Oh, the power of a word.

There is much to do of late about the power one word has (“South Ogden Jr. High teacher violated policy by using racial slur,” May 4 Standard-Examiner). I never cease to be amazed! When African-Americans are offended by a word, they do something about it.

Christians say they are offended when they hear God’s name taken irreverently. What do we do?

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 130:20, we are told:

“There is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven, before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated.” When we obtain any blessing from God. It is by obedience to that law, upon which it is predicated.

In the Bible, it says: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord they God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”

Could it be that the magnitude of problems we face today in our world are the result of our lack of reverence and respect to our God and his law?

Think about it. What words do we let slip from our mouths in vain? Are we ever amazed at God’s power and his word?

Vera Ivie

Ogden