There are some things that grab my attention in such a way that I cannot let it go. So I thought since my mind won’t let me let it go, why not share it here on my blog.
These verses found in Exodus 20:7 and Deuteronomy 5:11 are just a couple of things that have grabbed my attention.
“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 KJV
“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.” -Deuteronomy 5:11 KJV
The English word “vain” in these verses is from the transliteration of the Hebrew word “shav,” meaning “without value, valueless, worthless, frivolous.” To say these verses are pertaining to perjury or lying under oath, not holding to one’s word, and using the name of God to swear falsely when making a vow is an accurate interpretation of the verse. However, it also means that we are not to render the Lord’s name as empty speech, as if His name is futile or insignificant.
We are commanded not to take the name of the Lord our God in vain, and His name is not to be used frivolously. Nowhere will we find in the Scriptures, “I highly recommend that you don’t take the name of the Lord your God in vain,” and we definitely won’t find, “I suggest that you don’t take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” We are commanded, “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.”
This is what the Psalmist declared in Psalm 30:4, “Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.” Some translations state the latter part of that verse as, “and praise His holy name.” God is holy. Therefore, His name is holy. So then we each must come to a point when we ask ourselves how we cannot be concerned or take care of how we use His name? King David said, “and praise His holy name.” If King David recognized the name of the Lord as holy, then shouldn’t we be cautious in not taking God’s holy name capriciously? I would have to say, in accordance with God’s Word, that we must be cautious of how we use the Lord’s name.
To take the name of the Lord in vain is defined as “not a prayer.” While I understand it may be popular and cultural to use “Oh my God,” “OMG,” “Oh Lord, or “Oh my Lord” (the list goes on), culture and popularity has zero clout when it comes to God, His Word, and His commands. Even the name of Jesus is used as a swear to the point where it has become so commonplace that no one even bats an eye. How did we ever get to this point where it is considered acceptable within the churches to drop “Jesus” as a swear rather than calling out to Him in prayer? Just because culture says something is okay to say doesn’t mean that God approves.
The Lord’s name has significance. He is the Living God, Eternal Father, and Mighty To Save. How do we even dare use His name without concern or care of how we use His name. If we are going to claim to bear His name, then we must not bring reproach to the name we claim to bear. Let us remember to always bring honor, praise, and glory to His name.
In His Service,
Linda A. Knowles
Stained Glass Confessions 