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Written by the wise 85 yr old Robert VanHoose @ http://www.homilygrits.com

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12,
Psalm 116:12-19
May 22

“Butchers Beware!”

“Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. Exodus 20:7 NLT

Although we may have never butchered a steer or any other animal, we all at some time or another have a tendency to butcher something or some one.

We often hear people “butcher the king’s English”, or the reputation and good name of others.

The worst form of butchering is when it comes to butchering the name of the Lord.

In spite of the clear command of God we are all probably guilty of butchering the name of the Lord, often without even realizing it.

Misusing or butchering the name of the Lord goes way beyond the common misuse of venting our anger by using God’s name to curse or swear.

Anytime we swear in the name of the Lord to validate our truthfulness we are misusing the name of the Lord.

When we practice hypocrisy while professing to be Christians, we are butchering the name of the Lord by calling ourselves by His name.

Using the Lord’s name to pursue our own agendas is probably the most common misuse of all. We all too often hear of someone’s idea or will being promoted as being the Lord’s will or idea.

We never call upon the name of the Lord in vain when we call upon Him for salvation, to praise and worship Him, and to offer our lives as living sacrifices, we will find the peace and joy of our salvation and experience the security of His love.

When we live in the name of the Lord with a broken spirit and contrite heart, we will always find forgiveness and restoration. Proper use of the name of the Lord should be a priority for every believer.

Father, help me to always use your name with the reverence and respect you deserve. In Jesus’ name, Amen