“‘You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.'” Exodus 20:7 (NIV)
God’s Name represents His nature and His character. God is holy, immutable, eternal, omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. God was never born and He will never die. God is love, compassion, mercy, grace, justice, perfection, and righteousness.
When Abraham encountered God, he fell facedown (Gen. 17:1-3). When Moses encountered God, he hid his face (Exod. 3:1-6). Joshua fell facedown when he encountered God (Josh. 5:13-15). Ezekiel fell facedown when he encountered God (Ezek. 1:25-28). While in exile on the island of Patmos, John encountered the Lord and fell at His feet as though dead (Rev. 1:17).
The Third Commandment is a guardrail to help us maintain a right relationship with God. Our view of God is demonstrated by our thoughts, our conversation, and our conduct. The lifestyle we embrace is a direct reflection of our view of God. Reverencing God’s Name includes how we make decisions, how we treat others, and how we invest our time.
Your life will either honor God or dishonor God. The choices you make dictate the direction of your life and the trajectory of your love for God. When you choose to drift from God, you are choosing to misuse the name of the Lord. When you choose to live in the flesh rather than walking in the Spirit, you misuse the name of the Lord.
What will others learn about God by viewing your life? Does your life radiate reverence for God? Will others be drawn to God by your devotion and loyalty to Him? Reverence God’s Name by living up to the Name you bear. You are a child of the Living God.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor
Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell