What Is Taking the Lord's Name in Vain?

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).

 It's one of the Ten Commandments that God gave Moses, but just what is taking God's name in vain? Some people think it means using God's name with a curse word. That would certainly be one end of the spectrum. However, you're taking God's name in vain anytime you use it as an expletive or in a way where you're not really talking about God with respect. 

So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel (Ezekiel 39:7)).

Actually, this has become all too common in today's society. I see "Oh," "Oh my," and "Good" used in front of God all the time. Facebook is filled with them, and I don't think it changes things much to use only the beginning letters instead of the words. I've heard Christians do this, too. I'm sure they aren't intentionally trying to dishonor God, but when anyone uses His name so casually, that's exactly what they're doing.

Judge not, that ye be not judged (Matthew 7:1).

Now there's another pitfall in all this. I think it's important that we don't become overly judgmental or legalistic. As Jesus taught, our Christian faith should be a matter of the heart. The Pharisees were judgmental, and they usually followed the letter of the law, but they didn't follow the spirit of the law in love, and Jesus condemned them for it. 

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord (Leviticus 19:12).

Yet, at the same time, if we love the Lord our God with all our hearts and our focus is on Him, we will want to honor Him and glorify His name, not take it in vain or use it flippantly. May God give each one of us understanding of His Word and we act accordingly.

_____________________________________