Monday Reflection \u2013 July 05, 2021
Honouring God\u2019s Name<\/p>\n\n\n
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord\u00a0will not acquit anyone who misuses his name. Exodus 20:7<\/p>\n\n\n
I believe that for many of us from a very young age we were exposed to the reality of the ten commandments. Some persons participated in Sunday School, church services, Bible Quiz etc. where we were required to memorize and articulate what the ten commandments are. A very popular one is the Watchword for today where we would regularly say, \u201cGod says, \u2018Thou shall not take the name of the Lord in vain\u2019\u201d. We must never miss out the part that says, \u201cGod says\u201d for the ten commandments found in Exodus 20 is prefaced by the statement, \u201cAnd God spoke all these words, saying\u2026\u201d God spoke directly to Israel as a whole, as they assembled together at the foot of Mount Sinai. God\u2019s laws for humanity are expressed in strong simple terms, understandable to all, and deal with the temptations of the common man.<\/p>\n\n\n
When one analyzes the ten commandments, we may agree that the first four relate to our conduct before God, while the remaining six deal with our relationship with our fellow human being. Our Watchword is in the context of the first four commandments, which are:
1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You shall have no other gods before\u00a0me.<\/p>\n\n\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You shall not make for yourself an idol\u2026 You shall not bow down to them or worship them.<\/p>\n\n\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the\u00a0Lord\u00a0your God<\/p>\n\n\n
4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy.<\/p>\n\n\n
In the ancient world, humans worshipped many gods. Here, Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, set Himself apart from any of the other supposed deities and commands that the people should have no other gods. God also prohibits idolatry regarding false gods and forbids them from making an image of any created thing that they might worship. Then God says that the people should not take his name in vain. But what does this mean? David Guzik suggests that there are at least three ways this command is commonly disobeyed.<\/p>\n\n\n
Profanity: Using the name of God in blasphemy and cursing
Frivolity: Using the name of God in a superficial, stupid way
Hypocrisy: Claiming the name of God but acting in a way that disgraces Him
And God instructs that anyone who takes His name in vain will not be acquitted or held guiltless.<\/p>\n\n\n
Are we making wrongful use of the name of the Lord? Are we using the name of God in blasphemy and cursing? Are we using God\u2019s name in a superficial and stupid way? Are we claiming the name of God but acting in a way that disgraces Him? Do we name God as our God but are not following Him? Do we claim to be followers of Christ, but conduct our lives contrary to His word? Are we honouring God in our words and actions? Today\u2019s text challenges us to reflect on these things. If we are guilty, let\u2019s confess our failures, and together let us commit to honour God\u2019s name. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n
Jermaine Gibson<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Monday Reflection \u2013 July 05, 2021 Honouring God\u2019s Name You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord\u00a0will not acquit anyone who misuses his name. Exodus 20:7 I believe that for many of us from a\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"template":"","watchword_topic":[13],"class_list":["post-517","watchword","type-watchword","status-publish","hentry","watchword_topic-christian-living"],"yoast_head":"\n