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Takers..

by Shannon Heiden  
11/24/2010 / Devotionals

"Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain" (Exodus 20:7 KJV).

Beautiful One, have you ever misused the name of the Lord? Though some of us may never take God's name in vain, or even think of swearing with it, there is more to this commandment than meets the eye.

According to the Hebraic definition for vain, it means to misuse the name of the Lord. It goes on to explain that if we use it in vain, we too become useless, empty and figuratively worthless.

Wow, who would've imagined that? As followers of God, taking His name in vain is like misusing our talents, or choosing not to help others. Are we even attempting to share what God has given to us, and freely lend out what has been freely given? Or, are we just wasting our days, hoping someone else will do it tomorrow?

Beautiful One, are we takers?
Taking from Jesus.

Jesus encountered takers while here on earth. They took his fish and two loaves. They took his wisdom, forgiveness and healing. They took his life; torturing it before they ended it. They even took his friends and did to them, what they did to him. They took all the benefits he freely gave, and in return, gave back nothing but grief.

It is incomprehensible that the Son of God had to listen to jeers and angry screams up until the final moments before he died. He endured bitterness from the very ones who took the most from him.

Are we takers?

Beautiful One, I often wonder if we are just like them. Do we take the best from God, only to turn around and take his name in vain? Do we bear the name "Christian," enjoy all the benefits and blessings that come from being a Child Of God, and yet do nothing for him, say nothing, and be nothing for our Lord?

It's an uncomfortable pondering once we understand what the commandment is really saying.

This may also hit home to those of us who sit in a church, but don't serve in it. Or those of us who take a paycheck, but keep all of it for ourselves, and still have the strongest opinions of how the monies are spent in ministries.

It's difficult to think that staying neutral with our friends, family members or coworkers not to offend them, is an offense to God! This is just like a Mafia-type movie. The Good fellows go to church, wear the cross, and yet continue to kill people. They bear the name of God, but make it worthless by their calloused actions.

Beautiful One, I don't believe that anyone who loves the Lord wants to misuse His name. But the truth is, we all fall short, failing to give to him the love, adoration and worship he deserves.

The irony of giving and taking with God, is that he wants us to take from Him. He desires to give His children good things, even wisdom and knowledge. It is ours for the asking. Yet, while we have no problem taking our redemption, why do we struggle with taking our inheritance? Isn't it interesting that God says specifically not to take his name in vain and make it useless, but desires to bless us?

While God is all-powerful, he only has as much power as we allow him to have in our hearts. When we show God, and the world, how great he is then we become all that we were created to be. By using the talent he gives us, and taking it to others, we give freely what God has asked us to take from him.

Since the unfolding of his word brings forth light, let's look at this commandment a little differently. We bear the name of God (also known as Christian). That means we are commanded to do something. It is not a choice as much as it is an expectation.

Go ahead and take a drink from the living water! Take a bite out of the bread of life! But, don't forget to also take God's name and bring glory to it by giving freely the use of our talents. Let us use God's name for something good.

Beautiful One, just believe!

Shannon Heiden
[email protected]
changingonelifereachingmany.typepad.com

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