s word and allow Him to speak to you. That time of rest will revive and rejuvenate you. You can’t be all God has made you to be if you are worn out all the time.