The third commandment is usually understood simply as a prohibition against verbal blasphemy. Here is a more literal and amplified translation of the verse: “You shall not bear/carry/take upon yourself the name of God in an empty/vain/unsubstantiated way.” Throughout the story of Israel, we find prophets lamenting that Israel had profaned God’s name (e.g. Ezekiel 36:20-23). God wants the world to know him and he has made us his image bearers. When you became a Christian, you took upon yourself the name of Christ and everything you now do, you do as his representative. We are called to be Christ’s ambassadors in the world (2 Corinthians 5:20). People will assess Jesus by what they see in us. Many people today have a negative view of the Christian faith based on what they have seen in professing Christians. Often this view is distorted by media-hype, but it is nevertheless the case. There is, however, an opportunity for us to reverse this situation. Often, it only takes one good example, in personal proximity, to nullify all the bad examples. Christians often won’t be open about their faith because they are afraid of being stereotyped by the common misconception. But how is that misconception going to change unless we openly reflect something better. Moreover, when people know you are a Christian but sense you hiding it, they will assume that this is something shameful. Let’s bear the name of Jesus openly and show the world how good he is.
Ask God to give you the courage and the opportunities to be open about your faith.
Read Exodus 20:7 & Ezekiel 36:20-23
