Taking a Name

Growing up I was convinced that “taking the Lord’s name in vain” meant combining God’s name with one of those big water retaining structures. Taking Hebrew in seminary, Dr. Garland helped us understand we may indeed take care with our words but the crux of the injunction came in expressions of our self-identification. To claim to be one of God’s and then to act contrary was to take the name in vain.

Another experience growing up was constantly hearing who was or was not a “good American.” It was as if there were these certain positions or behaviors that comported with waving the banner of our Country. In our current climate there is some confusion as to who really is being a good American, and who is really being a “good Christian.”

My friend Rick Davis is doing a series on the Ten Commandments. His post today reminded me of just what it means to “wear” the name of Jesus. You should consider reading here.

About the Author
Husband to Patty. Daddy to Kimberly and Tommie. Grandpa Doc to Cohen, Max, Fox, and Marlee. Pastor to Snow Hill Baptist Church. Graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Reading. Photography. Golf. Colorado. Jeeping. Friend. The views and opinions expressed here are my own and should not be construed as representing the corporate views of the church I pastor.

1 comment on “Taking a Name

  1. Paul says:

    Todd,

    Good point. I know a lady who thinks she’s very patriotic and loves her country who never registered to vote until later (much later) in life. I guess she loved it enough not to care who leads it.

    In the same way, how often do we take the Lord’s name in vain by how we behave? Very convicting thought.

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