What's In a Name?

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Exodus 20:7 (KJV) 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.

What it is speaking to me:

Names have power. Think about when we love to use names. We love having a name that "get us in". The back entrance to the cool hang out place, just say "We know [insert name here]." The discount at the store, "just tell em [insert name here] sent you." We love it. And these are silly examples of how names actually do have power.

In the ancient world, a name was your essence, your character, in some cases, your life story compressed into a word. When God tasked Adam with naming the animals it was an act of authority, a task with real weight to it. And it's why when God turned someone toward a new calling, He changed their name to match it. Abram became Abraham. Jacob became Israel. Simon became Peter.

When God says don't take His name in vain, He's is not talking about a rule to avoid "no-no" words. He is trying to communicate to us the power of His name. His name, His character, His person are connected.

• When you see the Christian invoke the name of God to judge their country, a political party, or other Christians on social media....vanity.

• When you see someone invoke the name of God for the sake of a joke...vanity.

• When someone comes to you with a "God told me..." vanity.

• When you go to someone with a "God told me..." well you get the point.

Attach His name to something false, careless, or selfish, and we are abusing His names power. We are not just saddening our childhood Sunday school teacher, we're misusing a name. HIS name. And He is always listening...

What is it saying to you?

How do you keep from using His name in vain?

What are we going to do about it?

Next time you use God's name...consider it before using it. Why and how are you using it, and should you be?