EDITOR’S NOTE: Among faithful brethren, very few can match the writing and reasoning skills of brother Dub McClish. This article which examines the current vulgar culture’s practice of profaning the name of God needs to be printed and reprinted by every church in the country. In it, brother Dub says what I wish I had said, and I say “amen “ to the thoughts he expresses.
Dub McClish
Two or three generations ago the vast majority of Americans believed in the one true and living God, Whose existence the universe declares (Psa. 19: 1–2) and Whose nature and will the Bible reveal (2 Tim. 3:16–17). These percentages have steadily changed so that a host of our countrymen obviously now give little thought to God in any sincere or serious way.
Even the bulk of professed believers seem little more than “practical atheists.” They live as though God does not exist, but they want always to keep God handy, just in case they might need Him. Otherwise, they obviously care nothing for His, and His Son’s, Divine will. They don’t want to be bothered with any Divine mandates, laws, commandments, rules, or restrictions, clearly set forth in the Bible. “Yes, God and Jesus, I believe in You, but don’t get in the way of my drinking, shooting up drugs, fornicating, lying, stealing, gambling, fighting, or anything else I want to do.”
The most common mention of God nowadays is not in pulpits by preachers. He is now “memorialized” several million times a day in the irreverent, ungodly, vulgar imprecation, “Oh my God!” Clearly, those who thus mouth God’s name do not do so with any intent to honor or exalt that high and holy appellation. (Contrast this sacrilege with Thomas’ reverent exclamation at Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance: “My Lord and my God!” [John 20:28]). Rather, they seem utterly unaware (and unconcerned) that they are even referring to the Almighty in this exercise in profanity. To them God is little more than a convenient name to have around by which to curse and swear. Such ignoble folk treat the name of Jesus with similar, if not worse, flippancy. At best, these expressions trivialize and dishonor these sacred names; at worst, they are unmitigated blasphemy.
Many find it convenient to invoke God’s name in order to feign piety, which they do not possess. Otherwise, their words and deeds prove that they never give a thought to allowing God and His Word to get in their way. Some speak of God or Jesus to enhance reputation or career. I’m praying for you falls all too easily from the lips of many who don’t know the meaning of prayer and who may not even believe in God and the Lord Jesus (at least not as They have revealed Themselves in the Bible). The lives of such men and women amply demonstrate that such words are hollow to the core.
It is particularly disgusting to righteous souls to hear an irreligious, sacrilegious (often downright hedonistic) legislator, judge, or president piously say, “God bless you” or “God bless America.” They thus invoke God’s name as a convenient means to further their vain and selfish ends. Such political pandering and posturing represent quintessential contempt for the Creator and ultimate Judge of us all. These behaviors are but symptoms of the awful moral and spiritual apostasy that characterize an alarming percentage of our nation today.
Men will be held accountable for the everlasting principle: “Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain” (Exo. 20:7). “Using” God as a “convenience” for our selfish ends will be justly and appropriately rewarded.
Excellent Comment!
Excellent Article.
Excellent article by Dub McClish!