I am curious what it actually means to "use the Lord's name in vain". It is something my mother was very strong on teaching us, that if we so much as mentioned "Lord", "God", or "Jesus" outside of a religious context we would get a sharp telling off. So I learned just to do what mum says yet I never really understood what it really meant to use the Lord's name in vain.
I know there are bound to be a few different opinions on this and I am curious to hear a few and see if I can sort out a better understanding of what that commandment actually means.
You might wonder why it came up... I was discussing phrases, (I mean no offense to anyone by mentioning them but they are common phrases even amongst Christians of my acquaintance and I think it is best to know what I am talking about), such as"Thank God" after a narrowly missing something unpleasant, and "Good Lord" as an indication of surprise and confusion.
These are not phrases used in a swearing manner but neither are they said with great feeling or reverence. The latter is one I have fallen into the habit of using unconsciously. I am attempting to stop using it as a) mum objects, and b) better to not push the boundaries, however I am not sure if I feel there is much wrong with either of the two. I can't help the feeling that these sorts of things are not what is meant by the commandment.
Thoughts??
I know there are bound to be a few different opinions on this and I am curious to hear a few and see if I can sort out a better understanding of what that commandment actually means.
You might wonder why it came up... I was discussing phrases, (I mean no offense to anyone by mentioning them but they are common phrases even amongst Christians of my acquaintance and I think it is best to know what I am talking about), such as"Thank God" after a narrowly missing something unpleasant, and "Good Lord" as an indication of surprise and confusion.
These are not phrases used in a swearing manner but neither are they said with great feeling or reverence. The latter is one I have fallen into the habit of using unconsciously. I am attempting to stop using it as a) mum objects, and b) better to not push the boundaries, however I am not sure if I feel there is much wrong with either of the two. I can't help the feeling that these sorts of things are not what is meant by the commandment.
Thoughts??