More Than Words

”Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.“

(‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭7‬)

Imagine the horror of walking into a political gala and seeing the Declaration of Independence being used as a dinner napkin.

Or touring Buckingham palace and seeing the Crown Jewels being used as door stops.

There would be an uproar.

To use them in such a common way would be dishonoring to their meaning. A founding document of our country is not merely a collection of parchment and ink. The Crown Jewels are more than metal and stones. Beyond their inherent value, they represent blood and sacrifice and devotion. An invisible wealth of significance rests on them. And it’s expected that they be handled as such.

The invaluable should never be treated as common. To degrade something of significance does not take away its value; it only illuminates the ignorance or callousness of the one who has mishandled it.

Reverence is a great revealer.

The greater the understanding, the greater the reverence.

Immeasurably more valuable than any priceless artifact, God’s name is more than just a collection of letters or syllables spoken aloud. It is a reflection of Who He is, of His character and His desire for relationship. God’s name is not something we attach to our own ideas and opinions to give them more credibility. His name is not a means up a social ladder or a hook to grab attention.

To speak of God is to speak of the One who owed us nothing and yet gave us everything. He is completely set apart from humanity in righteousness, in goodness, and in power… and yet He makes Himself available. We are not even worthy to speak His name, and yet He invites us to.

To call upon God is a priceless treasure. God’s name is most glorified when we use it as He intended, and for nothing less. Never for worldly gain or selfish ambition. But to cry out for mercy, yes. As a Friend to Whom we pour out our hearts, absolutely. In crisis, in confusion, and even on the mountaintops. To comfort, to strengthen, to correct. For the one who has experienced the power of His name, there is no sweeter sound.

There is nothing common, nothing ordinary about the name of our God. May our reverence bring Him the glory He is due.