Is it supposed to be “bear God’s name in vain” or “take God’s name in vain?” Are they different?
Most people think of the second commandment as having to do with saying something or not saying something. It either prohibits false oaths, mispronunciation of the name, or the use of God’s name in magic or cursing.
Martin Luther’s explanation of the commandment in his Catechism informs us that misuses of God’s name involve cursing, swearing, lying, deceiving, and witchcraft.
The command can be read as an injunction not to bear Yahweh’s name in vain. It’s as though the Lord put his name onto his people as a sign that they were his own, and then he says to them, “You shall not claim to belong to me and go out and live like the pagans.”
A wooden bridge curves away from the viewer. An obvious break in the bridge is visible in the foreground.
What does that mean — to bear or wear or treat God’s name in vain in our thoughts, feelings, words, or actions?
Try looking at these passages from Jeremiah:
Jeremiah 2:30: “In vain have I struck your children; they took no correction.”
Jeremiah 4:30: “In vain you beautify yourself. Your lovers despise you.”
Jeremiah 6:29: “In vain the refining goes on, for the wicked are not removed.”
Jeremiah 46:11: “In vain you have used many medicines; there is no healing for you.”
So, “in vain” seems to mean empty, pointless, or futile. You discipline the children, but there’s no change in their behavior. You get dressed up and put on your makeup, but there are no lovers. The rebellious are put through the refiner’s fire, but they show no real repentance. The medicine provides no healing. There’s no profit in serving God. It happens in vain.
In Matthew 15:8–9, Jesus quotes the prophet and says,
These people honor me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
God gave you his name to wear when you were baptized. You were baptized into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. But here’s the challenge: are we wearing or bearing that name in vain?
I think Luther was getting at that when he reminded us from Scripture that God gives us his name so that we can “call upon [it] in “every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.”
God has called you “His own and placed His name on you like a mantle for wearing proudly in the world. It looks good on you. Whether it is bearing it, wearing it, using it, or taking it, call on God to help, and don’t forget to pray and give thanks; it will never be in vain.
Please pray for: African Radio Ministry, as they continue to reach believers, new villages, and new prisons with the gospel of Christ in both West and East Africa.
Please Thank God for: the 26 Mississippi youth who came here on a mission trip and worked hard for the week beautifying our facilities and going door-to-door in our neighborhood.
Please Thank God for: Our current shut-ins – Leela, Joyce and Grace.
Please continue to pray for: all those who have sustained injury or property damage because of the rain and the flooding.
Please Thank God for: Pastor Jeff Carlson, who underwent surgery because of cancer.
Please pray for: Jim and Norma Wiest. Norma has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.
Please pray for: Bob Zellmer, as his timeframe gets adjusted.
Please pray for: Faye, who has an ongoing medical condition.
Please pray for: Guidance for Alric and his continuing time in Texas.
Please Thank God for: Returning guests at our congregation here in Miramar.
Please pray for: Joey, who is recovering from surgery.
Please pray for: Robert, who has been diagnosed with sinus cancer.
Please Pray for: Joyce Brosch and her ongoing therapy.
Please Pray for: Geri Nay, who is struggling with chemo and heart problems.
Please Pray for: Kristi, who is undergoing treatment.
Please Pray for: Kathy Duitsman, who has breast cancer.
Please Thank God: For all those who lift us up in prayer.
Please Pray: for Leela Izzo, that God would strengthen and heal her.
Please pray for: Jarrett, who is recovering from a traumatic brain injury; and his mother, Heather, who is caring for him.
Please pray for: Those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, including Bob Beastrom.
Please Pray for: Those who struggle with housing needs.
Please pray for: all those who are out of work.