what exactly is "taking the Lord's name in vain"?

[DoaWK1992]

I was told it meant "saying God or Jesus says or did something when they didn't, or saying they would do something when they wouldn't."

but I may be wrong if I am please correct me

 

[Who Me]

" taking the Lord's name in vain"? "
Basically it is any use of God's name, titles etc in a way that is not respectful.

So saying, " O God! ", Jesus, jeez, etc etc etc or texting " omg " etc is disrespectful and is actually blasphemy.

However being mistaken or wrong about what Jesus is reported as saying in the bible is no taking his name in vain.

 

[WIP]

I was told it meant "saying God or Jesus says or did something when they didn't, or saying they would do something when they wouldn't."

but I may be wrong if I am please correct me

The word vain means without value, worthless, or as Who Me indicated, with little to no respect. God is sovereign or supreme above all things and He is our Creator. Therefore, He deserves our utmost respect, admiration, esteem, etc.

This is a major issue in our society today. We do not understand nor do we accept who God really is. Scripture relates it to a potter and clay relationship. Suppose you gather some materials like clay and create something. You are the potter. You decided what that something would be. You decide whether that something continues to exist or doesn't. It's all your choice. We are the clay that God shaped and gave life to. He is in control.

 

[Josef]

Hey All,
That is a good question DoaWK1982.

Who Me said,
"Basically it is any use of God's name, titles etc in a way that is not respectful. . . "

WIP said,
"The word vain means without value, worthless . . . "

I agree with these definitions. But if we go by them, if someone sneezed and we say God bless you, are we not taking the Lord's name in vain? Think about it.

Keep walking everybody.
May God bless,
Taz

 

[Carry_Your_Name]

I was told it meant "saying God or Jesus says or did something when they didn't, or saying they would do something when they wouldn't."

but I may be wrong if I am please correct me

Taking God's name in vain refers to doing all kinds of evil things in the name of God, a grevious offense to God. Imagine somebody commits crimes using your identity, that'd be taking your name in vain.

 

[Tenchi]

I was told it meant "saying God or Jesus says or did something when they didn't, or saying they would do something when they wouldn't."

but I may be wrong if I am please correct me

It's using the name of God in a vain way, in a way that is frivolous, that does not give His name the deep reverence it is due.

When someone drops an "OMG!" because their dog pooped on the living room carpet, or they arrived too late to the sale at their favorite store and discover what they wanted is sold out, or some other driver cuts them off in traffic, or they find their sibling has got into the bathroom before them when they really have to go, they are using the awesome name of God in a trivial way, in a vain way, and violate the third commandment (or second, depending on how you read Exodus 20:1-18).

Way too many Christians take God's name in vain, adopting the world's habit of using His name as an empty epithet of surprise, or dismay, or frustration. God will not hold those who do this guiltless.

Matthew 12:36-37
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.