Editor’s note: the following is the final column written and submitted by Chester (Chet) Miller for The Kalona News before he died suddenly August 6. Mr. Miller will be missed by both The News’ staff and his many readers.

The recent controversy over the legislation mandating the Ten Commandments being placed in every school across the entire nation, we are attempting to portray what results society would have if all people would practice all the commandments.

The past few weeks we discussed the first two, “You shall have no other gods before me,” and “You shall not make any graven image.”

The third, “You shall not take the name of the Lord in Vain.”

First of all, it bewilders me that people, when swearing or using profanity vehemently, take the name of the Lord in vain. I have often wondered, when persons are aggravated, insulted, a sudden calamity or angry, why wouldn’t they say like “dammit” Aunt Susan, or Grandpa Jim or George Washington or William Shakespeare, or any other prominent person. Instead, people take Jesus Christ, the Savior of all mankind’s name in vain in profanity.

In just plain common thinking, I would say it is Satan’s way of using humans to belittle or completely deflate or downgrade the authenticity of Jesus Christ. Satan uses deceit and schemes to draw people away from the plan of salvation for all mankind.

For many years, in every school or educational institutions English has been taught with intensity. Also, proper English is diligently sought after by every dedicated student receiving an education.

Definitely any person clearly speaking proper English is enjoyable to listen to. I will admit I do envy people using proper English in any speech or discussion. Those striving to be a newscaster, teacher, public speaker or what have you, persistently pursue the practice of proper English. Any broadcaster in any field, using profanity or taking the Lord’s name in vain would soon be applying for jobs elsewhere.

I must hasten to add, we can by habit and not comprehend, when we are taking the name of the Lord in vain. For instance, in my profession, I did have a habit of saying, “My goodness gracious, that item is worth the money!” A respected Christian friend of mine, now gone to be with the Lord, with honest concern and compassion, reminded or gave me counsel, that phrase in essence is “My good God,” a form of taking the name of the Lord in vain. So, we must be careful to not be the first to throw stones. Too often, we can have some faults of our own, and must be careful in many things.

We ask the question, why do we replace good words with profanity? Are we seeking attention? Do we think it is “macho?” Really, there is no value morally, ethically or righteously to take the name of the Lord in vain.

Let all things be done decently and in order. Furthermore, our speech should be seasoned with salt, meaning salt is a preservative as well as an enjoyable additive to food, erasing the blah taste.

Speaking or words are a very important part of communications.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

Exodus 20:7b For the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.