Consider all that a person’s name invokes. The name of a favorite teacher, aunt, or a close friend. When you first learn a person’s name, doesn’t it often elicit an emotion that you associate with others with the same name? I immediately experience this kinship when I am introduced to a person who shares the name of one of my five sisters, my brother, my parents, my wife, or any of our children and grandchildren.
On the other hand, names that dredge up bad memories do just the opposite. When I was growing up, there was a boy down the street who was quite the bully. I haven’t seen him in decades, but even now, when I’m introduced to someone with the same name, I emotionally put up my guard.
Consider your own name. Throughout the course of your life, you have developed a reputation that is reflected in your name. You have worked hard to build your good reputation, and how upsetting would be if you heard someone slandering your name and your reputation? Now, consider how upset you would be if someone slandered the name and reputation of your mother, your spouse, son or daughter. Wouldn’t you immediately defend their reputation?
Then why, in this day and age, is it so acceptable for people to use the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, in ways that are offensive and that degrade His reputation? When you hear God’s name being used in a way that desecrates Him and His reputation, are you quick to defend His reputation… His holy name?
“Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
The second Commandment, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” instructs us to not use God’s name in a way that degrades God, and at the same time, it implies that we protect, honor and praise Him and His holy name, which is the above all names.
So, when you hear someone, possibly even yourself, using God’s name in a blasphemous way, what will you do? How will you respond to protect and respect the name of God, and extend to Him the glory that is above all names?
To dive deeper in your knowledge of learning and living the 10 Commandments on a daily basis in order to experience true joy and freedom, visit our 10 Commandments Page that corresponds to each of the 10 Commandments.
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