November 13, 2017 - - Exodus 20:7 The glory and honour of God

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 NKJV

The Hebrew word for "take" is "nasa" (pronounced naw-saw) and it means: to bear, lift, or carry. Understand then believers who bear the Name of Jesus, "Christian", whose words or actions bring discredit to the Name of Jesus are violating this commandment.

A gossipy woman bearing the title Christian is making God's Name empty.

A man who calls himself a Christian but neglects worship for whatever sport is in season is taking God's Name in vain.

Christians who, by their association with evil, bring disrepute to the Name and purposes of God are not held guiltless by God.

The Ten Commandments require Christians to alter their attitude towards life, towards others and towards things. Relationship with God changes everything for the believer. How a follower of Jesus Christ lives out these commandments either reveals the glory of Jesus' Name or by association drags His Name into the mud.

Why? Jesus Himself taught: "For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother" (Mark 3:35). If we claim to belong to Jesus, but our words, actions or inaction, empty His Name of the very glory which is due His Name, then we are violating the third commandment.

The Spirit warns us: "Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away" (Hebrews 2:1). Following Jesus and living out His will for our lives requires intentionality and effort. We must always aim for the highest good in His Name.

Forgive me, God! I confess I am lazy with regards to Your honour. I admit it is easy to just drift from thing to thing and so by my actions link Your Name to my poor conduct. Spirit of the Living God, awaken my soul to the glory which is mine in Christ Jesus. Rouse me from my slothfulness. As Jesus is the Highest Good and Greatest Prize, let my words and my actions, the things I choose not to do or partake in, show my dedication to Him. I repent of my sin. I ask You to empower me, moment by moment to carry Your Name with honour wherever I go. For the sake of Jesus and His reputation I pray. Amen.