September 1

The Lord's Name

"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold guiltless anyone who misuses His name." Exodus 20:7

We often think of this text in the area of not using the Lord's name as a curse. There is no question that this commandment was meant to convey that, but there is more that it conveys to us as Christians. The use of Jehovah's name should always be one that is filled with awe and reverence and great respect, for He is the Creator of the Universe. There is no question that the Father who saved us should be adored, but there is more. As Christians, we have taken on the "family name". If we claim to be Jehovah's sons and daughters, we have a responsibility to live up to all that His name deserves. That is an awesome responsibility! Are we bringing honor and glory to the name of the One we claim to serve? Do our spouses, our children, our neighbors, our coworkers know who our Father is? Are we making our Father proud of us? Have we brought honor or dishonor to His name with our actions? In Romans 2:24, Paul told his fellow Jews, "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." What a startling text! They were bringing dishonor to their God by their actions and in doing so, turning others away from Christ. The way we as Christians live can make all the difference in how unbelievers see our Father and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are being watched by all with whom we come in contact. If we live as God's Son, if Jesus Christ shines through our lives, we will bring glory and honor to Jehovah. His name will be honored. Let each of us resolve this day to not take Jehovah's name in vain. Live your life worthy of Jehovah and in doing so bring Him all the honor and glory that is due Him.

Father, may we never take your name in vain. How we pray that our lives might never bring you shame, but only glory and honor for that is what you truly deserve! We are so blessed to have been adopted as your sons and daughters, though we are so undeserving. How we long to make you proud of who we have become because of your grace! May we always live worthy of the name of your dear Son, that others will be drawn to Him. May our lives bring you glory and honor and praise forever! Amen.