The use of God's name in a degrading or in any way disrespectful
manner expresses an attitude of disdaining the relationship we are supposed
to have with Him. Having a relationship with God demands that we represent
Him accurately, sincerely and respectfully.
"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the
LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain" (Exodus 20:7). The Third Commandment focuses on showing respect. It addresses
the way we communicate our feelings about God to others and to Him.
It encompasses our attitudes, speech and behavior.
Respect is the cornerstone of good relationships. The quality of our
relationship with God depends on the love and regard we have for Him.
It also depends on the way we express respect for Him in the presence
of others. We are expected always to honor who and what He is.
Conversely, the use of God's name in a flippant, degrading or in any
way disrespectful manner expresses an attitude of disdaining the relationship
we are supposed to have with Him. This can vary from careless disregard
to hostility and antagonism. It covers misusing God's name in any way.
The New Revised Standard Version translates the Third Commandment: "You
shall not make wrongful use of the name of the LORD your God, for the
LORD will not acquit anyone who misuses his name." The meaning of the
Hebrew word saw, translated "wrongfully use" and "misuse"-"in
vain" in other translations-is "deceit; deception; malice; falsity;
vanity; emptiness" (Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old
and New Testament Words, "Deceit").
Having a relationship with God demands that we represent Him accurately,
sincerely and respectfully.
