CHANNEL OF BLESSINGS DAILY

Hallowed Be Your Name

It’s almost impossible to turn on the TV and not hear someone using God’s name. It’s frequently used as a punch line or to express emotion. In fact, most of us don’t even think twice when we hear someone say, “Oh, my God!”

Guess what? God wants our stomach to twist in knots whenever we hear his name being misused. And unless the name of GOD is being used in prayer or in talking about him, it’s being misused.

When Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, he said to his Father, Hallowed be Your name. In other words, “I give the utmost respect and honor to your name, Almighty God.”

What does this mean? First, we recognize that God is our Father. He is in authority over us and reigns in a perfect kingdom that will someday be our home if we follow him. Then we recognize that his very name is holy. When we approach God with this mind-set, we’re laying out the proper ingredients for genuine communication.

In Leviticus 22:2, God tells Moses to instruct Aaron and his sons (who were the priests) how to treat the sacred offerings with respect, “so they will not profane my holy name.” And in Deuteronomy 28:58, the Israelites are told if they don’t revere God’s name, they’ll suffer fearful plagues, prolonged disasters, and sickness that will seem to hang on forever. Malachi 4:2 talks about the rewards of revering God’s name.

How can you revere the name of God?

1. Hit anyone who misuses God’s name.
2. Leave the room when someone takes God’s name in vain.
3. Ask the person misusing God’s name if he realizes what he’s doing.
4. Start a “Revere God’s Name” club on your campus.
5. Make sure whenever you use his name, it’s always done with respect, honor, and reverence.
6. Share your thoughts on honoring his name with some of your friends. Discuss it. Pray about it.

While you can’t rewrite movie scripts, you canask God for a tender heart so that when you hear something you shouldn’t, you’ll wince. Or walk away. Or write a letter. Or make your thoughts known. After all, if someone used your mother’s name or even your name in a derogatory way, you’d probably take a stand. Will you do the same for God’s name?

Know It!

God never wants you to become comfortable hearing his name taken in vain, used as a punch line, or spoken in negative terms. If it doesn’t bother you, it needs to!

Read It!

Matthew 6:9-13; Psalm 33:8; 89:7; Ezekiel 36:23

Pray it!

Are you often not even aware of God’s holy name being used in vain? Confess that to him. Ask him to give you a sensitive heart and teach you how to revere his holy name with your words and actions