A Moment With Pastor Fred

In government the name of Washington is revered. In literature the name of Shakespeare is respected. In music the name Bach is admired. In Christian circles the name of Spurgeon is honored. If the names of mortal men are regarded for their accomplishments and integrity, how much more should we esteem the name of God?

The third commandment challenges us not to take God’s name in vain. Jesus taught us to pray, “Hallowed by thy name.” How do we take God’s name in vain? We misuse God’s name in our speech. I am grieved whenever I hear God’s name mentioned frivolously – OMG.  Most people don’t even realize how often they do it. That’s the point. No name has endured more misuse than God’s or his Son’s. Hollywood thinks nothing of taking God’s name in vain. People use Jesus’ name as an exclamation point. Do not invoke God’s name in careless speech. Jokes that involve his name should be avoided – sacrilege is sin.

How then should we reverence God’s name? In our worship, Ps 96:2, Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Our consuming passion in both public and private worship must be – is God’s name being exalted?  Jesus praised the church at Philadelphia, You have kept my Word and have not denied my name, Rev 3:8. When we are faithful in our witness we are upholding God’s holy name. We also hallow God’s name in our daily living. Col 3:17, Whatever you do, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. May God’s name be hallowed by us at work, at play, at school and in the home. Martin Luther said, “We best hallow God’s name when our lives are truly Christian.”