Taking the Lord's Name in Vain
When I married Randy Blake, I changed my last name Beverly to Blake. I took his name to be my name. I am now a Blake. I chose to identify with the Blake family.
"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 KJV)
We are familiar with this commandment. We have learned that it is wrong to say God's name flippantly or casually, but this Sunday, I was presented with a different way of looking at this verse.
The word "Christian" means "little Christ" -
a follower and imitator of Christ.
When I say that I am a Christian, I am "taking His name." I am choosing to identify with the name of Christ.
If I don't live like a Christian - if I am selfish and discontent, if I don't show love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control - then the name Christian means nothing. It is making a mockery of it. It is "taking the LORD's name in vain."
Even if I haven't spoken a word, but I have displayed an ungodly attitude, I have broken God's commandment. I have shamed the name of Christ.
I don't want Him to be ashamed of me.
Lord, help me to live my life for You. May others know I am a Christian by my life and not only by my words. Forgive me for the times that I have shamed You. May I live worthy of Your Name. Amen
3 comments:
Oh, I LOVE this - and had never thought of it this way. Thanks for sharing this.
I'm not sure I've thought of this way either, but it makes sense. The verse that just came to my mind is "In Him, we live and move and have our being...we are His offspring." And "My life is now hidden with Christ in God." So yea, when I live in the flesh instead of in Him, I'm living in vain...that's idolatrous. Great message, Vonnie! Got my thoughts spinning. Thank you!
Thank you, Vonnie for sharing this powerful post. You've definitely given me new insight ! And to your prayer, I add my, Amen!
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