Following all Ten Commandments is exceptionally critical to our spiritual well-being. But when a commandment makes it into the TOP 3, we know to pay attention to it.
Exodus 20:7
Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
What Is Taking The Lord’s Name In Vain and Why Is Harmful To Us?
When we take God’s name in vain, we treat it in a worthless way. We fail to give God’s name the reverence it deserves. And we treat God’s name in a way that makes it meaningless. Taking the Lord’s name in vain includes speaking of God in a way that empties Him of His significance.
How Exactly Could We Commit This Offense
When we replace a curse word with a name of God (ie. God, Jesus Christ, Good Lord), that is an example of using God’s name in vain.
We do it when we “swear to God.” Jesus specifically warned us about this. He said that if we live our lives with integrity, our “yes” or “no” should be enough to have others believe us (Matthew 5:37).
People can inadvertently take the Lord’s name in vain when they say that God has moved them to reveal something that He spoke to them.. Saying that God is speaking to you and asking you to reveal what you’re boing told is serious business. We should be sure when we say this (Deuteronomy 18:20).
One way we can take God’s name in vain is by calling ourselves a Christian and then not living in a Christlike manner. Very simply, we should not take the name of Christ by calling ourselves Christian and then misrepresent Christ by not acting in a Christlike way.
It may seem innocent enough, but another way we can take God’s name in vain is with euphemisms. A euphemism is a mild or vague expression that replaces a more offensive word or expression. Examples might be O-M-G (Oh my God), gosh (God), geez and crackers (Jesus Christ), or crikey (Christ). With practice and attention we can break this bad habit and eliminate these euphemisms from our daily speech.
Did You Take God’s Name In Vain? Here’s What You Should Do!
When most Christians take the Lord’s name in vain, it’s usually because of a thoughtless slip of the tongue or because a bad verbal habit. But scripture gives us a means to repent from this sin.
Proverbs 28:13
He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper;
But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.
But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.
Simply own up to it and work on renouncing this sin. A little “spiritual elbow grease” is all it takes to ensure that your mouth is used for its correct purpose … giving God all the thanks and praise that He deserves.
