How are you? How is your week going? Have you kept the Third Commandment?
We tell kids to watch their language all the time. We are appalled when we see children curse and swear. We rebuke them even when they say a “minor” curse. We are offended when we see parents curse up a storm in front of their children.
However, are we just as offended when the Lord’s name is taken in vain? Are we offended when the Lord’s name is used as a curse? Are we offended when people replace the Lord’s name with other words, but the meaning is still the same? Are we offended when the Lord’s name is stated in an empty and meaningless way? Are we offended when people selfishly or thoughtlessly attach the Lord’s name to their agendas, desires, and plans? Are we offended when people do not take seriously the oaths they have taken under God? Are we offended when Christians, who bear the name of Christ, do not live out Christ?
Most likely not. Sadly, we are not offended when these things happen. Even more sadly, at least for me, we’re the ones who are committing these very sinful acts, and we do not have repentant hearts toward them.
New Life, take some time to meditate on this commandment. Think about the ways we break this commandment over and over again. Confess this sin to the Lord, and cling to Christ who has taken on our sin.
He takes on our guilty name on the cross, so that we may receive His guiltless name before God. Through this gospel, we are able to keep the Third Commandment. We can use His name worshipfully, because He has first called our names lovingly. He has called us to save us.
May the words of John Newton be in our hearts this week, regarding this commandment (and all the commandments): “Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.”
May you have a blessed week in the Lord. See you at worship on the Lord’s Day. Pray for one another. Seek the Lord.
In Christ,
Pastor Tim
Pastor Tim
Photo Credit: https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/swears-cursing-irish-gaeilge