Err on the Side of Righteousness
We’ve been talking about the Word Made Flesh – one of the prophetic names we use to talk about Jesus in the season of Advent. Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, Immanuel, God with Us. Word Made Flesh. Jesus.
All of these names feel sacred and holy. They contain parts of God’s identity and how He has revealed Himself to us.
We know him by other names as well:
- El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty)
- El Elyon (The Most High God)
- Adonai (Lord, Master)
- Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah)
- Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner)
- Jehovah-Raah (The Lord My Shepherd)
- Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Heals)
- Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There)
- Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness)
- Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You)
- El Olam (The Everlasting God)
- Elohim (God)
- Qanna (Jealous)
- Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)
- Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace)
- Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts)
There is so much contained in God’s names! So much truth and holiness and identity.
His name is sacred.
And so I’ll be honest – my spirit is completely grieved when I hear my Christian brothers and sister flippantly using the OMG phrase or saying “Oh my God” in every story they tell.
It is a scheme of the enemy if I’ve ever seen one. If it were not, the world would be using phrases like, “Oh my Buddha” or “Oh my Satan” or “O my Molech.” But they don’t. There is only one god’s name that gets used flippantly… and it is the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob – the one true God. Our God. The enemy is smart and goes about like a roaring lion looking for whom he may devour. He has tricked many.
What does Scripture say about God’s name?
- Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. – Matthew 6:9 (NLT)
- I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. – Isaiah 42:8
- The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. – Proverbs 18:10
- Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. – Psalm 100:4-5
- Your name, Lord, endures forever, your renown, Lord, through all generations. – Psalm 135:13
- And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. – Acts 2:21
There is debate among many online about this particular phrase… is it sin or not sin? My thoughts… does it matter? I would rather err on the side of righteousness any day than grieve my heavenly Father with my speech.
Leah Carolan
Pastor of Worship & Media
