“Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, because the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses His name.” Deuteronomy 5:11
Growing up in a home filled with faith and trust in God, swearing was never an option. That was a misuse of the holy name of the Lord our God. Even slang was not allowed because it was considered words that were other forms of the swear words. I always considered that the keeping of this law to not misuse the name of the Lord our God.
But as an adult maturing in faith through the years, I have begun to wonder… is that all it means? Or may there be even deeper meaning in this command.
I wonder, would it be misusing the Lord’s name to say, “The Lord told me…” when it was really just a thought in my own mind? Or would it be misusing the Lord’s name to say, “God wants you to do…” when it is really my wanting the other to conform to my standards? How quickly and without thought do we credit God with our own thoughts or call on His name while doing our own thing?
I wonder, if we pray to God but don’t believe He is listening or caring about our prayer, are we misusing His name? If we fail to trust in the power of His name, are we misusing the name of God? When we use a prayer to preach a sermon to those listening, are we misusing the name of God?
In a time and place that has become so comfortable with God that we treat Him as one of the gang, I wonder if we have lost something deep and meaningful – a respect and awe of a holy and powerful God. Since the printing press came into being, Bibles are printed and distributed and easily accessible to much of the world. Do we believe that they are God’s words to us and they are holy? Or have we made them as cheap as the paper they are printed on?
As I write this, I am aware that some may be saying, “But Jesus changed all that. He ushered us into the presence of God so we can call him Abba, Daddy.” That is a comfortable place in a relationship. And for sure this is true. But it was at a terrific cost to Him. Without the atonement of the blood of Jesus, we could not stand in the presence of our Holy God. And because Jesus has made Him accessible to us and intercedes for us doesn’t negate His holiness.
I wonder if we could truly grasp the power behind His name, if we could experience the awe of worship of our Holy God, would we live a more victorious life on a day to day, minute by minute basis. Would we long to be in His presence instead of having to force ourselves to spend time with Him? Would we see Him working in situations that seem difficult or hopeless?
Oh God, open my eyes to see Your magnificent power, Your great and awesome love, and Your tender mercy. Show me where I am using Your name carelessly and create in me a sense of awe and wonder at who You are. Amen.
