by Amber Allman

Created on: November 10, 2007

TAKING THE LORD'S NAME IN VAIN

Perhaps the best way to discuss this issue is to define what "taking the Lord's name in vain" is.

After all, that's where we so often fail as members of this body of believers we call The Church: defining exactly what words mean: love, grace, belief, faith, heart. For example, we tell people they must believe, yet don't define what belief constitutes. We encourage others to give their hearts to Jesus Christ, yet we fail to tell them what their "heart" is.

The same can be said with regard to our understanding of what it means to take the Lord's name in vain.

Simply put, taking the Lord's name in vain can be compared to a woman marrying a man, taking his name, then conducting herself in a way that she may have when she was single. We are commanded to "leave and cleave", so to speak. When we exchange our marital vows, we are to love, honor, serve, respect and be faithful to our spouse until death.

So when a woman becomes a wife, taking a man's name (and I assume it's the same when a man takes a wife and gives her his name), she must guard her heart and actions lest she take his name in vain.

When a woman marries, she gives up her name and takes his. Their children are raised with the couple's new name, which reflects their commitment, promise, love and unity. But if she takes his name in marriage, then proceeds to become involved with other lovers outside of her marriage, she has taken his name in vain.

Thus is the meaning of taking the Lord's name in vain. When we claim Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, becoming a part of his glorious bride, we must guard our hearts and be certain that we remain true to Him, les we take His name in vain.

That's not to condone swearing, which is what most people believe "taking the Lord's name in vain" constitutes. And granted, whatever is in a person's heart will proceed from their mouth eventually.

But in order to keep ourselves from taking His name in vain, it would help to know what it means to do so.

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