I am so tired of hearing “Jesus!” mentioned on TV. I mean I am tired of hearing the name of Jesus used in a blasphemous way or worse as an epithet. You know what I mean! A guest might be talking to David Letterman and blurt “Ah, Jesus Dave I mean she was #%*@ beautiful.

Paul wrote: “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father,” (Phil 2:9-11). Instead of reverencing the name of Jesus many utter His name as a frustrated expletive? For many the name of Jesus is mostly used as a superfluous curse word.

I wonder how many there are who react to the slurring of Jesus’ name like I do. For me, it is like hearing fingernails on a chalkboard. I cringe and feel dirty when I hear it used this way.

It strikes me that there is an all-out frontal assault upon Jesus. I am sure that you heard about the ESPN host Dana Jacobson’s anti-Jesus ravings that got her temporarily suspended. With what appeared to several people as feigned contrition Jacobson said: “I want to once again say how truly sorry I am for my poor choices and bad judgment that night. I have taken responsibility for what I did say and do and realize why it was wrong.”

On January 11 at a roast in Atlantic City, N.J. Jacobson, who was reportedly intoxicated during the event, dropped the “F-Bomb” before the name of Jesus. ESPN would have done nothing if there had not been such an outcry from offended people. This does offend you, doesn’t it?

Whenever the name of Jesus (as well as any euphemism for it) is said so easily in our crude culture it shouldn’t surprise us that a correspondent said what was said. But is it really such a big deal? Should we get all exercised over such profanities?

That is, among the grand scheme of things is profanity really such a big deal? After all there is murder, infanticide (abortion), pedophilia, Islamic terrorism and thousands of evidences of man’s inhumanity towards man. So, how can we get all worked up over a little curse word occasionally? If the average man answers this question he might conclude “profanity is pretty low on my list no-no’s.”

The only problem with that is it is God, and not man, who decides if such language is appropriate. So, what does God think about it?

Well, when He gave the Ten Commandments (Exod 20) it rated pretty high among the DON’T’S. It ranked third on His list of ten. Right there at number three is: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.”  This command is given before remembering the Sabbath, not committing murder or adultery. It is given before not stealing and not committing perjury (bearing false-witness). Sounds like God considers the taking of His name in vain very, very seriously. The text further says, “For the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” Hmm, sounds like God does not think it is a small thing to take His name in vain.

In the New Testament we are also taught to revere and treat with honor the mentioning of God’s name. “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your yes, be yes, and your no, no, lest you fall into judgment,” (Jas 5:12). Jesus said the name of God is “Hallowed” (Matt 6:9).

Neither the name of God nor the name of Jesus should ever be used the way that they are being used today. The profane exclamation “Oh my God” is something that one hears almost daily. Let a woman win a new stove on The Price is Right and she will exclaim “Oooo My God.” That is blasphemous. A man might be describing the results of the presidential primary and he may respond upon hearing his candidate won: “Well I guess we can say there is a God.” This is profane!

Those who disrespectfully use the name of God or the name of Jesus have no fear in their hearts (Rom 3:18). Miss America is crowned after appearing dressed immodestly and she exclaims: “Oooo My God.” She is not honoring God; she is taking His precious name in vain. The man who states: “Ah, Jesus Christ! Is that ever heavy?” while lifting weights in the gym is not honoring the Savior; he is blaspheming the precious name of Jesus.

Not only should we be careful with what we say, but we should also be careful what we hear. I refuse to pay my money and listen to foul-mouthed actors and actresses blaspheme the Lord. His name is above all names and when it is spoken it must be with the deepest of reverence.

“For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this