By Raymond E. Harris
Honest people have always had respect for the property of others. One who would take, or disrespect the property of another has always been held in contempt by the upright of every nation, tribe and tongue. Yet, it seems that some have more concern for that which belongs to their fellow man than they have for that which is the Lord’s.
1. The Lord’s Day. In Revelation 1:10, John wrote, “I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day.” Through the years many Bible scholars have understood that John was speaking of the first day of the week (Sunday). This is the day the Lord’s faithful have always “kept.” Sunday is remembered as the day Jesus rose from the dead. It is the day upon which Christians assemble to remember the death of Jesus (Acts 20:7). It is the day upon which Christians assemble not only to worship, but also to be edified and to collect funds for good works.
It is indeed sad that many are not satisfied to use the six days of each week that God has provided for man’s use. Rather, many are so ungrateful, they will not pause on the “‘Lord’s Day” long enough to join with others in worship and praise to God. We suggest that such selfish- use of the “Lord’s Day” is a form of thievery. And those that would steal from God will not go unpunished!
2. The Lord’s Name. In the Old Testament God was quite specific, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” (Ex. 20:7). In this day when Jesus has been declared to be “King of Kings and Lord of Lords,” it is no less important to reverence his name.
We suggest the terms “Jesus,” “Christ,” “My Lord” and “God” are not terms to be used indiscriminately. Such terms should rather be used with great care and respect in sincere and humble reference to deity. When man uses such words as “God,” “Jesus Christ,” and “Oh Lord” as slang or worse, can the Lord be pleased?
The word “vain” means “empty,” “void,” without a cause” and “to no purpose.” The Bible teaches that one day, “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ: that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he bath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). Further, Jesus taught, “. . . every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matt. 12:36).
We suggest that disrespectful use of the Lord’s name will not go unpunished as “by thy words thou shalt be justified. And by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
Guardian of Truth XXVII: 3, p. 81
February 3, 1983