"In The Name of God"

In the 70's there was a comedian who excused any wrong behavior or words by saying: "The devil made me do it." I was a little young, but the saying is still used to this day, albeit the knowledge of who said it first, is fading away. There seems to be a whole new phrase, particularly in Christian circles, that sounds something like this: "God moved me to...".

I am often times confused when I hear this, and even more so, when the statement that follows is confusing, ambiguous, or creates hurt to others. As Mr. Wilson was excusing behavior comedically by blaming the devil so as not to have to take the blame, I think we now are in church circles, blaming God in the same vein. Like somehow, if God puts us up to it, then it is no longer our responsibility.

When we see a so-called church, picketing a funeral of a fallen soldier, and claim it to be in the name of God, we see this hypocrisy first hand. But those extreme examples are not alone, and I dare say, probably not the worst of it. God is a God of love, community, order, and peace. God does not move people to hurt other people. God moves people to other places, but never to hurt others.

We need to stop taking the Lord's name in vain this way. First, it paints a bad picture of who God is to those who don't know Him yet. And second, there will be consequences.

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." Exodus 20:7.

Something to think about. ...just sayin'

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat