As a committed Christian, one of the things I’ve done over the years is share the Gospel with some of my coworkers who are unbelievers. One of the questions that comes up every now and then is “What’s the big deal about cursing, profanity? It’s just words?” My response has always been a question I ask them.
“What if I used profanity and I was dropping F-bombs and other juicy four-letter words just like everyone else around here. And every time an attractive women walked by, I made sexual remarks about her body. And then one day I walked up to and started talking about Jesus. Would you take me seriously?”
One hundred percent of the time I asked that question, the response is no. And I mean with no hesitation. It’s like deep down, they know profanity and holiness don’t mix. That got me to thinking. There’s a line from a movie I believe came out in the 90’s (If you know the movie, please leave the name in the comments). I haven’t seen it but the line is, and I’m not sure if this the exact quote. The meanest or dirtiest trick the devil ever pulled on mankind was to convince everyone that he didn’t exist.
Now I don’t know if the people who made this movie are believers. I don’t know if whoever wrote that line had some sort of Christian agenda or they were just trying to use a line they thought was entertaining. Regardless of their motives, the significance of that line is this. If people don’t believe the devil exists, it’s easier for him to influence and deceive them. And when I say that the devil influences people, I’m not talking about somebody’s head spinning around or spitting out some green stuff like in the movie “The Exorcist.” I’m simply talking about how he influences people in their everyday lives, especially how they talk.
So let me share how I believe that simple line proves that the devil exists, and more proof that the Bible is true. It also shows from a negative point of view where the power is and who’s name is really powerful. This is kind of a long thread so stay with me.
One of the ten commandments is “Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain.” Exodus 20:7 In the New Testament it says, “we are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus”, (1 Cor 6:11), “That at the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow” (Phil 2:10), and that “we should believe on the Name of His son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 3:23), just to name a few. So what does the devil have to do? He has to try to get people to discount the Name of God. Get people to lose reverence for the Name. Funny thing, in the world today there are many voices saying you can call “God” by whatever name you want, according to whatever “your truth” is. Well let’s see about that.
Now I’m sure when someone was upset with someone, possibly you, you’ve heard them say, or more likely, yell “JESUS CHRIST, I can’t believe you did that!” Or “JESUS, JOSEPH, AND MARY, are serious?!” Or, and I’ve only heard this one in the movies, I’ve never actually heard anyone say this in person, “JESUS H. CHRIST!” I didn’t know Jesus had a middle initial and it was H.
Now let me ask you a question. In the same situations when people are upset, have you ever heard anyone say, “OH ALLAH, I can’t believe you did that!” Or BUDDHA, are you serious!” Or “HARE KRISHNA, really!?” Maybe you’ve heard someone use these other names in vain but I haven’t.
My point is this. Why is Jesus the only name that people blaspheme? Why don’t people use the name of those other gods in vain? This may seem very subtle but the devil only goes after what’s a threat to his kingdom. The Name of Jesus is and those other names aren’t.
Obviously this isn’t the only reason I believe the Bible but it’s another brick to build my house on the foundation of God’s Word. And if you’re reading this and you’re not a believer in Jesus Christ, or if you’re a believer in one of those other gods I mentioned, it’s something to think about. So please don’t get offended.
And as for you believers in the Lord, something to think about. SELAH!