Title
The Third Commandment
Scripture
"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain."
(Exodus 20:7)
Devotional
There is to be a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe, but not a casual one. His name ought to be readily on our lips, but not arrogantly or lightly. The name of God to ancient Israel was held in such high esteem that it was not mentioned verbally. Therefore we have what has become known as the "Tetragrammaton:" the Hebrew letters equivalent to the consonants YHWH most often translated Yahweh or Jehovah. However these are less than guesses or the true pronunciation. Therefore the only name, excluding titles, we have for God is the name Jesus. It is the name above every name.[7] It is to be spoken with honor and reverence. It is never to be used in disgust or jest. To do so is to take the name of the Lord our God in vain. Likewise to call oneself a Christian and live a dishonoring life is to take that name in vain. Therefore, "At the name of Jesus every knee should bow... every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."[8]