Words of the Holy and Profane

What Does It Mean?
A Song by Edward Waters
(Copyright © 1989)

What does it mean to take His name in vain?[1]
Isn't it more than joining words of the holy and profane?
How often have I done my will and given Him the blame --
Calling my whim 'following Him', as if they were the same?

What does it mean to obey my Lord?
Isn't it more than an excuse for breaking my word?
How often have I changed my mind and said it was His lead?
How much of the doubt men have toward Him

is the fruit of my deeds?

It's unavoidable that stumbling blocks should come,
But woe to him by whom they come to be;
For if I cause faith to stumble, it would be better for me
To be weighted down and thrown into the sea.[2]

What does it mean to be children of His?
Doesn't it mean in us they see His love and His steadfastness?
Yet how often have His own confused the holy and profane?[3]
Only the ones who bear His name can take His name in vain.

[1] Exodus 20.7; Deuteronomy 5.11
[2] Matthew 18.6-7; Luke 17.1-2
[3] Ezekiel 22.26-28