Mouthwash

Today's Verse:

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 

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Mouthwash is an oral rinse that is used to clean our mouths and tongues of bacteria that cause bad breath. It is a part of good oral hygiene. Our devotion this morning centers on a commandment that God takes very seriously. When we are in violation of this commandment, we are in need of a spiritual mouthwash. This morning, we are considering the sin of taking the Lord’s name in vain. His name is to be praised from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same. Let us consider the third commandment. 

We see the command. 

“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain.” The third commandment is associated with the first two commandments. The Israelites had come out of bondage in Egypt where paganism and the worship of idols permeated every facet of life. Paganism always tends toward profanity, cursing, and swearing against the Lord’s name. The taking of the Lord’s name in vain is using His name in an evil manner. It is cursing a person or thing with His name. It is using His name as an expression of disgust or spitefulness. It is one of the highest forms of irreverence and disregard for God’s holiness. Taking the Lord’s name in vain defames His Person and brings ill repute upon the testimony of a Christian. 

We see the cause. 

Taking the Lord’s name in vain occurs because we have been associated with other people who have taken His name in vain. Swearing is a bad habit that is picked up by children and adults alike. We learn to swear and curse from hearing other people do this. I think of Peter when he warmed himself around the fire with the wrong crowd and started to swear when he was accused of being one of the Lord’s followers. Swearing and cursing almost always occurs when we are angry, filled with rage, or highly offended. Swearing, cursing, and taking the Lord’s name in vain are the lowest forms of crudeness that a person displays outwardly. It is the expression of a heart that is defiled, evil, and wicked. Jesus said that evil thoughts proceed from the heart. 

We see the condemnation. 

“For the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” God takes very seriously the sin of taking His name in vain. God holds us accountable for being in contempt of His glory and holiness when His name is taken in vain. Swearing, cursing, blasphemy, and any other form of taking the Lord’s name in vain is a terrible sin. Our character is condemned. It is a sign that we are walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit. We stand guilty and condemned before the God of all creation. 

We see the correction. 

First, we must confess the sin of breaking the third commandment. In effect, we need to wash our mouths of filthy communication and speech. Second, we must disassociate ourselves from people and places where this vile practice occurs. Third, we must make sure we spend adequate time every day praising the Lord for His name. Fourth, we should be familiar with all the names of God so that we can properly acknowledge and praise Him. Fifth, we should defend the Lord’s name when it is being taken in vain. 

Let us remember that one day every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Make sure your mouth is clean when it comes to the Lord’s name! 

Have God-honoring God Morning! 

Bible Reading Schedule: Mark 1-3

#Exodus #NameoftheLord #Profanity #Swearing