Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord Thy God in vain- from Exodus 20:7
People simply do not understand this Commandment.
They hear this and simply think, 'do not use the name of God as a swear word.'
But what IS a swear word?
What is objectionable about it?
Is it really wrong to cry out 'G-d Damnit!' out loud after you have seen your wife shot before your eyes?
Is it really wrong to use the name of God to vent intense pain?
But the word is not 'Thou shalt not use the name of God as a swear word'!
It's 'Thou shalt not use the name of the Lord IN Vain'!
It's Thou Shalt Not use the name of God for vain, selfish purposes!
And it is not vain and selfish to use the name of God to vent your pain when you really, really need it!
Using the name of God to promote your presidential campaign selfishly, on the other hand, or to justify a crime, or to selfishly promote your business...
That is definitely using the name of God for vain, selfish purposes!
It is not breaking the 3rd Commandment to shout out 'G-d Damnit' because you have Tourette's Syndrome!
It is not breaking the 3rd Commandment to shout out 'G-d Damnit' as a coping mechanism when you are in great pain, especially if it can prevent you from hurting others or yourself!
These are not vain, selfish purposes!
These are reasonable, necessary self-care in the face of pain!
Jesus died to take away our pain!
If shouting the Lord's name in anger helps you turn to Him to vent your pain, great!
That is not vain!
That is reasonable, healthy self-care!
Using the name of God to promote your business at the expense of that of your neighbor, on the other hand- That is vain!
That is using the name of God in vain!
Using the name of God to vent your pain is not vanity! It is reasonable, healthy self-care!
God loves you! Believe it!
Sincerely,
David S. Annderson