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What Not to Do
Negatively, this Commandment prohibits all dishonoring thoughts of God, all needless, flippant, profane or blasphemous mentions of Him, any irreverent use of His Word, any murmurings against Him, or any abuse of anything by which He has made Himself known.
To believers God says, “Don’t use my name carelessly—in a prayer, a song, or conversation—be careful with my name.” In Scripture, a person’s name is more than a label. It refers to all a person is, including his or her reputation and character.
God’s name is take in vain when:
- We make any disrespectful or untrue statement about who God is.
- We belittle anyone’s relationship with God.
- We use it without due consideration and reverence.
- We profess to be His people but don’t act like it.
- We swear lightly and irreverently, using the Name of God with as little respect as we would show to that of a man, or when we swear falsely.
Today, it has become almost impossible to walk the streets or enter mixed company without hearing the sacred Name of God treated with blasphemous contempt. Even texting and use of “omg” has reduced God’s name significantly.
Throughout the Bible, the people of God pay a price whenever they do not guard the use of God’s name carefully and make sure that those who speak for the Lord do so with accuracy and in the truth of the Spirit of God.
What about our prayers to God? At times, we make mindless repetitions—which are worthless to the Father and an insult to His name, His nature, and His character. At our family devotional today, we discussed how each of us can easily fall into a pattern of using the same words in prayer to God. At times, we pray without really thinking. We know that God wants more; specifically, He wants to hear us speak from our hearts in a manner that honors His name.
What To Do
Jesus taught His followers to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” God’s name should be set apart and honored above all others. Jesus’ life and ministry were a continual expression and explanation of the Father—His name, His nature, His character, and His honor.
The third commandment not only prohibits us from profaning the name of the Lord, it challenges us to sanctify and revere the name of the Lord. Acts 19:17 (pictured below) ends with “the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified.” Magnifying the name of the Lord does not mean making Him larger but making it possible to see Him more clearly. We do that in words and deeds. The Lord Jesus Christ is magnified as He works in us and through us.
The third commandment reminds us that the word of God’s people should be trustworthy and reliable. Promises made by the people of God should be promises kept because whether or not we say “this I promise in the name of the Lord,” the words of God’s people are always spoken, in reality, in the name of the Lord.
The more one knows the value and honor of the name of the Lord, the less likely one is to use that name in a meaningless way, to make light of it, or fail to give it genuine honor.
The bottom line is that we should strive to see that all of our words and actions are marked by the character of Christ so that our lives honor the name of the Lord Jesus.
Implications for Leaders
Names are important. Here’s more about my name –
As I pondered different possibilities for my side business, I considered “Leaders 42morrow.” Then, I thought about my passions and unique experiences. Since 1995, I’ve enjoyed the privilege of working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center—home to the astronauts and leaders in human space exploration. Several years ago, I crafted a personal mission statement—“To improve leadership wherever I go”. I am passionate about leadership as a student, coach, practitioner, and teacher.
Finally, my role as a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ provides another perspective. Put all those together and you get “Out of This World Leadership.”
That’s my brand! And it’s important to me…
So, how much more important is the name of God? Our unmatchable and omniscient God. The third commandment serves as a special reminder of who God is and who I am in relation to Him. May I never forget or neglect my relationship to Him, as I shoot for the stars!
Actions to Consider…
- Evaluate your speech to make sure you never misuse God’s name in frustration, in casual unawareness, or in moments of surprise or anger.
- Look for opportunities to bless the name of God and mention His character in positive ways.
- Finally, reflect on the glory of God’s name. Make a commitment to declare His glory in the coming week.