June 10, 2016

Respect for God's Name

In the KJV of Matthew 6:9, the Lord's Prayer begins with the following: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Let's take a closer look at that verse. What is the meaning of hallowed? Hallowed means honored as holy. Hallowed also means greatly revered and respected. Our Lord the Creator deserves the utmost respect. But I have noticed that I am guilty of not showing much respect at all for God's name. And I'm not the only one. It is an epidemic. Everywhere I turn, His name is being thrown around in every other sentence like a cheap expletive. You know, OMG this and OMG that. And many other variations that are anything but hallowed.

I am really trying to discipline myself to have the utmost respect for Him anytime I speak His name. I am trying to break the habit of throwing His name around like some cheap exclamation. A little respect goes a long way with God. A little disrespect also goes a long way with God, and not in a good way. We don't have to wait until Judgement Day to feel the wrath of God. I have enough problems as it is without kindling God's anger towards me because I carelessly throw His name around like a curse word. I have felt His presence in my life in both good and bad ways. I have noticed that when my world has been turned upside down, if I simply take a good look at myself I can find where I have been disrespectful to God. It is amazing how things can turn around in a good way after I beg Him for forgiveness and get back on the right path of doing the best I can to show Him the utmost respect.

God commands us not to take His name in vain. I know it is debated as to what that actually means. But to me it means not to take His name lightly. God says that He will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain. Please join me in an effort to show Him more respect. In my quest to better know and understand the Lord, I read and re-read the Old and New Testaments. There are plenty of insights to be gained from both. Personally, I have learned that God wants us to show Him the utmost respect and even fear Him. Sometimes, respect and fear seem to go hand in hand anyway. I respect Him and fear Him. Now, I am fearful anytime I accidentally utter His name in a disrespectful manner. I immediately pray and beg for His forgiveness. I do not want to provoke His anger towards me. The same level of respect should also be given to all members of the Trinity. This includes Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Have a blessed day!