Exodus 20

“You shall not misuse the Name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His Name.” Exodus 20:7 NIV

We are commanded not to take God’s name lightly or frivolously.  To “take the Lord’s name in vain” means more than attaching a curse word to His name.  It means to speak His name in such a way that our words are useless, foolish, or irreverent. This sometimes happens when we casually use His name as a verbal exclamation.  Saying things like “Oh, my God” when you see something shocking or hear surprising news.  His name is more than just a phrase that we use matter of factly.  The name of the Lord represents great power.  It is very important that we return to a reverential fear and awe of God, His name, and His work.  We need to have such respect for the Lord and His name that we are afraid to speak any of those holy names without purpose.  “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name…’”  It is significant that Jesus instructed His disciples to give proper respect and honor to God’s name when they began their prayers.  If such a reminder was necessary in Jesus’ day, how much more is it needed in ours?  “God,” “Jesus,” and “Christ” are used today as part of curses, jokes, unkept promises, and meaningless conversations/phrases.  God’s name is read and heard so often in modern media that we can become numb to how often it is defamed and dishonored.  Ask God to reveal to you the power and weight of His name, and when you do use it, honor it and use it respectfully.