The 3rd Commandment is, “You shall not take God’s name in vain.” Or misuse God’s name. It goes on to say, “For God will not hold those guiltless who take God’s name in vain.” And yet, we see it happening all the time, especially by those in power. Growing up, I thought this meant that I couldn’t use profanity or say any version of God’s name other than in prayer. Knowing God’s name, in some ancient cultures, gave you power; in fact, I know a lot of devout Jews who will write God’s name at “G_d.” Jesus said that the only unforgivable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. This happens in Matthew 12, right after Jesus is accused of being in league with the devil. Misusing God’s name is serious business, and it happens all the time.
We see it when Pete Hegseth forces his misogynistic pastor on people in the White House. It happens when evangelicals trap people on an airplane so they can help them get saved. It happens in restaurants when groups pray loudly for God to bless the food and those seated around the table. I would venture to say that even saying, “God bless America” is a way to misuse God. This seems more like a demand than a prayer. Prayer in public schools or at sporting events – sectarian prayers at secular occasions – Christian prayers at interfaith events. Just a few of the ways we misuse God’s name. Real religion – real faith – cannot and should not be forced on people; and yet, it happens every day. One might think one is sharing the Gospel, but what you are actually doing is taking God’s name in vain.
Organized religion is losing people for a lot of reasons, but the lack of evangelism isn’t one of them. We can’t control 24/7 commerce or kid’s sports or parents choosing everything else over spiritual training, but we can control how we tell our story. We can control how we treat each other, especially people in need. Jesus never hit people of the head with a metaphorical, spiritual weapon; Jesus invited people to a new way of life and service and generosity. Church isn’t primarily about paying the bills – although we need to – and isn’t only about filling seats – which helps too. Faith is about changed lives – changed hearts and minds – serving others instead of only serving oneself. We might have a better world if, instead of misusing God, we shared our sense of love and wonder of God with others in the way we live and speak. Like Jesus did.
Prayer – Holy and Merciful God, thank You for loving us, and for teaching us how to love one another. May we do that more. Amen.
Today’s art is “Love One Another” by Eleatta Diver.