A Layman’s Exploration of Living Out the Name of Christ
What does it mean to “take the Lord’s name in vain”? Most people, when they hear this phrase, immediately think about using God’s name carelessly—like saying “Oh my God!” as an exclamation, or cursing with the name of Jesus or God. While this is certainly one way the commandment is broken, there’s a much deeper and broader sense in which people today take the Lord’s name in vain—and it’s something that should make each of us stop and think.
Beyond Words: Living with the Name of Christ
Let’s start with this: If you call yourself a Christian, you are taking the name of Christ upon yourself. You’re saying, “I belong to Jesus. I’m one of His people.” When we pray, we use His name; when we worship, we lift up His name. But what does it mean to truly represent Him—not just with our lips, but with our lives?
It’s easy to say we follow Christ, but if our actions, attitudes, and words don’t line up with what He teaches, we might actually be misusing His name. In the Bible, Jesus warns that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” truly belongs to Him. In Luke 6:46 He says, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” And in Matthew 7:21-23, He talks about people who will come to Him at the end of their lives, claiming to have served Him, but He will say, “I never knew you. Away from me.”
So, taking the Lord’s name in vain isn’t just about swearing—it’s about claiming to belong to Christ without actually living like Him.
The Name Above All Names
In Philippians 2:9-10, we’re told that Jesus Christ has been given “the name above all names,” and that “every knee shall bow” at His name. That’s not just a title—His name represents His authority, His glory, and His holiness. When we identify ourselves as Christians, we’re meant to reflect that glory and holiness in how we live.
Imagine someone who says they are a doctor, but has no medical training, never helps the sick, and ignores the rules of medicine. Their claim is empty—it’s just words. In the same way, if we say we’re Christians but don’t live in a way that shows we know and love Jesus, we are making His name (and ours) meaningless.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Jesus made it clear that the world should know us by our love, by our kindness, and by our obedience to Him. If we pray in His name, but gossip, cheat, lie, or mistreat others, we’re not honoring His name. If we sing worship songs but live selfishly, we’re taking His name lightly.
Think about it like this: the Lord’s name is not just a word—it’s a reflection of His character. It’s holy because He is holy, and it should move us to live differently. If we’re careless with His name, we’re being careless with God Himself.
The Example of Jesus—Humility and Obedience
Philippians 2:5-11 gives us a powerful example. It describes how Jesus, even though He was God, chose to become human. He didn’t come in splendor or demand respect; He was born in humble circumstances, lived in poverty, suffered, and even died on a cross—a death reserved for criminals and slaves. He humbled Himself and obeyed God completely.
After that, God exalted Him, giving Him the name above all names. This teaches us that following Christ means humility, sacrifice, and obedience. We can’t just pick and choose what parts of Jesus we want. If we want the benefits of His death and resurrection, we need to resemble His life.
What Does Living Out His Name Look Like?
So, what does it mean, in simple terms, to honor the name of the Lord?
· It means striving to obey Jesus’ teachings, even when it’s hard or unpopular.
· It means loving others, even those who annoy us or disagree with us.
· It means forgiving, as He forgives us.
· It means living honestly—letting our words match our actions.
· It means standing up for what’s right, even when it costs us something.
· It means admitting when we’ve failed, seeking forgiveness, and trying again.
When we mess up, it doesn’t mean we’ve lost our place with God—but it should make us humble and hungry to grow. The point is, being a Christian is more than just “wearing a badge.” It’s about letting Christ’s life shape ours.
The Danger of Empty Religion
Jesus also warned about people whose faith was just for show—who did religious things on the outside, but whose hearts were far from Him. In Matthew 7:21-29, He tells the story of two builders. One builds a house on rock, the other on sand. When storms come, only the house on the rock stands firm. The “rock” is Christ—His words, His way of life. The “sand” is anything else: empty religious rituals, good intentions, or worldly success.
If we build our lives on anything other than Jesus, we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment. Outward religion is not enough. There will come a time—a storm, a crisis, or the final judgment—when only those whose faith is real will stand.
Representing Christ Well
To take the Lord’s name seriously is to honor His reputation—to live in a way that shows others who He really is. If people look at us and see anger, bitterness, or hypocrisy, we’re not representing Him well. If they see love, patience, and kindness, we’re showing the world a glimpse of Jesus.
This goes for our families, our workplaces, our communities, and even online. How we speak, serve, and respond matters. The way we treat others reveals what’s really in our hearts.
Practical Ways to Honor His Name
Here are some simple ways to make sure we’re not taking the Lord’s name in vain:
· Before calling ourselves Christians, examine our hearts. Are we committed to following Jesus?
· When we pray, remember who we’re talking to—God is holy and loving. Approach Him with respect.
· Let our faith affect our daily choices—not just on Sundays, but every day.
· If we make mistakes, be quick to admit them and seek forgiveness—from God and others.
· Ask God for help to obey Him and love like He loves.
· Read Jesus’ teachings often. Let His words guide our thoughts and actions.
· Encourage each other to grow in faith—not just in head knowledge, but in real life.
A Reminder of God’s Mercy
Remember, God knows we’re not perfect. His love and forgiveness are always available. But He does care how we use His name. He desires genuine relationship, not empty words.
If you’re feeling convicted or unsure, that’s a good place to start. Pray for wisdom and strength to live in a way that honors Him. Ask Him to show you the areas where you need to grow.
Conclusion: Building on the Rock
At the end of the day, taking the Lord’s name seriously means building your life on Jesus—trusting Him, obeying Him, and letting His love change you. It’s not enough to say we believe; our lives should show it. The storms of life will come, but when our foundation is Christ, we will stand.
Let’s make it our goal to honor God’s name not just with our words, but with our whole lives. When we do, we reflect His glory to the world and find real hope, joy, and peace.
May we always remember: The name of the Lord is holy, and He calls us to live holy lives as His followers. Let’s not take His name in vain—instead, let’s bear it with honor, humility, and love.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 