Honouring God's Name
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Week 6 – Day 3 – Gods’ Law
Scripture: Exodus 20:7 (NKJV)
“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.”
Devotional:
I used to fly regularly with a great co-pilot who I always looked forward to serving with. He was personable and capable and he got along well with everyone. It was always a good day out with him. He did have an annoying habit however. He always cursed in the name of Jesus. He knew I was a Christian but was oblivious to the grating nature his curses had on me.
One day I could bear it no more. I asked him what his relationship was like with his mother. He adored his mum. Then I asked him how he would feel if I cursed in his mums name all the time. He admitted that he would be angry. Then I said “that’s how I feel when you curse in the name of Jesus.” He stared at me inquisitively. “When you curse in His name you denigrate the man who died the worst death imaginable on the cross so filthy sinners like you and me could have another chance. That man deserves respect and His name is Jesus Christ and He must never be mocked.”
He totally got it and rarely fell into that behaviour again. When he did he was always quick to apologise and I always smiled. The seed was planted and he has his journey.
The third commandment holds a profound significance in our relationship with God. It calls us to honour and reverence His name, recognising its sacredness and avoiding any misuse or disrespect. God’s name embodies His character, His majesty, and His authority. When we take His name in vain, we diminish its sanctity and dishonour the One it represents.
Reflection Questions:
- How do you personally understand the significance of God’s name?
- In what ways can we inadvertently dishonour God’s name in our daily lives?
- How can we actively honour and uphold the sanctity of God’s name in our speech and actions?
Prayer:
Gracious Father, Papa God, we come before You humbly, acknowledging the holiness of Your name. Help us, Lord, to guard our tongues and hearts, that we may never take Your name in vain. May our words and deeds bring glory to Your name, reflecting Your character to the world around us. Strengthen us to honour You in all that we do. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Graham Hood
