GOD'S NAME IS POWERFUL, DON'T TAKE THE LORD'S NAME IN VAIN
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God's name in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Exodus 20:7 KJV
“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Deuteronomy 5:11 NIV
This is number 3 in the list of 10 commandments God gave to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Yet, this commandment seems to be downplayed or ignored by many a believer. But you better believe GOD takes it seriously. He flat our tells us he will not hold us guiltless for this offense.
There are a few ways in which we can take the Lord’s name in Vain but today we are talking about using it as profanity. Let's break it down.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Your name has meaning - In this day and age most children in our western culture are not named specifically for a name's meaning, but if you’ve never looked up the meaning of your name here is a site that gives name meanings https://www.meaningofthename.com/ Just for fun, look up your name. Does the meaning of your name fit you?
In the times of the old testament, names were very important. They had meaning. For instance, in Genesis 17:5 we see that God changed Abram’s name, which means exalted father to Abraham which means father of a multitude, God changed his name to accurately represent who he would be to future generations.
A NAME HOLDS POWER AND AUTHORITY.
Even on the most mundane level, your name holds power. It represents you. When someone hears your name they get an instant snapshot in their head of what you look like and who you are to them. Your name reflects your integrity and your character. In fact, it is so important that many a defamation suit is brought to defend one’s good name and reputation. You know, slander and liable. How would you feel if someone misused your name?
Your name also holds authority. You can authorize someone to act for you in your name as an agent. In the form of your signature, your name can be used as an oath, a binding agreement, or a statement. Your name is a powerful thing.
GOD'S NAME.
Scripture tells us that God’s name is sacred, holy, and powerful.
"So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Jeremiah 16:21 ESV
“Therefore, behold, I will make them know, this once I will make them know my power and my might, and they shall know that my name is the Lord.”
Proverbs 18:10 ESV
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe."
Mark 16:17-18 NKJV
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Revelation 22:4 NLT
"And they will see his face, and His name will be written on their foreheads.
We are stamped with the seal of The Holy Spirit - a representation of Jesus' name to whom we belong!
We can see that God’s name is sacred and not to be trifled with.
WHAT DOES IN VAIN MEAN?
What "in vain" mean?
"Without success or a result", to no purpose, useless, worthless, ineffective, unsuccessful.
Does God’s name resonate with any of these things? No, of course not!
In John 16:23-24, we are told “At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.”
When we use His name in vain we are calling on the all-powerful, holiest of the holy, sacred name, and calling on it without purpose. We mock God.
USING HIS NAME IN A PROFANE WAY.
So what constitutes using God's name in vain in a profane way? Anytime we call on Him, use his name without reverence, respect, or meaningful purpose, like praise or prayer or for help. You know, like letting a GD or JC fly, or blurting out a holy - you fill in the blank (and by the way, most of the what fills the blank is not holy). If you're saying God or Lord in any other context than in a relevant conversation or purposely calling out to God the Father or Jesus Christ, or a “through Jesus’ name” then you are using the Lord’s name in vain!
WHAT ABOUT GOSH, GEEZ, OMG
You know, there are differing thoughts on this and I wish I could give you a definitive answer. I say pray on it.
ARE WE GUILTY BY ASSOCIATION?
Be careful what you tolerate and/or accept. When we sit idly by while others use God's name in vain or we watch or listen to media that uses His name as profanity we may think to ourselves, "well it’s not me who is saying it." But if we continuously tolerate and accept it, are we not just as guilty?
WILL HE FORGIVE US?
1 John 1:9 says If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
God has so generously and graciously allowed us to call on him, through his son’s name for help in every aspect of our lives. For comfort and care, for mercy, to break strongholds and even cast out demons! It is an affront to God to use His name in vain.
Micah 4:5 All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever.
One last thought: God values our name so much he writes it in His Book of Life! How much more should we value his!!!
In closing remember Matthew 6:9-13: "This, then, is how you should pray: "our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name."
HALLOWED my friends!
All for now! Until next time may God bless you and keep you ever under his mighty wing.
Joellen
