"Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." (Exodus 20:7)

What does it mean to take the Lord's name in vain and why is it such a big issue? There is more than one way to take the Lord's name in vain; although we understand this, we often fail to remember it and apply the principle to our daily lives.

We take the Lord's name in vain by hypocrisy, by not living up to the Name we profess! Read Matthew 15:7-9 and James 1:26. We see so plainly that drawing nigh to God with our mouths, professing Him with our lips is not acceptable if our hearts are not near to Him, if we do not life up to His standard of righteousness. If this is the way we live, our religion is in vain and our hearts are deceived!

We take the Lord's name in vain by breaking covenant with God. If we vow a vow to the Lord, we are bound to Him by covenant. When we do not perform that vow, we break covenant, thus taking the Lord's name in vain – not recognizing or honoring His holiness and making a mockery of Him. Read Matthew 5:33, Ecclesiastes 5:4, and Galatians 6:5. Our words are important to the Lord, they are an expression of our heart (Matthew 15:18). When we do not honor covenant, we do not honor the Lord; when we break our vows or promises to Him, we take His name in vain!

We take the name of the Lord in vain by using it with no purpose, in rash swearing, coarse jesting, profanity; we use it without any just occasion for it. The Lord's name is holy and is not to be used lightly or carelessly, His name is not to be used as an expletive or in any other casual or unwarranted context. When we say His name, it must be with all due reverence, reflecting His holy and righteous estate for He is the Most Divine Eternal Father.

We're told that the Lord will NOT hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. We may consider it a non-issue understanding that we didn't mean anything by it, but He doesn't see it that way! Who is man that he should be so casual with the name of such a Holy God?

Pray and ask the Father to give you a sensitivity to the offensiveness of taking His name in vain, to put a guard over your mouth, and to help you remember that His name is holy and not to be used lightly. Remember, that God Himself will be the avenger of all those who take His name in vain. He is jealous for His honor . . . we ought to be no less in our reverence of His name!

Father, I confess . . . I am guilty! Forgive me, Lord, for not recognizing just how awesome is your Name, for failing to understand that each time I use it Father, cleanse my lips, and let only that which honors Your holiness and righteousness come forth from my mouth. Sanctify me wholly, Lord, even the words that I speak revealing the intent of my heart. Father, I honor Your holiness, Your righteousness, Your majesty, and Your power. I am nothing in Your sight except that which You have redeemed. You have called me by name, help me to honor You with my mouth at all times. In Jesus' name, by His blood, and for His glory, amen and amen!

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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