In last week’s post, I emphasized two ways in which God’s name is sacred to devout Jews and Christians. His name is a covenant name and a memorial name.
Today, I want to explore a couple of questions about how we “handle” or use God’s name. My questions are based on God’s commandment to the Israelite nation in the second of the “Ten Commandments.” I know I am “jumping ahead,” knowing Moses has not yet led the Israelites out of bondage, but since we have been focusing on God’s name, this seems to be a good place to investigate what God says to His chosen people about His name. Here’s the commandment that gives birth to my questions.
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.” Exodus 20:7
God’s name is the covenant name and the memorial name given to His chosen people. Evangelical Christians believe God has made two covenants. The old covenant with Israel is contained in the writings of the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament (covenant), and the new covenant is included in the twenty-seven books of the New Testament. We believe all the promises of God are fulfilled in Jesus, the Christ. Jesus is the covenant/memorial name for us.
One question I have concerns those who are not in a covenant relationship with God. Is God’s expectation that non-believers keep this instruction regarding His name? We’ll come to the idea of “taking God’s name in vain” shortly, but for now, let’s think a little deeper about the implications of my question. Are non-believers expected to act as a believer should act?
First, the Commandments were God’s gift to His people, guiding their relationship with Him and others. These expectations, if followed, would bring God’s blessings and set the Israelites apart from their neighbors. These Laws were never intended to save them, but to prescribe the way of life of those who truly understood and trusted in His name, His character. As Paul explains in the book of Romans, the Commandments were a teacher, a reminder of one’s inability to keep the Law, and the necessity to turn to God in faith for his salvation.
Second, while I believe anyone who misuses God’s name is sinning, I would emphasize that the salvation, goodness, and blessings the name represents to believers should cause us to think, speak, and act in ways that honor His name. His name is special to us and should be handled with great care.
Then, what does it mean to “take God’s name in vain?” Webster defines vain as something of no real value or “lacks effectiveness.” Basically, this means the object or God’s name, in this case, is worthless, undeserving of respect. You get the point.
To take God’s name in vain involves disrespecting His character, trashing His reputation, and denying His authority in our lives. So, how does a person speak or act in a way that disrespects God?
What comes to mind to most of us is the use of God’s name, or a title for Him in a curse or some thoughtless statement. I well remember a time at the supper table, as a hungry teenager, “thanking God” that the food was finally ready. That didn’t sit well with Mom, and she questioned if I was really thanking Him, to which I shamefully answered, “No, Ma’am.” She heard something in my tone of voice, picking up something in my attitude that was disrespectful to God. It’s amazing how much I see and hear this kind of disrespect on TV and other places. This kind of disrespect for God’s name has no place in the life of a believer.
There is a broader context about “taking God’s name in vain” that we need to think seriously about. As believers, we belong to God through creation and redemption. Not only has he given us physical life, He has saved us and given us eternal life through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. We have been adopted into the family of God, given His Spirit, and all the promises of God are ours through Jesus. How then should we live?
We are His image-bearers. As His children, the goal of all our relationships should be to honor Him. The way we treat God, ourselves, and others is the life-crucible that gives evidence of whether we honor His name or “take it in vain.”
Let us love God by refraining from speaking His name foolishly, but also by living in a manner that will bring honor to Him. Blessings, Cos