Taking the Lords Name In Vain

This is connected with swearing and cussing. Many people do this, and God has issued a basic commandment not to. But how many of us know what this means?

I think the first meaning is obvious. People use the name of God lightly and freely. They use it in the same situations that they use other swear words. People say "Oh my G**!" all the time in the exact same way that common cursing is used. Likewise with J****, and the slang forms such as gee, gee wiz, golly, gosh, etc.

Now place yourself in God's position for a second and really think about this. If you created an Earth and put your children on it, would you appreciate it if your children referenced you in such a way?  The real problem is inward. If we treat the name of the Lord lightly, then it demonstrates that we treat Him lightly. Could you imagine treating your earthly mother and father that way?  Just as our earthly parents love us and want the best for us, our Heavenly Father loves us more than we can even comprehend. So it only makes sense that if we desire to become more like our God, we need to begin removing any traits within us that are contrary to Him. 

Using his name lightly in our speech is only one of the ways we take His name in vain.  The other ways however can make a great discussion on their own and will show it from a light and angle that many of us have never considered. 

It's not just what we say. Basically when we do things in his name and treat it lightly, we are taking his name in vain. That will be a good topic for another time.