One preacher declared: “I did not pray for this meeting. Yet, whatever I speak is the Word of God.” This is exactly taking Lord’s name in vain, exalting human words as God’s word. Another said that he prepared to preach in the meeting and God gave him the message. Sadly, the message was for unmarried bachelors and spinsters, while all participants were married. Ten Commandments: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)
1) To Establish credibility: “But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” He answered, “Because the Lord your God granted me success.” (Genesis 27:20) It was Rebekah, his mother who got the meat and cooked. Jacob used God’s name in vain. Those without integrity, use God’s name to establish their credibility.
2) Lie and deceive: “I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied.” (Jeremiah 23:21) The false prophets were not sent, they ran ahead of true prophets or stole limelight or occupied dais or got hold of a microphone or first in social media. Prophet Jeremiah said: “Listen, Hananiah, the Lord has not sent you, and you have made these people trust in a lie.” (Jeremiah 28:15)
3) Hypocrisy: Those who say Lord, Lord cannot enter heaven even if they have miracles, signs, and wonders. Because they also practice mischievous, unrighteous, and unethical things that cannot enter heaven. (Matthew 7:21)
4) Blasphemy: One person said, we do not worship ‘bachelor’ god indicating Lord Jesus Christ. Another said that Lord Jesus is a convicted criminal and born of illicit relationship. Such utterances are blasphemy.
5) Cursing: Lord Jesus taught to bless enemies, pray for them and even those who persecute. (Matthew 5:44; Romans 12: 14) Sadly there are preachers who curse persecutors in the name of Lord Jesus Christ which is taking the Lord’s name in vain.
Do I stand in awe before God?