God’s third commandment reads, “thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7) Now, do you know what it means to take the name of the Lord God in vain? It could be using God’s name as a cuss word. You’ve heard the word, “oh my g..” and others that people use to profane God. It could also be when people jokingly use God’s name, which is also blasphemy and rude. God does not tolerate it when people blaspheme His Name. And the people that do this willfully are declared to be wicked in God’s sight. Just think of what David said about these people. It is written, “surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?” (Psalm 139:19-21) I hope that this helps you understand how evil people are when they take the Lord’s name in vain. They truly show their hatred towards God when they do this.
What we just read comes from the old testament of the Bible. However, that doesn’t matter, for what was spoken in this commandment carries through to the new testament also. To help make this point crystal clear see what Paul said. It is written, “let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.” (1 Timothy 6:1) So if you are God’s servant and/or a true believer, then dishonoring the Lord and taking His Name in vain will not happen. And if it does, then know that you just blasphemed God in your word and conduct. This is very serious for you are now guilty in His sight. James also said, “do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?” (James 2:7) So many people profane the Lord all the time in what they do and say, while not even realizing it. Thankfully, God’s true followers do not do this, and if they slip the tongue, they confess their sins openly to the Lord and pray for His forgiveness and mercy. Cussing is awful, but taking the Name of the Lord God in vain is much worse. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I love You and Your ways so much that disgracing You with my words and deeds is something that would kill me inside to do. Therefore, cussing is out of the question, but more importantly not taking Your Name in vain. Thank You for giving me wisdom on this matter and for keeping my faith alive although I work with people who swear like sailors. Only You are able to help me keep my cool and not lash out at them when they say such mean things and also profane You with their mouths. So help me Lord, that I might know what to say to them. I don’t want people to lash out at me for telling them what they are doing is wrong. All I ask is that You help me find words to say that will also bring peace, while not losing trust in my colleagues. I know that I chose this job after a year and a half at my last job. I was blessed to not be in the company of people that took Your name in vain then, but unfortunately, this is not the case now. I cannot just keep ignoring them, and only You can help me know when to say something and also what to say in that moment. I believe in You. I love You, Lord. Amen.
