"On God"

Numbers 30:1-2

One of the most annoying things I have to listen to at work is students saying "On God!" That is their new method of saying "I swear to God". I hear it numerous times a day, and it drives me crazy. For one, you know that half the time (at least) they are lying. It demonstrates a total lack of reverence for the holy Name of God. Second, they are violating the third of the ten commandments. Exodus 20:7 says, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain". They word "vain" means "emptiness" or "nothing". To take the Name of God in vain is to use or invoke His Name as though it is nothing or meaningless; like swearing by it when we know we are lying. Then there is a third issue that Moses taught the children of Israel.

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"Then Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the LORD has commanded: If a man makes a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth."

Numbers 30:1-2

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When we swear by God's Name, we are placing ourselves under an oath that is binding. Can you imagine how different the American courtroom would be if God was not merciful concerning the misuse of His Name? Every word spoken by those on the stand would have to be true or the person speaking would drop dead in court. I can assure you, people would avoid court at all costs if that were to happen.

God not holding a person accountable for lying while under oath does not mean that He is apathetic to their sins. He is merciful and long-suffering for the purpose of some receiving Jesus as their Savior. He will give them the opportunity to repent. However, without repentance, they will have to answer to Him for breaking their oath that was taken in His Name. King Solomon said this:

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"Do not be rash with your mouth,

And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God.

For God is in heaven, and you on earth;

Therefore let your words be few.

For a dream comes through much activity,

And a fool’s voice is known by his many words.

When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it;

For He has no pleasure in fools.

Pay what you have vowed—

Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.

Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands?"

Ecclesiastes 5:2-6

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Father, help us to remember that Your Name is holy. It is not a name that we should speak lightly. May we tell the world of Your Name, and that it should be reverenced. When we are able, may we hold them to that standard and be able to say like David, "Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You" (Psalm 51:13)