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I had a post in July about people cursing using the NAME of our Lord, and ideas for how we can respond: Responding to the profane use of the NAME of our Lord. A couple weeks ago I was in a “five and dime” type shop and someone VERY loudly said the name of Jesus Christ because a product surprised them. Later at home a short video clip by Joni Eareckson Tada was in my social media feed, and Joni spoke of singing praises to God wherever we are. It is below. It is only one minute and 38 seconds, so take a moment to watch it! My comments continue after it.

I really hope you watched it! Joni encourages us to consider singing or praising in all types of places or times. And this is what got me thinking: Singing or speaking brief praises of our Lord in public corresponds with cursing the Lord in public. In each case Jesus is being mentioned, but in the opposite way – praise vs curse.

If some people can so casually and frequently curse the Name of our Lord in public, why can’t we sometimes praise His Name? “Oh, well, brief praises of our Lord might make people uncomfortable or make me look like a religious freak.”  Hmm. Okay. But we would only be doing what those who profane the Name of our Lord do, but in opposite. It is okay for them to curse the Savior, but not okay for us to praise Him?

Note that Joni did mention that when they sang in the restaurant it was not crowded and it would not be disruptive. We do need sense here. Also, our underlying attitude is important. Joni is a vibrant Christian who deeply loves the Lord. Brief praises of our Lord should bubble up out of us naturally, and not because we are on a crusade, trying to show people who curse how terrible they are!

We all have different personalities. Some of us are introverts and others are extroverts. It can be easier for some of us than others to speak and share things in public. But I hope you’ll see my main point: If some people can so casually and frequently curse the Name of our Lord in public, why can’t we sometimes praise His Name?

Here are the words to an old hymn:

Endless praises to the Lord,
Ever be His name adored!
Hallelujah!
He is worthy – praise His name.

We adore Him, sound his fame,
Us He saved from endless shame:
Hallelujah!
Glory to the Priest and King.

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