What does it mean to take God's name in vain?
"Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will find guilty anyone who misuses his name" (Exodus 20:7).
"Do not take an oath and give false witness in my name. That would be treating it as if it were not holy. I am the LORD your God" (Leviticus 19:12).
"So eat and drink and do everything else for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Many times, people use God’s name when they are excited, frustrated, or scared. But most of the time, people don’t mean it as a prayer to God, so they are taking His name in vain.God is holy, which means that is He is pure, without any sin. God is also the all-powerful Creator of the entire universe, including us. God’s name represents who He is. So to take God’s name in vain is to treat His pure character with disrespect.
God’s name should be spoken of with honor, praise, and awe. Those who take God’s name in vain need to realize God is offended. If you, as a believer in Jesus Christ, use God’s (or Jesus Christ’s) name in vain, confess that sin to the Lord (1 John 1:9), and ask Him to help you to speak words that bring honor to God and His Son.
If those who don’t follow Jesus accept Him as their Savior (Romans 10:9–13), God’s Spirit will change their hearts so their speech honors God’s name. If you would like to know more about following Jesus, click here.
