Taking the Lord's Name in Vain - The Third Commandment

Monday, April 9, 2012

Most people, even those who are not Christians, know some of the Ten Commandments. While all of the Ten Commandments get broken, some of them are broken more often than others and by Christians themselves.

Most Commonly Known Commandments

Commandment Six - Thou shalt not kill.
Commandment Eight - Thou shalt not steal.

and even,

Commandment Five - Honour thy Father and Mother.

But, what about the other seven Commandments? Especially, Commandment number three? The Third Commandment seems to be one that gets broken the most. Why is this?

Exodus 20:7 KJV

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord they God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

The Third Commandment Today

Just about every television show you turn on today uses the Lord's name in vain. Even cartoons have this problem. And, yes, it is a major problem. How do we expect our children to know what is right and wrong, to love God, and to grow up to be strong Christian adults if we can't teach them one of the simplest of the Ten Commandments?

In case you didn't realize...

Saying, "Oh my," then, "God", is using the Lord's name in vain. Even using the letters O, M, and G are wrong as they stand for the same thing. Even if you are not using the letters to mean this, what do other people think you are saying? As Christians, we should strive to be the best we can be for God.

What about this old saying?

"Lordy, Lordy, Look who's forty?"

Have you heard or used this? What does it have to do with the Lord? Nothing.

Today's society tends to throw God's name around everywhere that it doesn't belong. His name should be used correctly.

Using God's Name Correctly

The only time we should use God's name is when:

1. We are talking TO him.
2. We are talking ABOUT him.
3. We are PRAISING him.
4. We are READING about him.

God's name is holy and shouldn't be thrown around without any thought at all. The next time you use the Lord's name in vain, stop and think about what you've done.

• You have just broken the Third Commandment.
• You have just acted like everyone else in this world who doesn't think enough about God to use his name correctly.
• You have given others a reason to believe it is acceptable.
• You are not showing others you are a Christian.

Of course, this doesn't mean you are not a Christian. It just means you need to correct yourself now, ask for God's forgiveness, and get back on track!


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