"In Vain"

I don't know if they were religious men, church attenders, or simply reenacting what you see at most sporting events in America.  But I believe at least one of the four men broke a biblical commandment: "No using the name of GOD, your God, in curses or silly banter; GOD won't put up with the irreverent use of his name." (The Message).  I believe the commandment is about so much more than not cursing using "God" or "Jesus Christ."  I also think the emphasis on the notion that God is our 'buddy' has diminished our sense of awe and humility before invoking the name of God.

I was sitting at a Colts game with my grandson wanting nothing more than to enjoy our time together free from the worries of the world.  Then four guys, beer drinking buddies who already had had too much to drink, sat down to our left.  Beneath us sat two women.  I could not hear what was being said over the rail.  I did notice they were giving as much attention to the women as the game.  Suddenly the two women stood up, glared up at the men, and marched up the three short steps to our level.  Before they walked away one of the women really verbally let the guys have it.

An usher quickly came over and asked the guys what happened.  They pleaded innocence, having no idea what set the woman off.  Then came the moment that set me off.  The guy closest to us lifted his head, looked skyward, raised his arm, with finger pointed up said "Thank you, Jesus."

You see it was all about the lifestyle, or at least the perceived lifestyle, of the two women that got the men's attention.  Whether they were threatened by their presence or found 'it' wrong or were simply drunk (no excuse in my eyes) they were intolerant and bigoted in their behavior.  God has no blessing for such behavior and the guy was religiously careless in thanking Jesus that the women left.

While the usher was willing to let it pass as the actions of a 'hot-headed' woman and took the guys word I could not let it pass.  I made a point of speaking directly to the usher about what I had seen.  The men were asked to leave. 

I found no joy in all of this, only sadness.  My heart beat a little faster when I stood to at least present another side to the event.  Part of the happiness of the night was lost.  My grandson talked with me after the game as we walked to the car about what he had seen and heard.  Intolerance and carelessness with invoking the name of God are far too common.  Individuals, causes, politicians, and nations often link the name of God with their behaviors, even when such behavior is an insult to the nature of God.  It was a reminder to me to pay more attention to how I use God's name.  It is simply too easy to take "God's name in vain."