Five Things We Say All the Time That Offend God
Five Things We Say All the Time That Are Offensive to God (…and a Bonus)
Have you ever stopped to think about the words and phrases you use every day? Some things we say without even thinking about them. They feel harmless. But as Christians, our words matter more than we sometimes realize. They reflect what we believe and where we place our trust. Some of the words and phrases we use out of habit can actually be offensive to God—even if we don’t mean them that way.
This article isn’t here to make you feel guilty or judged. It’s here to help you become more aware, to speak with purpose, and to honor God in your everyday life. Let’s look at a few common expressions that many Christians say without realizing the spiritual problems behind them.
- “Luck” or “Being Lucky”
We’ve all said things like, “I was so lucky,” or “Good luck!” But what does that really mean? When we talk about luck, we’re suggesting that good things happen by random chance or coincidence. As Christians, we believe that our lives are in God’s hands. Nothing happens by accident, incident or coincidence. God is in control and whatever happens, only happens because of His providential design and plan.
Using the word “luck” might seem harmless, but it leaves God out of the picture. It can make it seem like blessings just happen, instead of being a result of God’s grace or favor. Instead of saying you were lucky, try saying, “I was blessed,” or “God really came through for me.”
Better Options:
- “God blessed me.”
- “I’m thankful for how God worked that out.”
- “Karma”
Karma is a word we hear all the time, especially on social media. People say things like, “Karma will get them,” or “That’s karma.” But did you know that karma comes from religions like Hinduism and Buddhism? It’s the idea that what you do comes back to you in this life or the next. It’s based on a belief in reincarnation, not the Bible.
As Christians, we believe in a just and merciful God who judges the world and blesses those who follow Him. Saying “karma” gives credit to a false system instead of trusting in God’s justice and timing.
Better Options:
- “God sees everything.”
- “You reap what you sow” (Galatians 6:7).
- “What’s Your Sign?” / Zodiac
Asking someone their zodiac sign or talking about horoscopes might seem like innocent fun, but astrology is actually something the Bible warns us about. In ancient times, people used stars and planets to try to predict the future. God clearly told His people not to do that.
Some might believe that this zodiac and astrology talk is not even anything serious, so its not really a big deal. Except that God has already told us that He is a jealous God. So when we spend time “flirting” with astrology, you can understand God taking offense. The truth of the matter is that most of us would too. If your husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend was spending “innocent” time flirting with a person other than you, would you be offended even if they told you that, “It didn’t even mean anything”.
When we talk about zodiac signs, we may be suggesting that our personality or future is determined by the stars, not by God. That takes glory away from the One who made us.
Better Options:
- “God made me just the way I am.”
- “My identity is in Christ, not the stars.”
- “The Universe” (as a power or source)
You’ve probably heard people say things like, “The universe is trying to tell me something,” or “The universe gave me a sign.” But the universe is a created thing. It has no mind, no power, and no plan. God created the universe. Only God has the power to guide, bless, and protect us.
When we give credit to “the universe,” we are accidentally robbing God of the credit He deserves. It may sound deep or spiritual, but it’s actually replacing God with creation. That’s a form of idolatry.
Better Options:
- “God is leading me.”
- “God worked that out in His timing.”
- “Cross Your Fingers”
People often say “cross your fingers” when they hope something will happen. It’s meant to bring good luck, but the phrase has roots in superstition. In ancient times, people believed that crossing fingers would ward off evil or call on mystical powers.
For Christians, our hope should be in God, not in superstitions or hand gestures. Instead of crossing fingers, we should be praying, trusting, and depending on the Lord.
Better Options:
- “I’m praying about it.”
- “I’m trusting God with this.”
Bonus: “Oh My God” (Used Casually)
This one is extremely common, but also very serious. Saying “Oh my God” as an expression of surprise or frustration is taking God’s name in vain. The Bible warns us not to do this (Exodus 20:7). God’s name is holy and should be treated with respect. But taking it in vain means that we empty His name of it’s holiness and respectability and we make it meaningless.
Even if we don’t mean it as a curse, using God’s name carelessly shows a lack of reverence. Instead, save God’s name for prayer, worship, and real conversations about Him.
Better Options:
- Use no phrase at all.
- Say something respectful, like “Oh wow,” or “That surprised me.”
Final Thoughts
Our words are powerful. They shape our thoughts, our witness, and even our relationship with God. The good news is that even though we are not perfect, we have been perfected by Christ Jesus. And because of that the things we do in our lives should be intentional. God is pleased when we grow in awareness and make changes that honor Him.
Let this article be a gentle reminder: what we say matters. Let’s choose our words in a way that reflects our faith, our love for God, and our desire to give Him glory in all things.
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14, KJV)