Is taking God’s name in vain really a big deal?

Harold Lee

I’m a father with daughters and a son, all of whom are wonderful. But imagine with me for a moment that the following scenario happened in real life. 

As I sit in my recliner studying and making notes for an article, my son is outside replacing some weathered boards on the deck. The windows are open, and I can hear him commenting to himself along with an occasional hum of one of his favorite tunes. At the same time, my daughter is in the kitchen preparing dinner, her piece de resistance, she calls it. I can also hear her singing happily to herself. My wife is sitting across from me doing a crossword puzzle.

I’m totally focused on my work when from outside in a loud angry voice, I hear my son say, “Dad, damn you! Damn you to hell, dad!” He does it three or four times in a row. Then, it sounds like he throws the hammer down and kicks the side of the house, repeating angrily what he’d said earlier.

I know he’s not blaming his problem on me — his words are just a way of venting his anger and frustration. Nevertheless, it stings me to the bone. That son of mine, who I helped give life to, is cursing me and putting me on the same level as the denizens of hell. I slink way down in my chair. It’s impossible to stop my tears.

No sooner has my son finished venting than I hear a glass bowl hit the kitchen floor and shatter. I hear my daughter say, “Damn you, daddy! Daddy, damn you a million times! Now, what am I going to do?”

I can’t go any lower in the chair. The front of my shirt is drenched in tears. I always thought I’d done everything I could do to love my children. Together with their mother, I’ve given them life. I’ve cared for them when they weren’t old enough to care for themselves. I’ve provided for them, giving them what they need and abundantly more. I’ve loved them more than I’ve loved myself and would lay down my life to preserve theirs.

What We Need to Know About Taking God’s Name in Vain

What’s it all about, the son and daughter cursing their father? This story is a picture of what we do when we take our heavenly Father’s name in vain. To take God’s name in vain is to treat it in an irreverent or blasphemous manner, to show a lack of respect.

“But they’re just words,” we protest. “And words, especially if we’re alone when we utter them, do no real damage. After all, God is all-powerful, all-mighty, the Lord of the Universe. He’s impervious to real harm. So what’s the big deal?”

The reality is God cares about His name. He cares so much He commanded us not to profane it. Exodus 20:7 says we are not to take the name of the Lord our God in vain. 

Some translations use the word misuse in place of in vain, i.e., we are not to misuse His name. Several implications can be made from this. Taking God’s name in vain could include disrespecting God, swearing falsely, treating  His name with contempt or using it in a vulgar way.

To God, these things are no small things. A person is known by their name. What we call someone speaks to our relationship with them and our feelings toward them. A name also carries with it a reputation. Psalm 8:1 says, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” 

As God’s children, it’s our duty, honor, and our privilege, to make His name known to all the world in all its truth and glory. How we use God’s name should reflect who He is. That He is holy and righteous. That He is true to His word. That He is faithful and unswerving, perfect and full of grace. That His amazing love is for everyone. That He keeps His promises. 

God’s name means all this and more. When Jesus taught us how to talk to God, he started, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name …” (Matthew 6:9). To use God’s name in vain belittles Him, disrespects Him. And I’m sure it breaks His heart, just as it did the dad in this story.