Commandment #3: You Shall Not Take My Name in Vain
Humans by our nature are dreamers and builders – and by our fallen condition speculators. Being made in the image of God we bear His propensity to perceive glory. But by our actions we rob that glory and claim it for ourselves. We are truly free to do this even though it brings bondage. But God has given us a better way. By humbling ourselves and exalting our Creator we bring truth back into the world. And here is the truth:
“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.” Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne.
And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads.
Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind.
The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, Who was and Who is to come.”
And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” – Revelation 4:1-11
We disrespect God when we do not place Him at the forefront of the things we think and go after. How have you seen God disrespected?
We diminish God when we live as though what is important to Him is not important to us. How have you experienced this?
We devalue God when we scoff at Him by our actions, words, or selfish choices. How do we not take Him seriously?
Our modern culture is consumed with values which diminish God and exalt humanity. As Christ-Followers we are to choose differently.
“Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” – 1 Timothy 4:16
Here is a great family conversation guide on the freedom this commandment may bring
Here is a good values song