Choosing to Honor God’s Name

Online debates typically resolve nothing. And yet they continue and get ever more heated. There was one I saw awhile back that bantered back and forth over whether or not it was okay to say, “Oh, my God” as an exclamation. The discussion included strong opinions on how wrong it is to exclaim “Jesus Christ” when a person is not referring to Him at all but only expressing emotion. There were multiple references to the 10 Commandments, particularly the third one concerning not taking God’s name in vain. One comment, however, summed up many people’s view: “Let’s not make a big deal of this. I’m sure God is secure enough that he can handle mere words that come out of people’s mouths.”

Mere words?

I agree with this comment in that God is secure in Himself, the most secure being in all of existence. But I disagree that the third commandment, which says we should not take God’s name in vain, is not a big deal. Even though the 10 Commandments are found in the Old Testament (Exodus 20), Jesus affirmed them all in one way or another. He even added His own commentary to some of them, making them even stronger. So, a Jesus follower needs to understand the heart behind these commandments because they seem to have been important to Him. Even in the prayer He modeled for us we say, “Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed (or holy) be your name.”

Thou Shalt Watch Your Mouth?

So, what does it mean to NOT take God’s name in vain? Is it referring to swearing? Well, yes. Kind of. One of the meanings of the English word vain’ or ‘vanity’ refers to that which has no significance, value, or importance. It is empty or hollow. Thus, one way to understand this commandment is that we are not to empty God’s name of its value or meaning. It has been common for thousands of years that individuals try to strengthen their words and oaths by swearing by the name of their gods. The God of Israel said, “You are not going to treat me as any common god or idol. You are going to set my name apart, holy and unique.”

This brings up another question. Why is God’s name something that needs to be protected and set apart? A name is just a word afterall.

But a name, particularly in the Bible, is more than just certain sound waves cast into the air. Along with a name comes an identity. And with that identity comes an understanding of the authority carried. What is done with the name of someone can bring either honor or shame, add value or cheapen. Depending on how a name is used, an individual’s character is either more greatly respected or dirtied. And thus there were things God instructed His people to not do. Certain behaviors by God’s people would taint His reputation among the surrounding cultures and misrepresent who He is.

“Do not permit any of your children to be offered as a sacrifice to Molech, for you must not bring shame on the name of your God. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 18:21 NLT

“Tell Aaron and his sons to be very careful with the sacred gifts that the Israelites set apart for me, so they do not bring shame on my holy name. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 22:2 NLT

My Behavior Influences How Others See God

So, what are some of the ways that we might take God’s name in vain even if we aren’t using it as a swear word?

We empty His name of all goodness and majesty bringing shame and ridicule on His character when we, His children, don’t value what He values. When we ignore what He has already told us because it doesn’t feel comfortable, we devalue His character in the eyes of those watching and listening. As a generation, we tend to discount holy behavior and careful speech as just for a certain type of person. It’s easy to disregard things like the third commandment with statements like, “That’s just not me.”

We, as His children, carry His name. Therefore, our behavior and attitudes can fill and confirm His reputation, His good and faithful character. Or we empty His name so that it is a meaningless shell, a dusty religious artifact, a mere word that blows through the air leaving no impact.

To make God’s name holy, as the Lord’s Prayer states, we have to see that He has given us His name to be our identity. He is our Father. We are His children. Jesus came to make us sons and daughters of God. Therefore, I have to think about my entire life, everything I do each day, how I treat my family, my co-workers, and even strangers as an offering unto Him.

I believe it does matter how I use the word by which we call the Most High God. But if all I ever concern myself with is not saying His name in a fit of emotion, I’m missing the point and am very likely to violate the Third Commandment and not even realize it.

I want to be more sensitive to both the honor and responsibility of carrying the name of the Lord as part of my identity. May He never be devalued in any person’s mind because of my lack of loving obedience.

I represent Him as a member of His family. That’s something I can’t get away from.

Response:

• What does it mean to me to be known as a son or daughter of God?
• How often do I think about how my actions and attitudes influence the thoughts those around me have about God’s character?
• What needs to change in my life so that I truly do not take the name of the Lord God in vain?
• Jesus, how can I bring greater honor to how you and our Heavenly Father are viewed today?