"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)


What does it mean to take the Lord's name in vain and why is it such a big
issue?  There is more than one way to take the Lord's name in vain; although
we understand this, we often fail to remember it and apply the principle to
our daily lives.

We take the Lord's name in vain by hypocrisy, by not living up to the Name
we profess!  Read Matthew 15:7-9 and James 1:26.   We see so plainly that
drawing
nigh to God with our mouths, professing Him with our lips is not acceptable
if our hearts are not near to Him, if we do not live up to His standard of
righteousness.  If this is the way we live, our religion is in vain and our
hearts are deceived!

We take the Lord's name in vain by breaking covenant with God.  If we vow a
vow to the Lord, we are bound to Him by covenant.  When we do not perform
that
vow, we break covenant, thus taking the Lord's name in vain--not
recognizing or honoring His holiness and making a mockery of Him.  Read
Matthew 5:33, Ecclesiastes 5:4, and Galatians 6:5.  Our words are 
important to the Lord,
they are an expression of our heart (Matthew 15:18).  When we do not 
honor covenant,
we do not honor the Lord; when we break our vows or promises to Him, we take
His name in vain!

We take the name of the Lord in vain by using it with no purpose, in rash
swearing, coarse jesting, profanity; we use it without any just 
occasion for it.
  The Lord's name is holy and is not to be used lightly or carelessly, His
name is not to be used as an expletive or in any other casual or unwarranted
context.  When we say His name, it must be with all due reverence,
reflecting His holy and righteous estate for He is the Most Divine 
Eternal Father.

We're told that the Lord will NOT hold him guiltless who takes His name in
vain.  We may consider it a non-issue understanding that we didn't 
mean anything
by it, but He doesn't see it that way!  Who is man that he should be so
casual with the name of such a Holy God?

Pray and ask the Father to give you a sensitivity to the offensiveness of
taking His name in vain, to put a guard over your mouth, and to help 
you remember
that His name is holy and not to be used lightly.  Remember, that God
Himself will be the avenger of all those who take His name in 
vain.  He is jealous
for His honor ... we ought to be no less in our reverence of His name!

Prayer

Father, I confess ... I am guilty!  Forgive me, Lord, for not recognizing
just how awesome is your Name, for failing to understand that each time I use
it I call upon You and yet offer nothing because I've used Your name in
vain!  Oh, Father, forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness! Create
in me a pure heart and renew a right spirit within me.  Father, cleanse my
lips, and let only that which honors Your holiness and righteousness come forth
from my heart.  Sanctify me wholly, Lord, even the words that I speak
revealing the intent of my heart.  Father, I honor Your holiness, 
Your righteousness,
Your majesty, and Your power.  I am nothing in Your sight except that which
You have redeemed.  You have called me by name, help me to honor You with my
mouth at all times.  In Jesus' name, by His blood, and for His glory, amen
and amen!

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall
he also reap."  (Galatians 6:7)

Jan Ross

http://womenofpassions.net

http://p219.ezboard.com/bwomenofpassions

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,
serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer." (Romans 12:11-12)


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