OMG!!

[Melody]

Just to spark some thought: Would saying "Oh My God!" break the "Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord Thy God in vain?"

2nd qs, similar to this one - I know a lot of people who teach "Call on the Name of Jesus". I myself say His Name so often that it often comes out as a reflex reaction "Jesus!" ... would this be taking His Name in vain?

Blessings,

Melody

[Seeker]

Hi Melody!

IMHO, the answer lies in the Lord's Prayer.  "Our Father, Who art in Heaven HALLOWED be Thy name."  Calling on the Lord can be pleasing to Him if we do it with righteous intent.

The term "in vain" is described in the dictionary as "in an irreverent or disrespectful manner".

We should always use the Lord's name with awe.  To this day, Jews don't even write God's name out in full, you will see Orthodox Jewish writings as G_d because His name is hallowed.

Many people will "swear to God" with barely a thought.  Biblically speaking, swearing to God is a very grave thing, indeed.

At least the way I've seen most people use the Lord's name when they say "Oh my God," it seems to me they are taking His name in vain.  In your second example, it seems to me the intent is to call upon Jesus for aid, which is really a prayer.  I guess it's what's in your heart and mind when you speak the Lord's name that makes it either a prayer , or a sin against Him .

[Melody]

I guess it's what's in your heart and mind when you speak the Lord's name that makes it either a prayer  , or a sin against Him  .

I guess you're right.... and since the Lord knows everything in our hearts, I guess it's alright!

Blessings,

Melody