Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Listen to the Word

“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”  (Exodus 20:7)

The third commandment is bigger than simply a warning not to use God’s name as a curse word. The Hebrew phrase that is translated “misuse the name” is literally, “take up the name pointlessly.” God commands us not to speak his name flippantly, as if it doesn’t matter.

Don’t speak the name of the God of ages without realizing what you are doing. Don’t sing his name 73 times in a worship service when what you are really thinking about is the number of light bulbs in the sanctuary or the menu options for lunch. Don’t just shove his name into every gap in your prayers without thinking about the One you are addressing. Don’t say “God bless you” to someone who sneezes when what you are really thinking is, “don’t you dare sneeze on me, you nasty sick person.” We trash God’s name when we use it casually. We must be mindful that we are handling a precious treasure when his name is on our lips.

Live the Word

Prepare to pray by thinking about the One with whom you are speaking. After you have become sufficiently impressed with who he is, call his name and begin to pray.