Day 208, or July 27. Watch what you say and do.
Our thoughts today are rooted in Isaiah chapter 52 verse 5. All day long my name is constantly
blasphemed.
Now the big picture surrounding this verse. Today's chapters are all about the coming
Isaiah. There must have been times when Isaiah wondered about the powerful and inspiring words
that God was giving him. For many coming centuries, readers of Isaiah's prophecies must have
sat with eyes wide open wondering exactly how all this could be fulfilled. And then
along came Jesus.
Now our action step for today. There is a big difference between swearing and blasphemy.
Swearing I can take in small doses, but I really don't like it. Blasphemy cuts me
up every time. Having spent many years working in the construction industry, I must have
heard words of blasphemy at least as much as the average Christian, and I still don't
like it. I remember when I arrived in Frinton-on-Sea to take up the post of associate minister
in the Free Church there. The remover man was cursing and swearing ad nauseam, until
he realized what I did for a living, and then he stopped, but only after giving me a grovelling
apology. It confirmed what I've always suspected. It isn't necessary for everyday communication.
And it's sad when possibly the most irritating phrase of today is now so commonplace that
it's been abbreviated to O-M-G. But at least it doesn't use God's name. Interestingly,
however, blasphemy is more than words. The dictionary defines it as something that you
say or do that shows you do not respect God or a religion. Verbal blasphemy may not be
a big problem for you, but there are many other ways to show lack of respect for God.
It usually occurs when we think no one else is looking, or when we feel protected by a
car and have a steering wheel in our hands. Why not help balance out the lack of respect
for God you may witness, i.e. blasphemy, by giving God the respect he deserves, i.e. worship,
in all you do today.