OH MY FROG!

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We are not always mindful of the influence the world is having on us. There are subtle changes in attitudes and behaviors that go unchecked and become acceptable and ingrained. We mimic the talk and walk of a sinful world as we observe and blend in. If we are not convicted of the attitudes, and behaviors we have adopted that are not Christlike and are ungodly, we soon are no longer different from those who do not belong to Jesus.

There is one thing that I hear coming from the mouths of Christians that bothers me greatly. It is one of those subtle seemingly innocent actions that the world is teaching us. I would rather hear foul, vulgar language than to hear God’s name used flippantly, carelessly, and dishonorably. I prefer not to hear either, but I cringe when I hear God’s name thrown around by Christians without respect for it.

The phrase “Oh my God” or abbreviation OMG is a disgrace. It is used over and over in TV shows, social media, and in our day to day lives. Christians do not seem to realize how carelessly they are using God’s name. If we say “Oh my God” habitually and without any thought of the name we are using, we are committing horrendous sin against our Lord. We have allowed the world to lead us to disrespect God’s name. We can not continue to do this.

We need to replace this phrase used to express surprise, fright, glee, and many other emotional moments. It’s easy. Let’s say instead, “Oh my dog,” or “Oh my frog.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we were asked by an unbeliever about our different wording? We could explain how we love our Lord God and do not want to use His name carelessly. It could even turn into a Gospel conversation.

We will never change this about that until we become disgusted with hearing it. We must reprogram ourselves to hear how we are speaking the name of God, confess it and turn from it. I hope Christians will take very serious this matter of God’s name. God seemed very serious when He said, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)

MERRIER MINDS

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The purpose of this blog is to help us think about and meditate on things that are spiritually refreshing and healthy for heart, mind, and soul. Our minds become so full of trash and harmful things that we are weighed down and spiritually sluggish. Our hearts become so troubled by worry and fear that we are robbed of peace and joy. We suffer at the soul level when our daily diet does not include a generous proportion of healthy thoughts.

I have found Philippians 4:8 to be a guide for time spent on things that uplift and realign our perspective on life. The instruction is this: “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”

There is a discipline suggested here. Instead of allowing our minds and hearts to feed continually on garbage, we can train ourselves to enjoy a different diet. When we study and meditate on the things of Philippians 4:8, our minds and hearts begin to recognize these things as we go through our day. We even begin to look for them. “Look! What a noble thing that is.” Or, “There is a virtue rarely observed.”

Our hearts may be hardier and minds merrier if we train ourselves to find things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. Imagine how much healthier we would be if we grew to enjoy and appreciate holy and heavenly streams of thought. Bible study, worship services, and Christian fellowship can become a greater delight when we have cultivated a better sense of taste.

So, that is the purpose of this blog; to provide weekly attention to “these things.” If you like it please post it on your Facebook. Thank you.