Keep God's Name Holy

The Holy Name of Jesus

Anglo-Catholics are very traditional. One of the traditions that Anglo-Catholics still hold dear is that we bow our heads when we hear the Holy Name of Jesus spoken aloud. Up until fifty or sixty years ago, this beautiful tradition was still practiced by Christians throughout the world. Sadly, over time this tradition of showing reverence at the Name of Jesus has decreased in usage.

On the other hand, ironically, usage of Our Lord’s Name seems to have increased . . . but sadly not in a reverent fashion. On a daily basis, whether it be in the workplace or out in public at a store . . . or on television or in movies, you hear people using the Lord’s Name frequently. You hear people saying “Jesus” or “Jesus Christ” or sadly even “God d**n.” Even on the Internet you see the initials written “OMG” on a frequent basis. And, sadly, you even hear some young people write (or say, for that matter) the letter “F” before “G” (as in “OM*G),” which is most certainly blasphemous to say the least.

If you are in church, you would certainly expect to hear Our Lord’s Name mentioned. If you ever attend a Revival, you would expect to hear Our Blessed Lord’s Name spoken aloud or even sang in beautiful hymns. Certainly, in times of prayer, it is a good thing to call Our Lord by His Name. And, finally, in reading Holy Scripture, you expect to hear God’s Name being mentioned. But in any other instance where you hear Our Lord’s Name mentioned in a “secular” setting, this shows complete and utter disregard for the Sacredness of God’s Holy Name.

Even God Himself acknowledges the sacredness of His Name when He gave Moses the Ten Commandments: “Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord Thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7) And we hear elsewhere: “ . . . neither shalt thou profane the Name of Thy God: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 18:21) Back then the Name of the Lord was certainly acknowledged as something holy and sacred. In fact, we hear the following from the Book of Leviticus: “And he that blasphemeth the Name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death . . . .” (Leviticus 24:16) Now, surely we are not recommending that anyone that blasphemes be put to death but this verse certainly points out that in the past, people made a point to not take the Lord’s Name lightly and did not take the Name of the Lord in vain.

We need to be reminded and taught that the Name of the Lord is precious and holy. In showing respect and reverence for the Name of God, we surely show the respect and reverence which we have for God Himself. In acknowledging the holiness of His Name, we acknowledge the holiness of the Good Lord Himself. If the Name of God is not held in esteem, then the question becomes do we even hold God in esteem? Even in the “Our Father,” keep in mind that we pray “. . . Hallowed be Thy Name . . .” Do we keep God’s Name holy if we use that Name as a curse or use it in an “ordinary” fashion. There is nothing ordinary about our God. God is extraordinary. He is holy. He is sacred. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the Great “I Am.” God is indeed Our Heavenly Father. When we remember all these things, it puts into perspective that we should not take the Name of Our Heavenly Father lightly. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

Let us always show honour, respect and love for the Holy Name of Jesus. Let us never take this Name lightly. Neither let us use this Name lightly. Let us teach our children not only by our words but also by our example that we do not blaspheme God’s Name and do not take His Name in vain. In showing respect for God’s Name, we show the respect and regard we hold for God. “That at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.” (Philippians 2:10)