“Misuse of God’s Name”
Friday, December 13, 2024Key Verse
“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.” Exodus 20:7
Text — Exodus 20:4-8
Message
“Never make fun of my father’s name again.” “How could you have said something false about my father’s name?” Kenny, with a frown on her face, reported Debby to her teacher for making fun of her father’s name. Debby was punished for her bad behaviour. Her punishment was a mild one. A more serious punishment awaits those who misuse God’s name, except they repent.
Today’s key verse contains God’s warning to everyone not to misuse His name. It is wrong to use God’s name for wrong purposes such as: swearing in God’s name, shouting of “Jesus” or “Oh my God,” when surprised or excited. It is wrong to joke with God’s powerful name or laugh with those who unwisely do it. Never use God’s name to support a false claim, thereby making what is not true appear true thus covering up a lie. We must respect God’s name at all times. His name is holy and powerful. Disobedience to God’s command attracts punishment. If you are guilty of this behaviour, repent and ask God to forgive you and help you to live each day to please Him.
Further Reading
Matthew 5:34-37
Prayer for today
Lord, please help me never again to misuse your name. Help me to please You in all I do.
About Author - Pastor W.F. Kumuyi
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
