Ten

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain,

for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.”

Exodus 20:7

When believers think of the third commandment, often we reduce the command to mean one thing: using God’s holy name as a curse word.

While that is certainly one terrible way to misuse God’s holy name, that is certainly not all that this commandment means to address.

We must think more deeply. Search the scriptures with me. Let’s look first at what it means to know that God is holy.

 In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Seraphim were standing above Him, each having six wings: with two each covered his face, and with two each covered his feet, and with two each flew. And one called out to another and said,

“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of armies.
The whole earth is full of His glory.”

Isaiah 6:1-4

Any time that we misrepresent the character of God we have taken His name in vain. As the professing children of God, we are to reflect Him to the world. What does the world see about God when they see your life? Do they see you attempting to honor and keep all of God’s moral law?

There is no one holy like the Lord,
Indeed, there is no one besides You,
Nor is there any rock like our God.
Do not go on boasting so very proudly,
Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth;
For the Lord is a God of knowledge,
And with Him actions are weighed.

1 Samuel 2:2-3

Of course, this is not a lesson on piety and perfection. None of us can achieve a spiritual pinnacle. But for devoted believers, there must be a desire to glorify our Maker that marks the heartbeat of all our days.

Know that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Psalm 100:3

When believers fail to treasure God’s commandments, then we are taking His name in vain. In those moments, professing believers are living opposed to God’s Word. It is then that we appear to join in with the secular worldview in rebellion against God.

Instead, we are to radiate the light of Christ by walking in a devoted relationship with Jesus, engaging in active prayer, attending Church, and reading the Bible for growth.

Rediscover passages like Galatians 5, Micah 6:8, Ephesians 1, and Matthew 5-7 that emphasize the basics. These are God’s words of life that teach us the true meaning of reverencing His holy name in practical living.

And don’t forget the lesson that we learned from the Lord’s prayer not long ago. Do you recall the first petition in the Lord’s prayer? (Matthew 6:9-13)

The very first petition is “Hallowed be Thy name.” Often, we overlook its significance, thinking Jesus is merely greeting His Father. But this is the first petition. He is actually showing His disciples and every believer the importance of recognizing God’s holiness for each day.

So, when you start your day, even if mornings aren’t when you have your devotional time, ask God to help keep His holiness in your heart as you speak His name and in the way your conduct your life.

Share the Good News in your world!

Isaiah 52:7

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.