“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain” Exodus 20:7
Taking the Lords name in vain is commonly interpreted to mean “speaking” the Lords name in vain. The Hebrew word for “take” in Exodus 20:7 can no where in the scriptures be interpreted to mean “speak or utter”. While I'm not suggesting its appropriate to speak the Lords name in a vain manner the 3rd Commandment does not indicate this even remotely. Taking the Lords name in vain is much broader in meaning. The Hebrew word means to “take up, carry or bear a burden or bear a load”. A couple of interpretations that scholars have regarding this is pertaining to swearing an oath falsely or associating God's name with something inconsistent with His character. I believe its more associated with breaking covenant. The Hebrew word "take" literally means to "take upon oneself" or "bear up" as in to carry a burden.
The law that God gave on Mount Sinai was a covenant between Him and the children of Israel. The law or the ten commandments was not given to the world. It was given to God's chosen people the Hebrews. If a Hebrew was living a life in conflict with God's law he was taking the name of God in vain. Let us look at a few examples.
When a woman takes upon herself her husbands name she becomes representative of him in public life. If she behaves badly she brings shame to that name. She is taking her husbands name in vain.
Socialist Marxist ideology is antithetical to foundational American principles of government. They are in complete contradiction. An American who adheres to Socialist Marxist ideology may be American by birth but they are not American in their world view or way of life. They are taking the name of America in vain.
A Hebrew is a Hebrew by birth but when he lives his life in conflict with the Mosaic law yet touts being a Hebrew he is taking the name of God in vain.
When you were born into the kingdom of God you're redemption was paid for by the precious blood of Christ. You are no longer your own but Christs. When your world view or lifestyle is contrary to Gods word then you are taking Christs name in vain.
Is your life clearly different from the world around you or do you strive to identify with the world about you? Are you afraid of being different or looking different from those about you? For nearly 5 decades now the Western Christian has adopted the worlds standard of what is modest. Pagan customs of body mutilation and tatoos have become commonplace in churches. This is not the behavior of one setting themselves apart from the world. People who claim to be Christian but who want to live as close to the godless worldview as possible are precisely who John was writing to in I John 2:15;
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
Christian, if you are allured by the fashions and fads of this day take heed that those fashions and fads were not designed by people endeavoring to please God but to please the lusts of the flesh. The movies you watch and the music you listen to is probably produced by people who hate God or worship devils. Few people would admit they hate God but actions speak louder than words.
I sat in a restaurant recently and listened to the music playing on the PA system. I heard two songs by a radical, flaming homosexual, two songs by a self professed witch and one song by a whoremongering adulterer. And those songs were from the 70's. Think of how far society has deteriorated since then. I know Christians who listen to this kind of music. Should Christians be filling their minds with music from people who not only dishonor God but hate God? Christians are called to set themselves apart from the world.
“As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” I Peter 1:14-16
Christian, are you taking upon you the name of the Lord in vain by finding delight in things which do not honor Him? Repent. Turn away from the enticements of the world and seek the Lord. “Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8
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