How do God’s children live in a world that dishonors him? Fathers are the leaders of their families. As such, they are charged to prepare them for adulthood. By leading them in obedience to God’s law, fathers prepare them to glorify God.  Christian families should look different from the families of the world, and not so that they can boast. Christian families belong to Christ and should be ordered by a love for God. The motives which animate the Christian family should make a difference.

Usually people think of gross profanity and blasphemy when it comes to the Third Commandment. That makes sense, because the commandment says: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” Clearly the commandment has speech in mind. However, there is a depth to this commandment that can be missed if only that perspective is considered. The Third Commandment is not only about using God’s name reverently in our speech but also about treating Him as holy in all of life. Thinking through what this precept teaches will help parents instruct their children to honor the Lord in keeping the Third Commandment.

Taking the Lord’s Name in Vain in the Bible

The Bible condemns God’s name being defamed through words. Leviticus 24:10-16 tells the story of a man who blasphemes God’s name. He was stoned to death for his offense. He was killed for using the Lord’s name as a curse word. However, there are more ways this commandment can be broken.

Ezekiel is charged by God to confront Israel with their disobedience. For example, they set up altars wherever they chose, profaned the Sabbath, and disregarded God’s law. God describes these things as blasphemy: “Therefore, son of man, speak to the house of Israel and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: In this also your fathers blasphemed me, by dealing treacherously with me.” They blasphemed God because they did not serve Him in a way that brought Him glory. Their actions caused God’s name to be diminished in the sight of others. Ezekiel shows how the commandment extends beyond simple speech and words. To see the implications of the Third Commandment, it will be beneficial to consider the Reformed confessions and catechisms on this topic. 

Good and Necessary Consequence

Rule six for interpreting the commandments, as quoted from the Westminster Larger Catechism #99 states that “under one sin or duty, all of the same kind are forbidden or commanded; together with all the causes, means, occasions, and appearances thereof, and provocations thereunto.” In applying this principle to the Third Commandment, Matthew Henry, in his Commentary on the Whole Bible, lists five ways that Christians can take God’s name in vain:

1. Through hypocrisy, professing to be Christ’s disciple but not living like it;
2. By breaking promises made to God;
3. By using God’s name or attributes rashly, meaning the gravity of the situation is not one which would justify doing so; 
4. By false swearing, making promises one never intends to keep;
5. By using God’s name carelessly without thought for its significance.  

These points show the breadth of application in honoring God’s name. 

The Westminster Shorter Catechism gives a similar sweep of the commandment. In its discussion of what is forbidden in it (Q/A #55), the catechism forbids the profaning or abusing of anything that God uses to make Himself known.  God makes Himself known through His Word. However, God is also known through the testimony of His people. For example, in 1 Timothy 6:1, Paul urges Christians who are slaves to honor their masters so that God’s name would not be “reviled.” Positively, in 2 Thessalonians 1:12 Paul prays that God will fulfill every work of faith in them so His name would be glorified. In both passages, God is evaluated in the eyes of the watching world through the actions of His people. Christians, as His representatives, should live in light of that truth.

Colossians 3:17 says: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” The Christian testifies to Jesus’ name by his actions. His behavior reflects on the name he bears. When he misrepresents Christ by his sin, he brings shame on Jesus’ name. He disregards the high esteem with which he should treat it and takes it in vain. The Third Commandment therefore applies not only to how he uses God’s name, but also to how he lives while bearing the name Christian.

For fathers, the Third Commandment should be approached with this understanding. Speech and actions are both in view. Because speech is the most immediate way children either honor or dishonor God’s name, this chapter will primarily address violations of the Third Commandment related to language.

What Will This Look Like in My Family?

The Third Commandment teaches God’s people to be reverent in their use of God’s name. That means fathers have to model and teach what kind of language is acceptable. How will your child speak when they leave your home? Will they faithfully reflect Christlikeness, or will they take His name in vain in word or deed? Below are some considerations for fathers about language and honoring God’s name in your family.

Prohibit Using Unkind Words

In the book of Colossians, Paul urges the believer to put on kindness in his sanctification. How often do Christians misrepresent God’s kindness through their own unkind speech? Christian homes will experience disagreement and tense moments. It is foolish to try to force an artificial happiness. However, fathers should not allow their children to resolve their disputes sinfully. Derogatory tones and words should not be permitted. When children do use them — and they will —step in and bring loving correction. 

When children are young, these moments are opportunities to teach them a kind tone by modeling it for them. If they have already been taught about kindness, correction may be needed. If harsh speech is not the norm, remind them they are not speaking kindly. As with any correction, consider both the frequency and attitude of the child’s heart. 

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