Recently while studying a Michael Horton book, “The Law of Perfect Freedom”, I was reflecting on the many times that I have read / heard that verse in 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.
Throughout my Christian life I have understood the idea of not using the name of God, Jesus Christ in any form of conversation that did not exalt these names above all. Certainly the culture we live in has done everything possible to demean, degrade and blaspheme the name of our LORD Jesus. Even in the world of texting, it is common to see OMG which for some might be “Oh my gosh”…close enough.
Is there more to this commandment than just our language? What about the name “Christian” that is imparted when you become a born again beleiver? How do we do wearing that label? That is also taking the LORD’s name. In other words, the 3rd commandment is much more than our ability to control our language, its our entire being, our attitudes, actions and lifestyle – our ability to repent and extend forgiveness. We are bought with a price and we bring disgrace to the name of God when we profess much and possess little.