God of the Bible

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 5:1-21

 

We talk about God sometimes without thinking.  God is love, but because of His love, we cannot treat God casually.  Professor Tim Miskimen, in his notes on Systematic Theology, says since we image God with our speech, we should take extreme care to do so accurately and biblically.  No wonder the third 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” (Exodus 20:7).

 

We can create a wrong image of God with our words whenever we describe Him in ways that contradict how He has revealed Himself in Scripture. Since people often form their understanding of God from what they hear, careless or inaccurate speech can distort His character.

 

If we speak only of God's love and never of His holiness, people may think God tolerates all sin and never judges evil.  If we emphasize God's justice without His mercy, people may view Him as harsh and unapproachable.  If we say, ‘God helps those who help themselves,’ we attribute to God a teaching that is not found in the Bible.  If we portray God as one who will grant everything we ask for, we reduce Him to a servant of human wishes rather than the sovereign Lord of creation.  If we speak of God as though He changes His character, breaks His promises, or overlooks sin, we misrepresent His faithfulness and holiness.  

 

This is why the third Commandment is so important. Taking God's name in vain includes more than profanity; it also includes using God's name carelessly, falsely, or in a way that misrepresents Him.  Origen once observed, ‘It is an extremely dangerous thing to talk about God, even when we are right.’ His warning reminds us that we must be careful not only in how we worship God but also in how we speak about Him.

 

If our understanding of God is wrong, our worship, obedience, and trust will also be affected. Therefore, we must continually test our thoughts and words about God against Scripture, ensuring that we worship the true God rather than a god fashioned by our own imagination.

 

The same temptation confronts us today. 

 

My friend, as teachers, parents, and Christian leaders, we have a responsibility to speak about God accurately and biblically.  If we describe God according to our preferences rather than according to Scripture, we may create a false god in our minds.

 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help us to know You as You have revealed Yourself in Scripture and to worship You in spirit and truth. Give us a deeper delight in Your Word, a greater joy in prayer, and a stronger desire to share Christ with others. Amen.

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