“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
Everyday conversation in USA is constantly punctuated with “Oh my God!” The words reveal abject ignorance of the Ten Commandments, particularly the third one.
To break the third commandment is the use of the name of God that denies the true character of God. The Bible contains an awesome revelation of His character through His names and reveals the kind of God we worship. Who He is- is what He is.
The Lord commanded Israel not to use His name to swear or make an oath to verify their own character. God's people were to use His name to extol His character, to keep it holy, for “God will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”
God-fearers are reluctant to misuse the name of God in curses or silly slang. God won't put up with the irreverent use of His name. He does not forbid use of His name, but the misuse.
What does this mean to us? We must not curse, swear, use witchcraft, lie, or deceive by His name. Instead, we call upon His name in every trouble, pray, praise and give thanks in His Name. We use His name to extol and reveal His wondrous character.
HALLOW God's name: Jesus taught us to hallow God's name; to keep it holy. We keep it holy because we know who He is and what He has done for us.
PRAYER: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.You are my God. I honor your name. Amen