This one is for the family

Exodus 20:7 "You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name."

I don't speak or read Hebrew, so if I am way off, you can let me know. I have, however, looked at several translations, and I feel pretty good about what I am about to say.

I think this verse has nothing to do with profane utterances of our terminology concerning the Godhead. Wether it be G Damn, or J Christ or whatever, I think there is a much larger point at stake. (Not that I am dismissing the wrongness of such language)

The only other time I can think of when somebody takes another's name, is when a wife takes a husbands name. This is one of our (as believers) most sacred covenants. Now, how would a man feel if his wife went about flirting and free as if she had never married? What about men who take off their wedding ring when they see an attractive woman? I think this idea is more closely related to the dangers of taking a name in vain.

You became the bride of Christ on your redemption. Do you live like a married person, or do you flirt? Do you take your ring off when you see something attractive? Me, I have been making a real effort to maintain the speed limit. It's hard, when people are passing you at 70 mph in a 45 zone. Or when the speed of traffic on the freeway is 85. But I am trying. Why? Because lawlessness in any form is certainly disrespectful to my covenant. I don't hit on women. That would be disrespectful to my wife. Certainly my God deserves more respect than that.

When a man cheats of his wife, he usually thinks he will not get caught. God catches you. Every time. He sees every time something evil follows www. He sees when you hate someone. He sees when you desire more for yourself at the expense of someone else.

What are you flirting with? Or cheating with? You don't have to tell me. Just wrestle with it. And find someone to help.
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And that's enough for now.

Brian Norwood

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