Over the next few days, I am writing down just a few thoughts about the Ten Commandments. They have captured my attention in our Women’s Bible study. Too often, we brush them off as no longer relevant, dusty old laws replaced somehow by something different. But while they are old and quite possibly seem dusty, they are pertinent to our lives today.
I wrote about the first two commandments here … Serve Him Only.
#3
“You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.”
Exodus 20:7
Did you grow up in a similar household to my husband and me? In our house, using “God” as a swear word or any of its variations like gosh, golly, etc. was strictly prohibited. This strict adherence to language is based on the third commandment of the Bible. While it was good and helpful, it doesn’t fully capture the essence of the law.
Alternatively, perhaps your parents, like mine, reminded you of “whose” you were before you left the house as a teenager to party with your friends. They might have been referring to the family name, or if you came from a Christian home, they might have wanted you to remember that you belong to God. This idea of representing the family name is also rooted in the third commandment.
In Scripture, names had significance. They represented one’s character or reputation. In the first line of the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us, saying, “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name – or may your name be kept holy.” When we keep His name holy, we exalt God’s character.
Then, notice what the Apostle Paul says to the Thessalonians – the name of the Lord is honored by the way we live!
“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
According to the author of Hebrews (13:15), we proclaim our allegiance to God’s name when we offer the fruit of our lips – praising God for who He is!
Summary
One might paraphrase the third commandment this way: Do not treat my name as unimportant, meaningless, or insignificant. Instead, speak the truth when you talk about me and show me your affection. Respect, love, trust, and cherish me. Allow me to fulfill your heart’s desires.
Remember whose You are … even when no one is looking.
PS … there are numerous scriptures that use the phrase “for your name’s sake” or variations of it. I see a future post on that topic soon!
Prayer
Father, for your name’s sake you
Lead us in paths of righteousness,
For Your name’s sake, you deliver us;
Saving us for Your own pleasure;
Continue to help us for Your name’s sake –
Out of the goodness of Your love,
Deliver us for your glory and praise. Amen.
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