Read: Mosiah 12-14
Mark: Mosiah 13:15
"When I was a little boy...I came home from school one day, threw my books on the table, and took the name of the Lord in vain in expressing my relief that school was out for the day. My mother heard me. She was shocked. She took me by the hand and led me to the bathroom...then proceeded to wash my mouth out with that terrible soap...and then said, 'Don't let me ever hear such words from your lips again.' The taste was terrible. The reprimand was worse. I have never forgotten it, and I hope that I have never used the Lord's name in vain since that time." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
To ponder:
How can we keep the Lord's name sacred?
I really like President Hinckley's story. And I know I had my mouth washed out with soap before when I was little! Not sure how safe that actually is since soap has lye in it, but it definitely made me think twice before using a bad word.
ReplyDeleteTaking the Lord's name in vain happens so often that I'm not sure I always even notice it when it happens. It's in every movie, TV show, grocery store, school, and place of employment. We hear it from adults, children, and I'm sure even occasionally ourselves (I know I've been guilty of it).
But as we really contemplate why we would speak that way and what we're trying to get across (most profanity is used as a way to display oneself as tougher or not innocent) we can see to the bottom of what we're doing and think of why we want to portray ourselves as anything less than royalty (because royalty would never use profanity, slurs, or unclean speech). And as we align ourselves more fully with God and esteem him as our loving Father we would never think of speaking ill of him, which is what we do when we use his name or any of his titles in vain.
It occurred to me today when looking at this that taking the Lord's name in vain, in a state or irreverence or even as an exclamation of profanity, that it really isn't nice. It made me think about how if a person does something memorably stupid or cruel or such, how people will sometimes refer to that action as "pulling a Jenny" or they might say "you're meaner than Jack!" Whoever's at the seat of those expressions probably feels like crap. They certainly wouldn't feel respected or loved. And we basically do the same thing when we take God's name in any way except in a state or reverence and respect. I think that by building a more personal relationship with God and by really respecting and loving him we will find it easier to only use his name in an appropriate manner.
Jenny, I love every word of your post! I too loved President Hinckley's story! I met your mother this evening at a bridal shower for Crystal Bland--I wish I would have asked her about washing your mouth out with soap! (Just kidding!!!). Such a great point you make by providing examples of how each one of us would feel if others took our names in vain.
ReplyDeleteIt's late but I wanted to be sure that I read today! I don't have a lot to say tonight as it's been such a whirlwind-crazy day! But the one thought I do have is: I am so impressed with Abinadi's courage! Can you imagine how it would feel to go back into this group of people, even disguised, and then to tell the people the things he was commanded to say? He preached tough, scary things: the people will be smitten with famine and pestilence, and howl all the day long (and this is just the beginning of what Abinadi had to say)! And what happened? Of course, the people became quite angry and took Abinadi to the king (again!)...Abinadi had an incredible amount of courage and the Lord protected him. As we stand for what is right and true, I know we will be protected by the Lord too!
ReplyDeleteThese scriptures remind me of the Primary song, Nephi's courage (especially the chorus) that goes something like: Nephi was courageous and this was his reply: I will go, I will do the things the Lord commands, I know the Lord prepares the way, He wants me to obey! :)
Any time your lot is TOO HARD when sharing the gospel.... We should remember Abinadi! It could always be worse. We have a happy message to share!!
ReplyDeleteIf I am willing to magnify that calling which He asks me to fill then He will provide a way for be to fill it. No one can hinder me but me.
Taking the Lord's name in vain... Many people do not understand the significance of this. It's just words. But think of what doing things in his name can do! What power his name has! In his name we can do all things! We can cast out devils and bless people. We conclude every prayer and ordinance in his name. Do we dare blurt out such a sacred thing so carelessly? I dare not. It is no frivolous commandment. I think understanding the why of this commandment can help keep us from straying.
It used to be difficult for me to watch my mouth. As I slowly gained more control over my mouth the better I felt. Lord and God means so much more to me than just words. Now it is no effort at all to watch my mouth. I find I don't lose my temper near as much. (Now just mostly when I'm driving! Lol)
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