8

Is using the phrase, "Oh, my God" when surprised wrong?



    
    

Clarify Share Report Asked May 14 2014 Mini Anonymous

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

31
Mini Shanna Duck Supporter "Let a search be made in the royal archives..." Ezra 5:17 NIV
As Christians, our consciences aren't perfect. They are formed by the culture(s) in which we grow up and live. After salvation, we're to allow the Word of God to renew our minds. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will point out things that we've done for years, and show us that these things aren't fitting for a Child of the King or honoring to God. We're all constantly growing and learning.

I think that many if not most devout believers would consider it wrong to use God's name in this way: flippantly and irreverently. While we're not technically under the Old Law, we do honor God as our loving & holy Father and the last thing we should do is blaspheme His name or make it a common swear-word. There's a difference in saying something like this as a serious prayer, and saying it lightly. Most devout believers that I know also shy away from OMG. 

Using these is a habit that comes from hearing other people in our culture do the same. After a while (as in France), these phrases becomes so common that people don't even realize WHAT they're saying anymore. They may never even consider it bordering on blasphemy, and blasphemy isn't what's in their heart. They're just repeating a common saying. Still, as Christians, the Bible tells in several places to be careful of our words. 

When I was young, a certain expression coupling the name of God with da*n was so shocking to hear that respectable grown men avoided it. I doubt I can express the feeling, even among adults, when someone used this vulgarity. Today I hear it in Wal-mart, along with many other phrases that once would have rarely been heard, at least not by a respectable woman or child. This profaning of our culture has happened in just the span of a few decades. 

On the other hand, some believers even stop saying "Jimminy Cricket" or "Oh, my goodness," because they feel it's just a substitute for the blasphemous expression and they want to stay far from any appearance of evil. To me, it's a personal decision how far you want to take this. 

In any case, we have to remember that we follow the One who is Light, and we need to be beacons of purity in this dark world.

May 16 2014 5 responses Vote Up Share Report


7
Mini Hairy Animals Supporter
Exodus chapter 20 tells us clearly that this is wrong. Just because society keeps saying such phrases does not mean we can. We are set apart - we are the elect of God.

"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain."

1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

August 31 2014 2 responses Vote Up Share Report


2
Mini frederick sabbil nabia Supporter
I believe GOD, our Heavenly father is sacred and so is His Name. As Christians we need to be conscious of our being because we are set apart from others in the world. Though we are in the world we are not of the world and so our culture is not of the world. This is especially so when issues such as the use of God's is clear in Scripture.

1 Cor 15:33 says "Do not be misled: bad company corrupts good character." We should be careful of the company of the world and not adopt their sayings just like. You meet a friend at the bus station OMG and another gives you some joke OMG. The question is is that how we should use the Name of the One whose footstool is the earth? Note Galatians 6:7 - Do not be deceived; God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. If we recklessly disrespect Him (ie if we use His name without thought) i think we may have to blame our selves. Remember Jesus saying that a lie was as much a sin as murder and OMG without purpose might just be murder too. I pray the Holy To guide our hearts and teach us as we consciously open up to Him. AMEN

Nabia Frederick, Ghana.

February 25 2015 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


1
Open uri20120601 27862 n0xo7k Robin Lim Supporter
The sum total as I see... we must acknowledge we are not God and we have fallen short of His glory. By being Christians we try our best to live a life of Christ. We read His words, we stand and walk with it and on it. OMG can be just a simple good exclamation - like OMG you are so beautiful or a blasphemy depending on the manner it's used and applied. View point from a normal young Christian trying to walk a life like the way Father God would like all to walk! Righteous living.

February 25 2015 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


Add your Answer

All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.

What makes a good answer? ▼

A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.

  1. Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
  2. Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
  3. Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
  4. Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
  5. For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible
Header
  1. 4000 characters remaining