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What it means to obey the third commandment
Growing up, I had no concern about saying, “Oh, my God!” But I would never use Jesus’ or God’s name as a curse word.
As an adult, I don’t say any of those words in anger or exclamation and cringe when I hear someone else say them.
Especially if the person claims to be a Christian.
In the Bible, the 10 Commandments include the admonition to not use the Lord’s name in vain.
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).
But what does that mean?
I believed it simply meant to not curse using God’s name. Casually using God’s name in phrases such as “Oh, my God!” or “Jesus!” are irreverent uses of God’s name. This shows the utmost disrespect for Him. But it’s not all that is meant by this command.
The word vain can mean “producing no good result”, “empty,” or worthless”. As Christians, we are not to take the name of God in any way that misuses it.
There are a few ways we may misuse God’s name:
- Cursing God or blaspheming and speaking sacrilegiously about Him
- Swearing by God’s name for a promise we don’t intend to keep (“I swear to God”)
- Making false claims to speak on God’s behalf
As believers, we need to guard our talk against any profanity. But it goes much further than that. We need to obey His teachings and commands. We need to revere God, respect His divine name, and obey His commands.
The name of God needs to be treated with respect, not only in our speech but also in how we live.
If we claim to be Christians and then live as if we are not, we take His name in vain.
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