Do not misuse God’s name

We show our love to God by honoring and obeying Him. We should respect and worship Him to the greatest of our abilities. One of the most important ways to respect God is found in the Third Commandment. The Third Commandment concerns the sanctity of God’s name. We are commanded by God to honor and respect His 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). “Vain” means empty, useless, false, unreal, and worthless. In short, taking God’s name in vain refers to the abuse, misuse, blasphemy, cursing, or manipulation of the Lord’s name.

In Matthew 22:40 Christ asserts the proper attitude we should have towards God: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.” To love God is to respect and honor Him. God loves us just as our parents do. Like our parents, He shows us His love by instructing and guiding us. Our relationship with Him can be peaceful and strong if we follow His instruction with respect and loyalty. Reverencing God in all ways is how we show our respect and loyalty. Since God is good, all good things should be associated with Him and, that includes His name. We are well blessed for having a proper relationship with God. God intends that we bear His name someday (Revelation 3:12; 14:1)! Our blessing is becoming part of the God family and living with Him in His Kingdom forever. It is a reward of eternal life!

II TIMOTHY 2:19: “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”