Living the Name You Bear
Living the Name You Bear:
Reflecting Christ to a Watching World
The commandment, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7), is often reduced to avoiding the misuse of God’s name in speech. While this is true, the commandment has a broader meaning. It calls God’s people to live in a way that honors Him because they carry His name.
When Christians identify as followers of Christ, they take on His name and represent Him in the world. This is both a privilege and a responsibility. Our actions and character reflect on God, either bringing Him glory or dishonor. Let’s explore what it means to carry the name of God and how we can live in a way that faithfully displays His character.
The Hebrew word for “take” in Exodus 20:7 can also mean “to bear” or “to carry.” This implies that the commandment goes beyond words to include how God’s people live. To bear His name in vain is to carry it in a way that is empty or dishonorable. Vain in a way means worthless, or pointless.
When God gave this commandment to Israel, they were called to reflect His holiness and justice among the nations. When they failed to do so, they profaned His name (Ezekiel 36:20-23). Christians today face the same challenge: to represent Christ faithfully in a world that watches our words and actions closely.
When we call ourselves Christians, we take on the name of Christ. This is not just a label but a declaration that we belong to Him. Our lives, therefore, communicate something about God’s character. In every interaction—whether in our workplaces, homes, or online—we reflect what we believe about God. Kindness, humility, and integrity point others to Him. But hypocrisy, harshness, or selfishness misrepresent Him. This responsibility is especially significant in a culture increasingly skeptical of Christians. Our actions can confirm the truth we proclaim—or undermine it.
Bearing God’s name is both an honor and a responsibility. As His children, created in His image and redeemed by His grace, we are called to reflect His character to the world. When Christians live with integrity and love, they demonstrate the goodness of God. Conversely, when we act in ways that contradict His character, we create confusion and harm our witness. This is why it’s essential to live intentionally, ensuring that our lives align with our calling.
Taking God’s name in vain is not limited to explicit wrongdoing. It also includes living as a Christian in name only. Claiming to follow Christ without letting His values shape our lives is an empty profession that dishonors Him. This doesn’t mean we need to be perfect, but it does mean we should strive to live authentically. Acknowledging our mistakes and seeking to grow in our faith reflects God’s grace and humility.
How can we bear God’s name faithfully in our daily lives? Here are a few practical steps:
1. Know God’s Character
Study Scripture to better understand who God is. The more we know His love, justice, and holiness, the better we can reflect Him.
2. Live Intentionally
Evaluate whether your actions align with the values you profess. Are you truthful? Are your interactions marked by kindness?
3. Be a Light
View every interaction as an opportunity to reflect God’s grace, whether in person or online.
4. Pursue Growth
Commit to growing in your faith through prayer, study, and fellowship with other believers. Bearing God’s name is a lifelong journey.
To bear God’s name is to live as His representative in the world. This high calling is not to be taken lightly. Our words, actions, and attitudes either draw others to Him or push them away.
Let us live intentionally, honoring the privilege of carrying His name. In doing so, we not only reflect His goodness but also glorify Him in all we do.
Tom Johnson
2025-01-28