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Exodus 20:7 – 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. (NKJV)
Recently, while dining out with some friends and acquaintances, one person at our table began a tirade about the food that had been presented that evening, using Christ's name in vain. This has happened on more than one occasion, so I made a personal commitment to call him on this behaviour. Then, when given the opportunity, I let him know that the name of someone I love, used in this derogatory manner, is offensive to me by stating, "Please don't use Jesus Christ's name in your negative speech." He replied, "I love Jesus too; I never realized that pronouncing His name in that manner would be unacceptable to you." With that statement, one of the others in my company proceeded to quote our Scripture for today.
This experience led me to realize that many people who use God's name in vain really don't understand that their language is offensive to those of us who revere the Lord. This particular individual became pensive after our initial exchange, saying that it would be difficult for him to change, since he has been speaking this way his whole life. However, it is not an impossible habit to break. The answer is simple: The more we get to know God through the revelation of His Word, the more we will love His Son Jesus Christ; His wonderful name will become precious to us.
At this point, I was drawn to the Scriptures to help me understand the significance of the believer's adoration for the name of the Lord. The people of the Bible were very conscious of the meaning of names. They believed that there was a vital connection between the name and the person which it identified; nowhere is this connection more important than in the names referring to God.
Jesus taught us how to address the Father in the following manner: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name." (Matthew 6:9b NKJV) The dictionary defines "hallowed" as sanctified; consecrated, honoured, revered, and holy: belonging to or derived from or associated with a divine power, worthy of religious reverence; "the sacred name of Jesus".
Therefore, let us assist others, as the situations arise, to understand the importance of God's name and how it should be used. A hymn familiar to many, which describes our love and admiration for the name of Jesus is entitled "The name of Jesus is so sweet". Let us pay close attention to the words:
- The name of Jesus is so sweet,
I love its music to repeat;
It makes my joys full and complete,
The precious name of Jesus!
Refrain
"Jesus," O how sweet the name!
"Jesus," every day the same;
"Jesus," let all saints proclaim
Its worthy praise forever!
by William C. Martin
Have you called on Jesus today? Then, let others know how much His name means to you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come in adoration to You for Your many blessings. We thank You for giving us Your Son, Jesus Christ, Whose name we revere. Our hearts rejoice as we think about how Jesus suffered, died, and rose again to gain us our salvation and our eternal home in Your presence. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Thursday, January 16, 2025 – In the Middle East — Right now, the highlight of my week is my informal language lessons with my friend. I really enjoy discussing different topics with her and asking cultural questions. A few weeks ago, I told her the story of Jesus's death and resurrection. Pray that God continues to speak to her, and that she would come to faith in Christ.
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Thanks for a good word Parise.
Praising the name above all names with you today, Blessings.
Well spoken my dear sister. A subject worthy of our focus.
Have a blessed day.
Thank you Parise for sharing this with us and for such boldness in the Lord that you had that day.
Blessings.
YES!
Thanks for writing to us, Parise.
Continue in your well-doing, I pray.
Good day to you
It is a wonderful devotion to start a day. I know we are all guilty of saying our Saviors name at a wrong time.
Am glad I read this because I really would share this with my friends.
It gives me pleasure to read this powerful and inspiring devotion.
May God continue to guide you and keep inspiring us.
(Trinidad)
Dear Parise
Thank you for this beautiful testimony which brings glory to the Name of our Savior. Unfortunately, it’s a common experience to hear the Lord’s Name being used for cursing instead of blessing; however, your message brought to mind this future scene which is depicted in Philippians 2:9-11: Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
In the meantime, may we also have the courage to speak out regarding the sacredness of Jesus’ Name and the eternal blessings He has promised to all those who call upon Him in reverence and faith.
Dear Parise, wow I don’t think your message today was coincidental, as it sure hit home for me. During the night I had a dream or vision, not sure which wherein my late husband who passed a few years ago was embracing me. He told me, “BLESS HIS HOLY NAME”. I was amazed when I checked the devotional today & see the title “The Holy Nam of Jesus”, In addition to that my late husband was dressed in his RCAF uniform like he was the day we met. How fitting this devotional, I do not take God’s name in vain, but I do read books that do just that, & when I see that in my mind I change the words to something else. Often wonder why authors feel they have to use God’s name like that to get their point across. Thank you for brining this to our attention.
Good topic Parise,
I only wish that I could be that polite with people that use the Lord’s name in vain. I have never really felt that one needs to be patient with such people. I feel that any person who has grown up in a Christian country or society should know very well that the Name of Christ and God are sacred to many people and just common courtesy should be enough to discourage using the Name in vain. The little interjections, “Do you Know Him?” and others like it, I feel is too mild. I see no reason why one should be reticent about saying ..of course with all the politeness possible, “I wonder if you might not use the name of the Lord and Father in what you are saying…it spoils what you are saying for us….do go on…” One might also add the mollifying “Old Chap”, or “There’s a good fellow” to the admonition, Naturally some discomfort will be felt but one need not feel embarrassed. And if it is done within the conversation others in the company will know where one stands.
Blessings.