ODJ: “omg”
Honor the Lord for the glory of His name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness (v.2).
READ: Psalm 29
With the advent of cell phones, texting, and online chat, an abbreviated form of language has emerged. Texters and chatters regularly communicate with shortcuts like “lol” (laugh out loud) or “idk” (I don’t know).
For the most part, these abbreviations are harmless. One popular shortcut, however, is truly offensive to believers in Jesus—“omg.” The most common meaning given to this abbreviation is the expression “Oh, my God.”
Should we be concerned by its use? Or are we making something out of nothing? Consider this: Although the Bible doesn’t legalistically regulate every single word that comes out of our mouths, it does plainly state that we are not to use God’s name in a way that regards it as trivial (Exodus 20:7). Even though blurting out “Oh, my God” or texting and e-mailing “omg” have become socially acceptable, they’re still examples of using God’s name wrongly.
It boils down to an issue of respect. To refer to the God of the universe in this manner, even as an expression of shock or surprise, is flippant and dishonoring. It treats “the name above all other names” (Philippians 2:9) as irrelevant, as if it carries little weight or special meaning. To be fair, some may not intend to use “omg” in this way. They may believe that it is an innocent expression that—for them—means “Oh, my goodness.” Given how it’s most widely used and interpreted, however, it would be wise to use another abbreviation.
God’s name is to be revered, not to be misused or treated as meaningless. Whenever we refer to God, may we reflect the spirit of the psalmist who wrote, “Honor the Lord for the glory of His name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness” (Psalm 29:2). —Jeff Olson
What common expressions do you use frequently? What would be a better phrase or abbreviation you could use to express shock or surprise?
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Loading ...ODB: teach your children well
October 18, 2009
READ: Deuteronomy 11:13-21
You shall teach [God’s Word] to your children . . . when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. —Deut. 11:19
The Sleeping Beauty Waltz, the 1812 Overture, and The Nutcracker Suite were all part of the music of my childhood.
Sometimes a narrator told stories or—as in the case of Tubby the Tuba and Peter and the Wolf—introduced my sisters and me to the sounds of different instruments. In their desire to pass on their love for music, my parents used this method as a teaching tool. It worked! Weaving the classic tales with classical tunes made a powerful impact on us.
When an adult wants to impart important information to a child, it’s often best related in a story because it is more easily understood and enjoyed. Telling children the stories in God’s Word is especially crucial because the Bible’s enduring truth can shape character and show consequences of actions (1 Cor. 10:11). Tiny seeds of faith can be cultivated in fertile soil and help children to see how God has worked in the lives of His followers throughout history. Bible stories also show how God is intimately involved in our lives.
What we have seen God do for us and what He has done for His people throughout history must be passed on to the next generation (Deut. 11:1-21). Their future depends on it. Teach your children well. — Cindy Hess Kasper
The character of your children tomorrow depends on what you put into their hearts today.
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