"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain," (Exodus 20:7) is the third commandment given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Often when we hear this command, we assume it prohibits using God's name as a swear word, which it does, because to do so would be the opposite of worshiping and honoring God.
But this command is about more than just bad language or using God's name in vain. It includes any use of God's name that is empty or frivolous, or speaking in a way that is insulting to God. When people speak in such a way about God, they are not taking seriously his wisdom or greatness.
Breaking promises and vows, particularly ones where his name has been invoked, is also forbidden by this command. Promises are very important in the Bible, and God takes them very seriously, particularly the ones that he has made. In keeping his promises, God's trustworthiness is at stake, which is an essential part of his character. As his followers, God wants the same type of trustworthiness to be a part of our character, whether we have made a vow or promise in his name or not.
Comments
Taylor: I so appreciate what you wrote here and your other articles. I also write for the Examiner and try to cover a different angle with my emphasis being on Faith and Family and I write in many different styles and about many different things that affect families. I am so glad to see writers here in Atlanta who have such strong Christian values. I woke one morning and I felt God was leading me in a specific direction. I felt like God wanted me to write the Word of God into the news - but then I have always been an activist for Christ since I went door to door asking for signatures to keep prayer and Bible reading in school. I so appreciate this one today because it makes me feel so sad when I see so many people daily taking God's name in vain by swearing or cursing; but so many young people don't even know that it is wrong. My mother would have washed my mouth out with soap if she had ever heard me say that. I so agree with everything you wrote and hope it will sink into hear
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