After God saved Israel from Egypt He began to give them His commandments that they would have to live by in faith and love if they were to be His special people. In the first couple of the “10 Commandments” God told Israel that there is no other god besides Him, the LORD God Almighty. They were not to make any idols to worship. He alone is to be feared. He alone is to be loved. He alone is to be worshiped. God then told them how they were to revere Him and respect His holy name. He said, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7). The people of Israel were not to treat God’s name irreverently. Not flippantly or falsely. God’s name was no joke. God’s name is a very serious matter. Israel needed to know that before they ever got around to using God’s name in any other fashion besides giving worship or praise.
God meant it then and God means it now. God has not changed. His name has not changed. His holiness has not changed. Therefore, our reverence for His name must not change. The name of God is to be held in honor and praise. God is to be worshipped and glorified. We are not to swear by His name or use it in vain. God is our Creator. He is the great “I AM.” He is awesome. He is supreme. He is our LORD. How we treat His name matters and is of the utmost importance.
Sadly, though, God’s name is used all day every day in vain and filthy language. Many have no hesitation when it comes to using God’s name in vain. Nowadays it is practically ingrained into our culture and society. Children learning from day one to use God’s name in vain. Children should be learning how awesome God is and grow to praise Him. But instead many grow up with a flippant, careless attitude about God and His name. People cuss with His name. Many, especially well intentioned believers, use euphemisms to cover up how bad it really is. Like OMG or “gosh.” Many simply use God’s name directly. Can we imagine how God must feel listening to that all the time? How His heart must break that so many, even children use His name in vain. Folks it just simply must not, cannot be.
What about you and me? Do we ever use God’s name in vain? We need to make sure that the only time we use God’s name is when we are praying, worshipping, or sharing God’s Word with someone. God is holy. God is awesome. God is to be feared and loved. If we love God and fear Him then we will not use His name in vain. It’s not pleasing to God. Don’t do it. Glorify His name. Exalt His holy name. Worship His great name.
A Cord of Blue 