Guard the Name

Guard the Name

“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.” Exodus 20:7

Because God values his Name, he guards and protects it with the guardrail of the third of the Ten Commandments, “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.” Exodus 20:7

Each of the Ten Commandments protects something of ultimate value. The third commandment keeps us from using the Name of God casually, unthinkingly, or for our own purposes.

God’s Name should never be used lightly or flippantly. Recently, I overheard a parent correcting their child from thoughtlessly using God's Name in casual conversation. The child tried to defend themselves by saying, "But dad, I didn't mean anything by it." The father simply responded with a big smile and said, "exactly!"

When you hold the Name of the Lord in high value, you, too, will protect it, honor it, and use it to express his character, his worth, and his fame. Never underestimate the potency of the Name. And never use it unintentionally.

Loving Father, I resolve today to appropriately guard your Name and use it only and often to express your glory.

YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.