I wrote this blog entry on New Year’s Eve.
On this New Year’s Eve, I contemplate what the New Year will hold in the future 365 days.
Will I continue to hear His name taken in vain over and over again, even more than last year? Is that even possible? I surely hope not, and I pray not, too!
God’s name has been used in vain repeatedly by His own creation on a daily basis. It’s absolutely horrifying how many times God’s name is spoken as profanity. It is blasphemous. It is abuse.
“And you shall not swear by my name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:12)
Where is the respect for the One who created you? We did not just evolve. That is impossible and ignorant. Look around! Man creates beautiful things because our beautiful God created us!
“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities — His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” (Romans 1:20)
I hear the disrespect all the time against His great name. I hear it everywhere. I’m sick of it! I can’t even imagine how God feels each time His name is repeatedly used in vain. No regard is given to the words being spoken.
The great name of God (the Father) and the name of Jesus Christ (the Son) should both be treated with honor, respect, and holiness.
The third of the 10 Commandments sets forth God’s law on this subject:
“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.” (Exodus 20:7 — [my emphasis in bold])
If those who speak these phrases, using God’s name in vain, do not seek to be forgiven, their offense will be held against them. If one does repent (ask for forgiveness and stop the offense), then one can be forgiven.
However, if one speaks this offense against the Holy Spirit, the Bible says that one may never receive His forgiveness.
“Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation — because they said, ‘He has an unclean spirit.’” (Mark 3:28-30)
Jesus Christ humbled Himself in such a way that He was no longer or barely recognizable after all the horrible and excruciating agony He endured for each and every one of us to be eligible for eternal salvation.
“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in Heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)
The great name of God, the name of Jesus Christ, “the name above every name,” the name of the Lord is to be exalted.
His name is not meant for graphic disrespect in swearing and demeaning ways!
God warns us that we will reap the consequences of our speech and what we sow. For we all sow, whether good or bad.
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galations 6:7)
God’s name is great, holy, righteous, and good. He is our mighty strong tower. His name is beautiful, great, mighty, and wonderful. His names are forevermore eternal.
There is love, healing, joy, and great gain in the name of the Lord. There is eternal life of peace and everlasting joy in speaking His name. The future is bright and great in His great name.
“Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed…” (Acts 3:16)
“… Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” (John 16:24)
Why would you want to display your unrighteousness when using God’s name in such a way that is disgraceful? Think before you speak. You will be held to a higher standard than you ever thought possible.
“But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” (Matthew 12:36)
“God is love” (1 John 4:8 and 1 John 4:16). Why would you speak against pure love? Don’t! Speak in love and respect His Holy name!
“I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.” (Psalm 7:17)
Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.
God’s Word for Today: God says, “So I will make My holy name known in the midst of My people Israel, and I will not let them profane My holy name anymore. Then the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel.” (Ezekiel 39:7)
Copyright © 2013 by Patricia Shehan
