Living Free - May 2, 2007

Today's Scripture
You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Exodus 20:7 NIV

Thoughts for Today
This is the third of the Ten Commandments and emphasizes right thinking regarding the name of the Lord. Most of us want our names to be spoken correctly and with honor and respect. God, whose name is above every name, desires—and deserves—his name to be used with the greatest respect and honor.

Consider this ...
Although this commandment is correctly viewed as prohibiting profanity and blasphemy, it means more than that. It also means we are never to take the Lord's reputation lightly. If we call ourselves Christian, we are privileged to use his name. And we dishonor his precious name every time we say or do something that does not show honor or respect for him ... when we hurt or condemn rather than showing love to others.

We should take care not to take God's name frivolously in conversation or lightly in worship. We should avoid movies and TV programs that use his name in profanity or show other signs of disrespect.

Let us use the Lord's name with reverence and honor him in all we say, in all we do and in all that we are.

Prayer ...
Father, help me to honor your name not only in my speech, but in every thought, in my attitudes and in all that I do. In Jesus' name ...   

These thoughts adapted from ...
Ten Commandments small group guide is written in a way that helps people see the Ten Commandments in light of today's problems. Knowing that there are absolutes that define moral conduct and ethical decisions is essential for believers surrounded by relativistic values. This guide helps us understand God's boundaries. It shows how the Ten Commandments apply today. It also discusses the biblical laws on which the legal codes of every civilized society are based. 

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