HONORING GOD’S NAME

Exodus 20:7 states, "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."

This is one of the 10 commandments given to the Israelites by the hand of God.  So... what exactly is God commanding us here? First, let us look at this word "vain."  In the original Hebrew this word means "useless."  In other words, God is telling us not to use His name in a useless or empty way.  This should be a reminder to us that there is something really special about the name of God.  His name is holy and perfect.  God doesn't want His people using His name like the world uses it.  We are the people who should revere and honor His name.  Many Christians today believe it is okay to say, "O my God!" because they have heard it in the world on a daily basis.  Although it may seem insignificant or trivial to some, let us be challenged to be set apart from the rest of the world.  Psalm 113:3 states, "From the rising of the sun to its going down The Lord's name is to be praised."  

A few months ago I heard one of my own children say, "O my Gosh!" Since that sounds almost the same as "O my God," I took that opportunity to teach my own children this very principle.  Now they say, "Oh my goodness!"  I desire my children to stay as far away from evil as possible.  I don't want them to walk the rope.  I want them to "...hate what is evil. Cling to what is good." (Romans 12:9)  

If the way you are using God's name is questionable, consider not using it that way.  Consider the man after God's own heart and the way he honored God's name...

Psalm 145:1-21 states, "I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever.  Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever.  Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable.  One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts... and I will declare Your greatness...  all Your works shall praise You, O Lord, and Your saints shall bless You.  They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, and talk of your power, to make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom... The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.  He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them... My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh shall bless His holy name forever and ever."