Taking God's Name In Vain

Taking God's name in vain isn't you saying the cuss word GD.

Taking God's name in vain is when you call yourself a Christian or a Christ follower, and yet you live like and sound like the world. You say one thing and live another way, contrary to the character of Jesus. Your words and actions are void of transformational evidence.

Jesus made a clear distinction between those he was connected to and those he wasn't, he said, Those that do the will of my Father in heaven are my mothers, and brothers" (paraphrase)

Jesus called the Pharisees a brood of vipers...

A "brood of vipers" is a biblical term used by John the Baptist and Jesus to describe hypocritical, evil, and deceitful people, symbolizing a lineage of spiritual harm and rebellion, like venomous snakes ready to corrupt others and face God's judgment, calling for genuine repentance. It's a metaphor for people whose outward piety conceals inner wickedness, emphasizing that actions and heart condition matter more than lineage or tradition. Matt 3:7, 12:34, 23:33.

I'd like to offer a realization that many who throw the word "Christian" around are exactly what Jesus & John called a brood of vipers. Those who claim the title and use Jesus as a mascot, but he is NOT the Lord of their life. He isn't Lord over their mouths or their actions. There's a distinct difference between those in process and a little rough around the edges, and those who should clearly know and be better.

You will know them by their fruit, the word says, and if they are publicly claiming the title but cursing folks out on social media, either they are broods of vipers, or they are deceived into thinking they can act contrary to Christlikeness and still take His name.

I would issue a bit of caution on willful sin; it carries heavier consequences when one is blatantly choosing to continue in their behaviors, despite knowing the truth.

Its a new year, time to get it right! We all need to revisit the cross from time to time.