“Behold, how great a matter fire kindles!”

A tiny match touches off the blaze which devours a forest. So the tongue, little as it is, is mighty enough in evil to stagger a man or even lash at the throne of God!

Always on the move, our tongues commit many unrecognized sins. God seeks to bridle our tongues by the Third Commandment. “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. Many break this commandment who never curse and swear.

Indeed, God intends by this terse statement to impress us with His great holiness and majesty. The term “name of the Lord” implies all that God is. All that we know of our great God is included in His NAME. Meditation on this should lead us to an earnest reverence for the Almighty.

I. BASIC INTENT OF THE COMMANDMENT

Negatively, the Third Commandment is aimed at protecting the majestic glory of God.  “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.”

Positively, the command requires God’s children to promote His glory.

The pages of Scripture burn and blaze with the holy glory of God. Read Psalm 97:1-6. Here the King of Kings steps from His throne earthward amid fire, thunder and lightening. Enemies are destroyed, all earth trembles. The great mountains bow their heads and sink into the valleys. With this picture in mind, imagine the frivolous and foul uses of His name in conversations day after day.

God is instructing us in the Third Commandment to speak, think and act toward Him in fear, awe and humility. Our very attitude should reflect His sublime majesty. Even what we do not know of God — infinite mysteries — should humble us to holy caution in speech.

II. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Civil oaths taken in courts, or certain other solemn pledges of truth made before God, or in His name are not forbidden by this commandment. (Matthew 5:34 and James 5:12 are forbidding all the type swearing that was so popular in that early day, but such texts as Jeremiah 12:16 and Hebrews 6:16, 17 make it obvious that in the Bible there is an allowed, proper oath.)

What is condemned? Certainly, swearing to falsehoods, Leviticus 19:12. Further, all profanity, vile talk, cursing is forbidden. Sometimes one objects, “Well, I might slip and use God’s name in swearing, but I don’t mean it.” Well, that is precisely what the commandment is condemning — the taking of God’s name in vain; that is, without meaning it. How awful to connect Almighty God’s name with all manner of filth! What shall wash away such terrible guilt as this?

But that is not all. Consider how many widely-accepted expressions, even in the conversation of Christians, is a play on the words “God” and “damn.” The initials “g” and “d” turn up in “golly” or “gosh” and “darn.” No mere c0incidence are the similarities between “Jesus Christ” and “Jimminy Crickets” or “Christ” with “Creeps” and “Cripes,” etc. Or, consider “Holy Smoke” and “Holy Spirit.” Here then is the wisdom of the Bible’s warning to avoid such sin in speech by simply saying “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned,” James 5:12.

Another vain use of God’s name is in the all too common jokes involving the Lord. Often the very tension necessary for a punch line requires God’s name and Person be a part of such levity. That is sin.

Using the name, or things of God in hypocrisy is also common. A child may be tempted to speak more readily of God and appear more religious when he has something to hide. Imagine using God to cover sin! Sometime businessmen calculate their religious life so it will benefit business. The politician, in the homestretch of his campaign speech, brings in the name of God hoping to impress the religious segment of his constituency. Perhaps only moments before going on the platform he was engaging in foul talk and taking that very Name in vain! All using of God’s name to gain our own ends or to hide sin or cover a lie is serious evil indeed.

Even in prayer there might be meaningless (sometimes approaching the ridiculous) use of God’s name. A fellow reporter on the newspaper where I once worked returned from a public function with a tabulation of the number of times the name Lord, Lord, O Lord, Jesus, Jesus etc. was gasped in the invocation. It was astronomical! A halting prayer is nothing to be ashamed of, if we are a beginner, but don’t fill in the pauses with our Lord’s name. Address Him at the beginning, and only with care and meaning should His name be used as your prayer proceeds. Remember this and your prayer life will be elevated.

Surely, in a very positive way, this Third Commandment directs us to sanctify the name of the Lord, or to show that God is holy.  Jesus did exactly that, thus He could pray, “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do….I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world,” John 17:4,6. Now, the torch is passed to each of us. Our job is to make known that holy name of God, directly witnessing and sharing in missionary endeavors.

III. ETERNAL WARNING ATTACHED

This Third Commandment is different from most of the others in that it carries a special warning: “the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” Here is a terrifying thought. God says if you do that I will do this.

As surely as a man uses the Divine Name in a light unthinking or improper way, God says I will hold that man guilty forever! Not one account overlooked. Guilty forever! And, consider:

“Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely,” Psalm 139:4. “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken,” Matthew 12:36.

Is there no forgiveness? How could God still be just and holy and forgive this sin He has so condemned? Romans 3:25,26 explains that Jesus died exactly for that — as a full payment for our sin, so that we can be reconciled to the glorious God whose holy name we have abused. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness,” I John 1:9.

Now hear God saying, in effect, “I will now take those who have truly repented and save them by the very name they have blasphemed.” “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved,” Acts 4:12.

If you have not repented of your sin and turned to the cross of Christ where He paid for your very sins, do so now and tell God in prayer. You will be saved, forgiven!

Once you have received Christ into your life, study the message of 2 Corinthians 6:1, “As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain,” Even holding that name in an empty, idle life is wrong. Share what you know!