The third commandment, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain," carries a profound significance beyond merely avoiding profanity. It involves how we bear or carry God's name in our daily lives, as the Hebrew term for "take" implies to lift, to carry, or to bear. This commandment is not just about casual speech but encompasses all our activities and how they reflect on His honor. The word "name," in Hebrew "shem," goes beyond simple identification when referring to God. It embodies His character, reputation, and the reality of who He is as the holy God. Bearing His name means representing His essential Being and making a righteous witness to others through our example of godliness. The term "vain," from the Hebrew "shāw'," suggests deceit, falsehood, emptiness, and worthlessness. God forbids His people from speaking or acting in ways that deceive others about Him or devalue His holy, righteous character. Instead, He calls those who bear His name to express the truth about Him and His way in every thought, word, and behavior, bringing glory and honor to the Most High God.

At birth, a person's name is little more than a label, as their reputation is yet unformed. By the time of death, however, they have built either a good or a bad reputation through a lifetime of actions, which can become a legacy for their offspring. A name associated with honor, like being a son of Abraham or Job, carries inherent dignity, while a name linked to infamy might bring grief to later generations. When our names are mentioned, they evoke images in the minds of others—whether neighborly, generous, and honest, or odd, stingy, and unruly. God's people should strive to be known for the former qualities. A good name can profoundly impact one's life, as seen in the ease brought by a mentor's respected reputation during a new academic role. The mentor's finely honed reputation smoothed the transition, though it also set high expectations to meet. Similarly, all members of God's church inherit a Family name of immense value. We bear an awesome responsibility to uphold and honor the nobility and dignity of God's name. Our reputation, created through our actions in our church, businesses, or institutions, becomes the legacy we pass to our brothers, sisters, and children. Sadly, some who have accepted this Family name have brought disgrace upon all of us through their behavior, tarnishing the collective reputation. It takes years to build a reputation, but only moments to destroy it. God's name is of such importance that one of His great laws addresses not taking it in vain, extending beyond mere language to how we live. If we appropriate His name and then dishonor it by our actions, we risk severe consequences. His name, which is now our name, is worth far more than all the riches of the world. How do people react when they hear our names, and what image do we project as bearers of this sacred Family name?