Jul 05 – Profanity!

“You shall not profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 18:21)

We belong to the Lord. He is our God, and His holy name has been placed upon us. He has called us to be a holy nation and a royal priesthood unto Himself.

One of the powerful revivalists of the 15th century was Savonarola, who led a mighty spiritual awakening in Italy. He boldly declared that the sins of that nation were worse than those of Sodom and Gomorrah. He personally warned the ruling king and three prominent religious leaders, saying, “If you continue to defile the name of the Lord, you will all die within the year.”

Although they mocked his warning, all of them died within that very year. Great fear spread among the people, and a deep revival followed. Yes, profanity is a grave and dangerous matter.

What must we never profane? The Bible warns us against the following: The name of the Lord (Leviticus 18:21), The holy sanctuary of the Lord (Leviticus 21:23), The Sabbath day (Ezekiel 23:38), and The covenant of the fathers (Malachi 2:10)

*Our God is a loving God. But when His holy name is profaned, He becomes a righteous Judge. His sword of judgment is sharp and swift. Because of just one sin, Adam and Eve were driven out of Eden.

Because of Achan’s selfish greed, he and his family were stoned to death. Because of Gehazi’s covetousness, he and his descendants were cursed with leprosy. Because Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit, they were struck dead in judgment. And Scripture solemnly warns: “If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him.” (1 Corinthians 3:17)*

The apostle Paul warns us: “For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness.” (Romans 11:21–22)

* Dear children of God, let us live every day with reverence and holiness, so that the holy name of the Lord is never profaned by our words, conduct, or choices. Let our lives uphold His holiness.*

Verse for further meditation: “And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the Lord,” says the Lord God. (Ezekiel 36:23)