His Name Is Holy
Exodus 20:7 says, “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.”
God’s name should never be used as part of a by-word, a curse word, or profanity. His name is Holy (Lev 19:2), and must only be used for His praise and proclamation; “for His name alone is excellent” (Ps 148:13)! We must give Him the utmost honor because “holy and reverend is His name” (Ps 111:9). That’s why I personally prefer the title “pastor” (Eph 4:11), instead of “reverend.” Because I was called to be an overseer, “to feed the church of God” (Acts 20:28), and to “feed the flock of God” (1 Pet 5:2).
I answer directly to my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the “Shepherd and Bishop” (1 Pet 2:25), of our souls! We are to magnify and exalt God’s name in a manner that is consistent with His holiness (Ps 34:3). The Jewish scribes esteemed His name greatly. Whenever they come across God’s name, they would stop writing, wash themselves thoroughly, change pens, and then write His name. We must never take God’s name “in vain” – this phrase means empty, idle, or lacking reality and truth! It is actually blasphemous and a slander when someone takes God’s name in a degrading or disrespectful manner. Every Sunday, we sing praises to His name and utter words that worship His holy name (Ps 138:2), even in our prayers (Jn 14:14).
However, most Christians take His name for granted; where there seems to be no sincerity and no genuine reverence from the heart (1 Tim 1:5). We may just sound spiritual, but if we don’t sing and make melody in our hearts to the Lord (Eph 5:19), then our singing is in vain! Whenever we say the name of the Lord, we are to do so with heartfelt adoration and significance (2 Cor 2:17). We should never use His name as a swear word (Jms 5:12). His name must be wholly consecrated and dedicated to His worship! God bless you!
-Pastor Melito Barrera
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