Exodus 20:7

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

This, of course, is one of the ten commandments given to Moses from God.

Thoughts for the day...
This is actually a verse that has been on my mind for a few weeks now, ever since I heard Wally discussing it with listeners on the radio (those of you who listen to WAY-FM here in Nashville know Wally). I had never really given much thought to the verse before that day, but for some reason, God really put it on my heart to think on these words, and I have been since that time. The only thought I had given to this verse before is the same thought that Wally was giving it, which is the same thought I had given it growing up, which is the same thought probably many of my friends have given it: don't cuss using God's name. Be honest now: how many of you grew up believing that's what the verse meant? (I'm raising my hand.) I don't believe now that that's what this verse is telling us at all. Before I go further, let me be clear that it does bother me very much when someone says "God D*****" or "Jesus Christ" when they're upset. But the heart of this verse is all about our hearts.

When we decide to follow God, we become God followers. When we decide to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we become Christians. We are literally taking God's name. (To clarify my point, when Lisa married me, she took my name and became a Noorman.) The phrase "in vain" means (according to Mr. Webster) "to no purpose." Therefore, when I've taken God's name in vain, I've done something that does not have the purpose of glorifying Him. And that, I believe, is what God is telling us in this commandment. 

When I've taken God's name, when I've taken the name of Christ--as I have--I must now strive to be holy. Can I do this? Most of the time, I'm certainly trying my best. But many times, I have failed. Many times, I have fallen in my walk with Him. I misrepresent the name of Christ when I do what I shouldn't do. This verse is about always doing what is right, and to steal from a popular saying from the 90s, it's all about asking myself, "What would Jesus do?" When I don't stop and think about that, and I do the exact opposite of what Jesus would do, I'm not being a good representative of Christ, and I'm taking His name in vain. My belief about this verse is why I believe it's one of the most difficult commandments that God has given us.

My Prayer
Father, it pains me to think about how many times I have taken Your name in vain; that is, how many times I've done things that do not have the purpose of glorifying You. Thank you for your forgiveness when I fall. Thank you for Your loving hands that always help me back up after a fall. Help me to always be thinking on Your word, that I would do what is right, that I would strive to be holy, that in all things I would do what Jesus would do.