The Second Commandment

How did you get your name?

• Were you named after a family member?
• Perhaps your parents chose your name because of its meaning?
• Maybe they gave you a name from someone in the Bible?

Names matter more than we sometimes realize. If someone uses your name carelessly—or worse, attaches it to something false—it doesn’t feel small. A name carries reputation, identity, and relationship.

So when God gives His name, He is not giving us a label. He is giving us access.

In the Old Testament, God reveals His name to His people so they can call on Him. They don’t have to guess who He is or wonder if He’s listening. They actually pray to Him, cry out to Him, trust Him.

That’s the gift behind the Second Commandment.

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.”

At first glance, this sounds like it’s mainly about avoiding bad language. And it certainly includes that. But again, it goes much deeper.

We misuse God’s name when we attach it to things that are false—whether that’s empty promises, careless words, or using His name without faith or reverence. It also includes using God’s name for deception or evil.

But this commandment is not just about what we avoid.

It’s about what we are given.

God’s name is there to be used rightly. To call upon Him in every trouble. To pray, praise, and give thanks.

That means the opposite of misusing God’s name is not silence. It’s trust.

Think about how often we go through the day carrying burdens on our own. We worry, plan, replay conversations, and try to control outcomes. All the while, the name of the Lord is right there—given to us as a place of refuge. We don’t have to wonder if God is near.

In Jesus, God has put His name on you. In Baptism, you were marked as His own. The name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is not distant from your life. It defines your life.

So today, don’t just avoid misusing God’s name.

Use it!

• Call on Him when you’re anxious.
• Thank Him when something goes well.
• Ask for help when you don’t know what to do.

His name is not fragile. It is a gift.

And it has been given to you.

Let’s pray…

Lord God,

Forgive me for the times I have used Your name carelessly or failed to call on You at all. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me and inviting me to pray. Teach me to use Your name rightly—in every need, in every joy, and in every moment.

Amen.

As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:

• Your family
• Your local church
• Your pastor
• Some of your fellow church members
• The people on your B.L.E.S.S. list
• Your country and her leaders
• Your community

After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.