Since God’s name represents the greatness and glory of who he is, it is right for us to view his name with a healthy degree of reverence. Reverence means deep respect for someone or something. In light of who God is, we should show deep respect for his name.
The Bible gives us some reasons why we should show reverence for his name, and oftentimes those reasons focus on God’s acts of power. Consider these verses from the book of Psalms:
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.” Psalm 8:1
“Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.’” Psalm 66:1–3
“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.” Psalm 75:1
Do you see the common theme in these verses? The psalmist connects the name of God with his mighty deeds, the evidence of his glory that we can see. We should show deep reverence for the name of God because it represents all that he is and can do. And God is limitless in what he is and can do!
We should never misuse his name because of this.
Pray
Father, thank you that you have revealed your greatness in ways we can see. Your creation is matchless in beauty. Thank you for being our Creator, Savior, and Sustainer. In light of these marvelous truths, we want to honor your name with reverence and praise. Help us when we falter. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the Ten Commandments Study Guide.
