It is habitual in my workplace to hear the name of “Jesus” shouted in anger. Two hands aren’t sufficient to count the number of times this occurs on a daily basis. I can assure you that those who say it aren’t calling for his help. It has become standard of postmodern, post-Christian vernacular.
The great irony here is that I work in an environment that is extremely politically correct, culture-sensitive, and “diverse” (whatever that means). I’m fairly certain that if I went about yelling “&%@#! Muhammed” or “&^*#@! Buddha” or “&$#@%! atheists!” I would be canned – or carted off for psychological evaluation before being canned.
Let me insert that I would never want the government to outlaw the public screaming of Jesus’ name in anger. The Lord does not need the state to protect Him or His followers. Over the centuries His followers have been corrupted by state power and privilege. However, I do believe in common decency and decorum; so I find the naked hypocrisy of my office, as in other public places in America, pitifully embarrassing.
That said, I think I better understand the “filling up of sufferings” that Paul wrote about. To this day, Jesus continues to “turn the other cheek” to those that mock him and take his name in vain. His followers have to bear along with this.
Paul also said that at the name of Jesus, “every knee shall bow…and every tongue confess that [He] is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
That day hasn’t yet come. When it does, it will be to the “shock and awe” of every human being, each of whom will give account for every idle word.
2 comments:
There is tolerance for everything and everyone EXCEPT those trying to follow Jesus Christ.
You are right, though. We know the world hates Him, and the world surely is not going to have common decency or sensitivity toward those who follow Him.
I grew up hearing that and other expletives at home from my old salt of a father. I started using the name of the Lord in vain big time as a teenager, usually during atheletic events. Thankfully, the Lord opened my ears to my own tongue and answered my prayers to keep my tongue in check. This has worked so well that it has worked its way into my heart.
Respect, thankfulness, and love for the Lord is the cure for this disease.
If one were to go about using the name of Muhammed in vain, eventually a different cure might be applied by external force. Maybe that is why you don't hear much of that kind of talk in the work place.
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