"Oh God!"

The third commandment, “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain,” is the most important and most abused commandment. Not only in the days of Moses, but in today’s society as well.

To take the Lord’s name is vain, would mean to use “God” without meaning it. This is extremely important to the ancients. The only time one used the Lord’s name, was in earnest prayer, thus making this commandment sacred, and significant. Yet, often throughout the Bible we see different people taking God’s name in vain. It may not be someone like Abraham or Moses, but still, they spoke the name with no meaning.

Today, if you eavesdrop on a conversation, it is very likely you will hear, “Oh my God!” or “God damn it!” or something along those lines. This shows how the Lord’s name is still taken in vain. I once was surprised, and without thinking said, “Jesus Christ!” No sooner had the words left my mouth, when a girl walking by stopped, looked at me, and said, “Died for our sins!” I immediately regretted saying those words, but it shows just how seriously people continue to take this commandment.