Let's Defend God

“I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!” Those are the iconic words from the 1976 film Network. In an impassioned diatribe, a TV anchor galvanized the nation, convincing his viewers to shout out of their windows "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"

I am waiting for God to open up a window in the sky and to shout those words down to us. Until then, the time for backlash is long overdue. We must start speaking up.

I’m not referring to the issues of the day, where opinions ignite arguments. I am talking about making a powerful statement that will catch people off guard and let the world know that we love God and aren’t going to take it anymore.

Consider, that every time we hear someone use God’s name in vain, we do not just stand there as if we had ears full of mashed potatoes. Instead, respond. Each and every time. No more wincing inside every time we hear someone put “damn” after God or hear our Savior’s name, Jesus Christ, spit out as if it were chewing tobacco. The creator of the universe deserves utmost respect and we can give it to him.

If someone insulted us, we would immediately speak up. That is why it is rare for someone to insult another to his or her face. They might cowardly talk behind people’s back, but they don’t do it to a person’s face because they fear the response. We should start making people fear the response they will get when they disrespect God around us.

We can react with a sign of the cross or words to counter the blasphemy such as:

* Praise the name of the Lord!

* Praise Jesus, Bless His Name.

* Lord Have Mercy on Us.

* Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

If every time someone uses God’s name in vain within earshot of us, we counter with praise, people would avoid the blasphemy around us.

By doing so, we will send this message to others:

* I love God.

* I will not tolerate you disrespecting him.

* You shall not break the Second Commandment in my presence.

* I will make reparation on the spot if you profane God.

* I am not ashamed to stand up for God here on earth, because I do not want him to be ashamed of me in heaven.

* I am mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!

Christians are called to praise God and show him reverence and obedience. Would you stand silently by if someone else you loved was spoken of disrespectfully? If we stop tolerating it, more people will stop doing it. After all, you don’t hear the name of Allah being used that way.

God always is more generous with us than we are with him. Standing up for him is the least we can do. And had better do. "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 10:15).