Insights in the Third Commandment

“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7

The third commandment addresses our attitude and approach to God. Simply put, the name of God should be honored and protected. God’s name should never be used for any idle or insincere purpose. How often is God’s name used to curse or as an expression of anger, and frustration! Often He is the subject of jokes and frivolous conversation. To use God’s name with such disregard for His character, authority, and person is to elevate oneself above God. What person under the authority of God would speak of, or refer to, their holy King in this way?

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

Although the most obvious violation is in the words we speak, perhaps the most common violation is in the way we live. Do we profess a life of Christianity or devotion to God? If so, the name of God is on display through the way we live. We wear His name as we would a piece of clothing. It is by His name we are identified. Our lifestyle is expected to portray the moral values, character, and virtues of God. The character we display in our public and private lives must be consistent with the qualities the name of God represents.

“Religious Leaders Blaspheme Christ’s Name ?”
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