Re:Verse passage – Exodus 20:7 – (day five) “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.”
Often, when God gives a negative commandment we tend to think God is limiting us, invading our free will, or cramping our style. Actually a negative command offers more freedom than a positive one. A negative command instructs us not to do one thing but leave many other possibilities. A positive command tells us we are to do only one thing. So, when God says don’t take the LORD’S Name in vain, there are many other ways to use and speak His name properly: praise, honor, blessing, celebration, prayer, thanksgiving, glorifying, and trusting, and revering to name a few. Some Jews won’t even use God’s Name at all for fear of breaking this commandment. Aren’t you glad for the freedom to use His Name properly??
“A negative command instructs us not to do one thing but leave many other possibilities. A positive command tells us we are to do only one thing.“. What a concept and great reminder! Thank you!
Wow Scott this was a great insight into looking at things from a different perspective. I have heard some people say that the Bible is just a bunch of rules to control us, but not realizing that there is so much freedom in His Word! Following the 10 Commandments is not going to kill us but in fact it will give us a life worth living. Believing in Him and living obedient to His word holds the promises of an everlasting life with Him in heaven!! Oh what a glorious day that will be!! Thanks Scott