DON’T TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN 

«l love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me» (Proverbs 8:17). 

What does the Lord mean when He says: «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).

In the Scriptures, a name indicated what a person or object could be known for. The biblical concept of naming was based on the ancient notion that a name expresses the essence of the one whose name it was. Therefore, to know the name of a person, a place, or an object was to know the character and nature of the one who possessed it. This is how we see Adam naming animals according to their nature (Genesis 2:19, 20). In the case of God, in the Bible, His name and His person are inseparably related. However, since it is impossible to reflect His character in just one way, in the Scriptures He is revealed under different names, which let us see His multiform grace. Through His various names, the Lord could reveal Himself to His people to give them the assurance of His presence.

So what is the meaning of the third commandment? In fact, God is saying: «I am a real person and not an abstract idea or a human myth. Do not take Me lightly or take sacred things lightly, learn to respect everything that My person evokes: My Holy Book, My place of worship, My messengers, My day of rest, My rituals and special ceremonies.» The keyword is reverence. Yes, reverence is respect, praise, adoration. Reverence is respect for the Lord. And while it is true that many people insult, denigrate, and openly despise the God of the Bible, the warning of Scripture is that one day they will receive their due punishment.

Those who are reverent cannot forget a great truth on the part of God: «You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you» (John 15:16). That is to say, that we should not place ourselves as the center of our spiritual experience, imposing some kind of demand or attitude when it comes to worshiping God, as if it were a favor we make to heaven, but rather concentrate on the heavenly Father, remembering that it is to Him that we owe our salvation and the opportunity to live.

Today give the best of your life to the loving God and come to know Him as it is your privilege.