Holy Is His Name

If my gas tank is filled with emptiness, my car loses its purpose. Can you imagine exchanging the power of God’s name – that saves, heals, protects, guides, and sends the enemy running – for emptiness? Exodus 20:7 says,

“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.”

Part of the definition of this Hebrew word translated “vain” includes emptiness, uselessness (as deceptive). When we sling His wondrous name around in vain, we are – rather than declaring “holy is His name,” – declaring…“useless is His name.”  That should strike horror in all of us.

Not only is the lack of respect rude to the One who holds our breath in His hand, it sends a deceptive message. Every time we use His name in vain, we rob the hearer – even if it’s only ourselves – of  truth and the power of His name. It would be like having the cure for cancer, but just handing out placebos. His patience astounds me.

It’s not love, smiles, or even spreading the gospel that is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs  9:10 says it’s the fear of the Lord. If reverence of Him isn’t first, we’ve put the cart before the horse. Let’s ask Him to guard our hearts and tongues to be sure we’re honoring Him in word and deed. We and the world need wisdom. I love how Jesus began, as He taught us how to pray in Matthew 6:9,

“Pray then like this:

‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name.’”

It makes all the difference.