A Verse
Exodus 20:7
You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
A Comment
If you are anything like me, you were probably taught that the third commandment was about not using certain swear words. To “misuse” or “take the LORD’s name in vain” was more about a particular speech pattern. Yet, I think there is more going on in this passage than many of us were initially taught.
While “using” or “bearing” the name of the LORD certainly covers how we speak, it is primarily about representing God as God’s people in the world. It is about representing God in our words and deeds in a manner that reflects His holy, righteous character. We, as God’s people, bear His name. We represent Him as a “kingdom of priests” in this world (1 Peter 2:8-10). Thus, this commandment calls us to more than avoiding certain swear words. It calls us to speak and act in such a way in the world that people see what our God is like. And when we “bear His name” without regard for God’s holy character, we are guilty of “bearing His name in vain” or “misusing God’s name.”
When I think of some modern-day examples of this, I cannot help but think of the many charlatans that use God’s name for their own purposes. We see near countless examples of such so-called “preachers” and “ministers” who claim to represent God in the world but who use God’s name to enrich themselves instead of bring glory to Him. Such use of God’s name is a violation of this commandment. We bear God’s name to bring Him glory as we fulfill our God-given roles in the world.
And we do this as His people who have been saved by Jesus Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit for the purpose of being a kingdom of priest in a lost and dying world that needs to come to God!
A Prayer
Would you pray with me?
A Blessing
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord
Bearing God's Name in Vain