“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” – Exodus 20:7
Truth is… (as I understand it):
1) We no longer have to follow the #TenCommandments because #Jesus fulfilled the law and told us that if we loved our neighbor as ourselves (that’s a WHOLE ‘nother post!) and loved God with all our heart, soul and mind – we’d fulfill them by default. (see Matthew 22:37-39) #TheGreatestCommandment #LoveGod #LoveYourNeighbor #WearAMask (that last hashtag is the cruxt of the other post!)
2) Taking the Lord’s name in vain is not about using cuss words with His name in it (though that IS disrespectful… imagine somebody making a curse word out of YOUR name!) It’s about claiming to represent Him but not adjusting your character and lifestyle to reflect His #GoodName. That’s like a wife taking her husband’s name but going out in the world and living her life like she isn’t married. (see Proverbs 30:8-9)
3) With the latter in mind… I think sometimes we as a people – finding it hard yet easier – would rather pat ourselves on the back for God-cussing less rather than actually taking on His name as the Christian Church (you know… the bride of Christ) and BE (not act like) who we’re supposed to be in the world.
