The editor of a newspaper was working furiously to meet a deadline. In his haste he knocked his faithful typewriter from his desk and it fell on his foot. The burst of pain caused him to begin swearing and take the Lord’s name in vain. In the middle of his cursing, his pastor walked in.
“John,” said the pastor, “you should not swear like that. It’s not right.”
“Reverend,” he asked, “if it’s not right, would you teach me a better way?”
God’s Word teaches us that we must never use His name “in vain,” meaning that it is wrong for anyone to ask God to damage or destroy someone on their behalf. When we use His name in vain we are calling on Him to use His power to harm someone we are resentful of. It is asking God to use His strength or might in a way that is inconsistent with His very nature and being.
Whenever we use God’s name, it should be for a particular purpose. In particular, we are to call upon Him when we worship Him and praise His name. When we go to Him in prayer and call on Him for help, healing, guidance, strength or encouragement, we must remember that we are speaking with the Creator.
Whenever we hear someone using God’s name in vain we would do well to pause and pray for them. How anyone uses His name let’s us know of their relationship with Him – even you and I.
Prayer: Lord, Your name is stamped on every cell of our body and whatever we see in Your creation. May I carefully and prayerfully use and respect Your name whenever it crosses my lips or enters my mind. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Scripture: 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.
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