Language or Lifestyle

by Brian Johnson

The language that’s allowed to be used on television has changed over the years. I’m amazed at some of the things I hear from time to time on regular channels, much less the stations that show movies. I’d like to discuss one phrase in particular that makes the typical Christian’s skin crawl—that term we refer to as using the Lord’s name in vain.

Exodus 20:7 says, “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.” This is the verse that’s commonly used to talk about how wrong it is to say that skin-crawling phrase, but I submit to you that this verse has less to do with what we say and more to do with how we live. Every word of scripture is important. It says, “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD in vain; …” not thou shalt not say the name of the LORD in vain.

When I married my wife, she took my name. She became Jennifer Johnson. Now, the way she lives affects and is a reflection on me. If she treats people poorly and acts horribly around others, it will hurt my relationship with them because she carries my name. People associate her with me.

When you got saved, you became the bride of Christ. You took His name and became a Christian. If you live your life in a way that brings dishonor to Him, you’ve taken His name in vain.

II Corinthians 5:20 says that “we are ambassadors for Christ.” We’re His representatives. When we treat people poorly, perform lazily at our jobs, or lose our minds every time something negative happens in our lives, how does that show a loving, good, and caring God? One that others would want a relationship with.

Conversely speaking, if we treat others well, even when they’re not good to us, we work hard at our jobs, or we remain calm during tribulation, others see how God comes through as we trust Him. That shows God for who He really is, and we’re representing Him well.

Remember, we want to bring as many people as possible to a relationship with God. Draw them in with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. When we’re operating in the flesh, what differentiates us from the world?

Don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying that it’s okay to speak any way you’d like. That phrase isn’t one that should roll off of the tongue, but Exodus 20:7 is more about the way we live. Live like you’re carrying the LORD with you because you are. You will represent Him regardless of the way you act. Either you’ll be a good representation or a bad one. Be a good one. Don’t take His name in vain.

About The Author Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church and a nurse by vocation. He wants to do the best he can to teach people to trust God, for their eternity and for each day.